The political opinions of Lord Russell were those of a Whig. His religious creed was that of a mild and tolerant Christian. If, as it must be admitted, he showed a violent animosity to the Roman Catholics, to an extent which cannot be justified, it must be recollected, that his hostility was almost entirely political. The attack which was made upon our constitution appeared in the colours and with the ensigns of Popery; and it was only by resisting the Romish Church, that civil liberty could be secured. He wished our own institutions to be more favourable to dissenters; or, in other words, for a larger comprehension of sects. Had this wish been gratified, the Protestant Church of England would have been strengthened, both against the See of Rome, and against future schism, with the loss only of some slavish doctrines, and a few unim portant ceremonies, which our early reformers never adopted.

It must be owned that the violence of Lord Russell against the Roman Catholics betrayed him into credulity. It was the fault of honest men in that age; and it is singular that, absurd as the story of the Popish plot avowedly is, we have more respect for those who fell into the delusion, than for those who escaped it. But whatever blame may attach to Lord Russell for an excess of political and religious zeal, it cannot be

denied that his firmness and perseverance were eminently useful to his country, in a most critical period of her fortunes, and that his example contributed to the establishment of those liberties which he died to vindicate.

The following paper was delivered by Lord Russell to the Sheriffs:

"I thank God I find myself so composed and prepared for death, and my thoughts so fixed on another world, that I hope in God I am quiet from setting my heart on this; yet I cannot forbear now the setting down in writing a further account of my condition, to be left behind me, than I will venture to say at the place of execution, in the noise and clutter that is like to be there. I bless God heartily for those many blessings which He in his infinite mercy hath bestowed upon me through the whole course of my life; that I was born of worthy and good parents, and had the advantage of a religious education, which are invaluable blessings; for even when I minded it least, it still hung about me and gave me checks; and has now for many years so influenced and possessed me, that I feel the happy effects of it in this my extremity, in which I have been so wonderfully (I thank God) supported, that neither my imprisonment, nor fear of death, have been able to discompose me in any degree; but, on the contrary, I have found

the assurances of the love and mercy of God, in and through my blessed Redeemer, in whom only I trust; and I do not question but I am going to partake of that fulness of joy which is in his presence. These hopes, therefore, do so wonderfully delight me, that I think this is the happiest time of my life, though others may look upon it as the saddest.

“I have lived, and now am of the reformed religion, a true and sincere Protestant, and in the communion of the Church of England; though I could never yet comply with, or rise up to all the heights of many people. I wish with all my soul all our differences were removed; and that all sincere Protestants would so far consider the danger of Popery, as to lay aside their heats, and agree against the common enemy; and that the Churchmen would be less severe, and the Dissenters less scrupulous'; for I think bitterness and persecution are at all times bad, but much more now.

"For Popery, I look on it as an idolatrous and bloody religion; and therefore thought myself bound, in my station, to do all I could against it; and, by that, I foresaw I should procure such great enemies to myself, and so powerful ones, that I have been now for some time expecting the worst; and, blessed be God! I fall by the axe, and not by the fiery

trial! yet, whatever apprehensions I had of Popery, and of my own severe and heavy share I was like to have under it, when it should prevail, I never had a thought of doing any thing against it basely or inhumanely, but what would consist with the Christian religion, and the laws and liberties of this kingdom. And, I thank God, I have examined all my actions in that matter with so great care, that I can appeal to God Almighty, who knows my heart, that I went on sincerely, without being moved either by passion, by-ends, or ill designs. I have always loved my country much more than my life, and never had any design of changing the government, which I value, and look upon as one of the best governments in the world, and would always have been ready to venture my life for the preserving it; and would suffer any extremity, rather than have consented to any design of taking away the King's life; neither had any man the impudence to propose so base and barbarous a thing to me; and I look upon it as a very unhappy and uneasy part of my present condition, that there should be so much as mention made of so vile a fact, though nothing in the least was said to prove any such matter, but the contrary, by my Lord Howard; neither does any body, I am confident, believe the least of it; so that I need not, I think, say more.

"For the King, I do sincerely pray for him, and wish well to him and the nation, that they may be happy in one another; that he may be indeed, the Defender of the Faith; that the Protestant religion, and the peace and safety of the kingdom may be preserved, and flourish under his government; and that himself, in his person, may be happy both here and hereafter.

"As for the share I had in the prosecution of the Popish plot, I take God to witness, that I proceeded in it in the sincerity of my heart, being then really convinced (as I am still) that there was a conspiracy against the King, the nation, and the Protestant religion; and I likewise profess, that I never knew any thing, directly or indirectly, of any practices with the witnesses, which I look upon as so horrid a thing, that I never could have endured it; for, thank God, falsehood and cruelty were never in my nature, but always the farthest from it imaginable. I did believe, and do still, that Popery is breaking in upon this nation, and that those that advance it will stop at nothing to carry on their design. I am heartily sorry that so many Protestants give their helping hand to it; but I hope God will preserve the Protestant religion, and this nation, though I am afraid it will fall under very great trials, and very sharp sufferings; and, indeed, the impiety and profane.