A69969.xml

<TEI xmlns="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0">
   <teiHeader>
      <fileDesc>
         <titleStmt>
            <title>Eikōn basilikē The porvtraictvre of His sacred Maiestie in his solitudes and svfferings. Together with His Maiesties praiers delivered to Doctor Juxon immediately before his death. Also His Majesties reasons, against the pretended jurisdiction of the high court of justice, which he intended to deliver in writing on Munday January 22, 1648.</title>
         </titleStmt>
         <editionStmt>
            <edition>
               <date>1649</date>
            </edition>
         </editionStmt>
         <extent>Approx. 363 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 127 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images.</extent>
         <publicationStmt>
            <publisher>Text Creation Partnership,</publisher>
            <pubPlace>Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :</pubPlace>
            <date when="2008-09">2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).</date>
            <idno type="DLPS">A69969</idno>
            <idno type="STC">Wing E311</idno>
            <idno type="STC">ESTC R39418</idno>
            <idno type="EEBO-CITATION">99834110</idno>
            <idno type="PROQUEST">99834110</idno>
            <idno type="VID">38600</idno>
            <availability>
               <p>This keyboarded and encoded edition of the
	       work described above is co-owned by the institutions
	       providing financial support to the Early English Books
	       Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is
	       available for reuse, according to the terms of <ref target="https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/">Creative
	       Commons 0 1.0 Universal</ref>. The text can be copied,
	       modified, distributed and performed, even for
	       commercial purposes, all without asking permission.</p>
            </availability>
         </publicationStmt>
         <seriesStmt>
            <title>Early English books online.</title>
         </seriesStmt>
         <notesStmt>
            <note>(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A69969)</note>
            <note>Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 38600)</note>
            <note>Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1632:1, 2170:3; 2170:4)</note>
         </notesStmt>
         <sourceDesc>
            <biblFull>
               <titleStmt>
                  <title>Eikōn basilikē The porvtraictvre of His sacred Maiestie in his solitudes and svfferings. Together with His Maiesties praiers delivered to Doctor Juxon immediately before his death. Also His Majesties reasons, against the pretended jurisdiction of the high court of justice, which he intended to deliver in writing on Munday January 22, 1648.</title>
                  <author>Charles I, King of England, 1600-1649. Reliqiæ sacræ Carolinæ.</author>
                  <author>Marshall, William, fl. 1617-1650, engraver.</author>
                  <author>Dugard, William, 1602-1662. aut</author>
               </titleStmt>
               <extent>[4], 247, [17] p., [2] leaves of plates (1 folded) : ill., port.  </extent>
               <publicationStmt>
                  <publisher>s.n.],</publisher>
                  <pubPlace>[London :</pubPlace>
                  <date>M.DC. XLIX. [1649]</date>
               </publicationStmt>
               <notesStmt>
                  <note>First two words of title in Greek characters.</note>
                  <note>Attributed both to Charles I and John Gauden. cf. NUC pre-1956 imprints.</note>
                  <note>Place of publication from Wing.</note>
                  <note>Signatures: A²  B-Q R⁴ S⁶ T² .</note>
                  <note>Intended to be issued with: Charles I, "Reliquiæ sacræ Carolinæ" (1651), this was also issued separately in three states; this state has title page in red and black, with a border of black type ornaments, the corner ornaments printed in red; the "Explanation of the embleme" by William Dugard, printed in Latin and English and bound before the frontispiece, begins: "Ponderibus genus omni mali"; it is not part of any signature and is on a slightly smaller leaf than the text.</note>
                  <note>Frontispiece engraving signed: "Guil: Marshal delin:" (Madan frontis. no. 11); portrait of Charles II as Prince of Wales is on p. 212 (P2v) (Madan port. no. 4).</note>
                  <note>The "Prayers" follow p. 247.</note>
                  <note>The "Epitaph" on S6v signed: J.H. (i.e. James Howell).</note>
                  <note>Bodleian copy on UMI reel 2170:3 imperfect; frontis. is torn with loss of left half; portrait of Charles has part of caption missing; lacking all after title page of the "Prayers"; pages stained, tightly bound with loss of print; title page appears to be of a variant impression not described in Madan: Greek words at beginning of title set closer to upper border than on other copies.</note>
                  <note>Bodleian copy on UMI reel 2170:4 imperfect; lacks frontis. and "Explanation"; slight print fade.</note>
                  <note>Harvard copy at 1632:1 imperfect: frontis., p. 231-234 lacking; stains, tears with loss of print. Numerous pagination errors.</note>
                  <note>Reproductions of the originals in: Bodleian Library and Harvard Univeristy Library.</note>
               </notesStmt>
            </biblFull>
         </sourceDesc>
      </fileDesc>
      <encodingDesc>
         <projectDesc>
            <p>Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl,
      TEI @ Oxford.
