At the trial, where Makemie conducted his own defence, he read Chapter 23 of the Westminster Confession of Faith, as a complete reply to the charge that he believed what incited the people to disregard the authority of the king.
The jury brought in a verdict of "not guilty," but Makemie was obliged to pay the costs, including the fees of the Court Prosecutor, which amounted to twelve pounds. The total cost of the trial, including the expense of a trip from his home in Maryland, made necessary by a recess in the trial, was more than eighty pounds.
A few months later Makemie died. It was felt by those who knew him that the trying experiences at New York hastened his end.
He had not lived in vain. His struggles for religious liberty were to bear rich fruit before many years.
Henry van Dyke wrote a sonnet to the memory of Francis Makemie, which was read on May 14, 1908, when the monument to the memory of the pioneer was unveiled:
"To thee, plain hero of a rugged race,
We bring a meed of praise too long delayed!
Thy fearless word and faithful work have made
Of God's Republic a firmer resting-place
In this New World: for thou hast preached the grace