kings, to the stopping of the mouths of
gainsayers[131]."

Here it seemed, that many of the members of parliament inclined to spare
his life; but when the question was put, Whether the time of his
execution should be just now fixed, or delayed, Lauderdale interposed,
upon calling the rolls, and delivered a most dreadful speech for his
present execution. And sentence was pronounced, That he be hanged at the
cross of Edinburgh, on the 22d of July, and his head placed on the
Nether-bow, beside that of Mr Guthrie. He received his sentence with
such meekness as filled all with admiration; for then he desired, That
the best blessings might be on church and state, and on his majesty
(whatever might befal himself), and that God would give him true and
faithful counsellors[132].

During the whole time of his imprisonment, he was in a most spiritual
and tender frame, to the conviction of his very enemies; and the nearer
that his death approached, the composure of his mind became the more
conspicuous. He rested agreeably the night before his execution, and in
the morning was full of consolation, sweetly expressing his assurance of
being clothed with a long white robe, and of getting a new song of the
Lamb's praise in his mouth. Before noon he dined with cheerfulness,
"hoping to sup in heaven, and to drink the next cup fresh and new in his
Father's kingdom."

After he had spent some time in secret prayer, about two o'clock he was
taken from prison, attended by several of his friends in mourning,
though he himself was full of holy cheerfulness and courage, and in a
perfect serenity of mind. When come to the scaffold, he said frequently
to the people, "Your prayers, your prayers." When he was on the scaffold
he said, "I intreat you, quiet yourselves a little, till this dying man
deliver his last speech among you;" and desired they would not be
offended at his making use of the paper to help his memory, so much
impaired by long sickness and the malice of physicians. Then he read
his speech first on the one side of the scaffold, and then on the other.
In which speech, after a a short preamble, shewing that that which he
intended to have spoken at his death, was not now in his power, being
taken from him, yet hoped the Lord would preserve it to be his
testimony; being now for some time in a most melancholy concumitance,
through long and sore sickness, drawing of blood, &c. He, in the first
place, confesseth his sins, pleads for forgi