      </p>
         </projectDesc>
         <editorialDecl>
            <p>EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO.</p>
            <p>EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org).</p>
            <p>The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source.</p>
            <p>Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.</p>
            <p>Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.</p>
            <p>Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as &lt;gap&gt;s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.</p>
            <p>The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.</p>
            <p>Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).</p>
            <p>Keying and markup guidelines are available at the <ref target="http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/docs/.">Text Creation Partnership web site</ref>.</p>
         </editorialDecl>
         <listPrefixDef>
            <prefixDef ident="tcp"
                       matchPattern="([0-9\-]+):([0-9IVX]+)"
                       replacementPattern="http://eebo.chadwyck.com/downloadtiff?vid=$1&amp;page=$2"/>
            <prefixDef ident="char"
                       matchPattern="(.+)"
                       replacementPattern="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/textcreationpartnership/Texts/master/tcpchars.xml#$1"/>
         </listPrefixDef>
      </encodingDesc>
      <profileDesc>
         <langUsage>
            <language ident="eng">eng</language>
         </langUsage>
         <textClass>
            <keywords scheme="http://authorities.loc.gov/">
               <term>Charles --  I, --  King of England, 1600-1649 --  Early works to 1800.</term>
               <term>Great Britain --  History --  Civil War, 1642-1649 --  Early works to 1800.</term>
               <term>Great Britain --  Politics and government --  1642-1649 --  Early works to 1800.</term>
            </keywords>
         </textClass>
      </profileDesc>
      <revisionDesc>
         <change>
            <date>2007-06</date>
            <label>TCP</label>Assigned for keying and markup</change>
         <change>
            <date>2007-07</date>
            <label>Apex CoVantage</label>Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images</change>
         <change>
            <date>2008-01</date>
            <label>Mona Logarbo</label>Sampled and proofread</change>
         <change>
            <date>2008-01</date>
            <label>Mona Logarbo</label>Text and markup reviewed and edited</change>
         <change>
            <date>2008-02</date>
            <label>pfs</label>Batch review (QC) and XML conversion</change>
      </revisionDesc>
   </teiHeader>
   <text xml:lang="eng">
      <front>
         <div type="frontispiece">
            <pb facs="tcp:38600:1"/>
            <p>
               <figure>
                  <p>Coeli Specto</p>
                  <p>Beatam et A<gap reason="illegible" extent="1 letter">
                        <desc>•</desc>
                     </gap>ternum</p>
                  <p>Gloria</p>
                  <p>Asperam at Levem</p>
                  <p>IN VERBO TUO SPES MEA</p>
                  <p>Gratia</p>
                  <p>Chriſti Tracto</p>
                  <p>Splendidam at Gravem</p>
                  <p>Vanita<gap reason="illegible" extent="1 letter">
                        <desc>•</desc>
                     </gap>
                  </p>
                  <p>Mundi C<gap reason="illegible" extent="1 span">
                        <desc>〈…〉</desc>
                     </gap>
                  </p>
                  <byline>
                     <gap reason="illegible" extent="1 span">
                        <desc>〈…〉</desc>
                     </gap>all delin:</byline>
               </figure>
            </p>
         </div>
         <div type="explanation_of_frontispiece">
            <head>The Explanation of the Embleme.</head>
            <pb facs="tcp:38600:1"/>
            <div xml:lang="lat" type="version">
               <l>
                  <hi>POnderibus</hi> genus omne mali, probri<expan>
                     <am>
                        <g ref="char:abque"/>
                     </am>
                     <ex>que</ex>
                  </expan> gravatus,</l>
               <l>Viz<expan>
                     <am>
                        <g ref="char:abque"/>
                     </am>
                     <ex>que</ex>
                  </expan> ferenda ferens, <hi>Palma</hi> ut <hi>depreſſa,</hi> reſurgo.</l>
               <l>Ac, velut undarum <hi>Fluctûs Ventique,</hi> furorem</l>
               <l>Irati Populi <hi>Rupes immota</hi> repello.</l>
               <l>Clarior è tenebris, <hi>coeleſtis ſtella, coruſco.</hi>
               </l>
               <l>Victor aeternùm<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>foelici pace <hi>triumpho.</hi>
               </l>
               <l>Auro <hi>fulgentem</hi> rutilo gemmiſque micantem,</l>
               <l>
                  <hi>At curis</hi> Gravidam <hi>ſpernendo</hi> calco Coronam.</l>
               <l>Spinoſam, <hi>at</hi> ferri facilem, <hi>quo</hi> ſpes mea, <hi>Chriſti</hi>
               </l>
               <l>Auxilio, Nobis non eſt <hi>tractare</hi> moleſtum.</l>
               <l>
                  <hi>Aeternam,</hi> fixis fidei, ſemper que <hi>beatam</hi>
               </l>
               <l>In Coelos occulis <hi>ſpecto,</hi> Nobiſque-paratam.</l>
               <l>Quod <hi>vanum</hi> eſt, ſperno; quod Christi <hi>Gratia</hi> praebet</l>
               <l>Amplecti ſtudium eſt: Virtutis <hi>Gloria</hi> merces.</l>
            </div>
            <div xml:lang="eng" type="version">
               <l>THough clogg'd with <hi>weights</hi> of miſeries,</l>
               <l>
                  <hi>Palm</hi>-like <hi>depreſs'd,</hi> I higher riſe.</l>
               <l>And as th' <hi>unmoved Rock</hi> out-braves</l>
               <l>The boyſt'rous <hi>winds,</hi> and raging <hi>waves;</hi>
               </l>
               <l>
                  <hi>So</hi> triumph I. <hi>And</hi> ſhine more bright</l>
               <l>In ſad Affliction's darkſom night.</l>
               <l>That <hi>ſplendid,</hi> but yet <hi>toilſome Crown,</hi>
               </l>
               <l>Regardleſly <hi>I trample</hi> down.</l>
               <l>With joy I take this <hi>Crown</hi> of <hi>Thorn,</hi>
               </l>
               <l>
                  <hi>Though</hi> ſharp, <hi>yet</hi> eaſie to be born.</l>
               <l>That <hi>heav'nly Crown,</hi> already mine,</l>
               <l>I <hi>view</hi> with <hi>eyes</hi> of faith divine.</l>
               <l>I ſlight <hi>vain</hi> things; and do embrace</l>
               <l>
                  <hi>Glory,</hi> the juſt reward of <hi>Grace.</hi>
               </l>
               <closer>
                  <gap reason="foreign">
                     <desc>〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉</desc>
                  </gap>.</closer>
            </div>
         </div>
         <div type="title_page">
            <pb facs="tcp:38600:2"/>
            <pb facs="tcp:38600:2"/>
            <p>ΕΙΚΩΝ ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΗ.</p>
            <p>THE PORVTRAICTVRE OF HIS SACRED MAIESTIE IN HIS SOLITUDES AND SVFFERINGS.</p>
            <p>Together with His MAIESTIES Praiers delivered to Doctor <hi>Juxon</hi> immediatly before His Death.</p>
            <p>Alſo His Majeſties <hi>REASONS,</hi> Againſt the pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tended Jurisdiction of the high Court of Juſtice, which he intended to deliver in Writing on Munday <hi>January</hi> 22. 1648.</p>
            <q>
               <bibl>ROM. 8.</bibl>
               <p>More then Conquerour &amp;c.</p>
            </q>
            <q>
               <p>Bona agere, &amp; mala pati, Regium est.</p>
            </q>
            <p>M. DC. XLIX.</p>
         </div>
         <div type="table_of_contents">
            <pb facs="tcp:38600:3"/>
            <pb facs="tcp:38600:3"/>
            <head>THE CONTENTS</head>
            <list>
               <item>
                  <hi>1.</hi> UPon His Maiestyes calling this laſt Par<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>liament. <hi>p. 15</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>2</hi> Upon the Earle of <hi>Strafford's</hi> death.</item>
               <item>
                  <hi>3.</hi> Upon His Maiesties going to the Houſe of Commnos. <hi>11</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>4.</hi> Vpon the Inſolency of the Tumults. <hi>15</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>5.</hi> Upon His Maiestyes paſsing the Bil for the tri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>enniall Parliaments: and after ſetling this, du<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ring the pleaſure of the two Houſes. <hi>23</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>6.</hi> Upon His Maiesties retirement from West<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>minſter. <hi>30.</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>7.</hi> Upon the Queenes departure, and abſence out of <hi>England. 37</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>8.</hi> Upon His Majestyes repulſe at Hull, and the fates of the <hi>Hothams. 42</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>9.</hi> Upon the Liſting, and rayſing armyes againſt the King. <hi>48</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>10.</hi> Upon their ſeizing the Kings Magazines, Forts, Navy, and Militia. <hi>59</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>11</hi> Upon the <hi>19.</hi> Propoſitions firſt ſent to the King; and more afterwards. <hi>67</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>12</hi> Vpon the Rebellion and troubles in Ireland. <hi>81</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>13.</hi> Upon the calling in of the Scots, and their Com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ming. <hi>90</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>14.</hi> Upon the Covenant. <hi>99</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>15.</hi> Upon the many Jealouſies raiſed, and Scandalls cast upon the King, to ſtirre up the People againſt him <hi>110</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <pb facs="tcp:38600:4"/>
                  <hi>16.</hi> Vpon the Ordinance againſt the Common-Prayer-Book. <hi>124</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>17.</hi> Of the differences between the King, and the <hi>2.</hi> Houſes, in point of Church-Government. <hi>133</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>18.</hi> Vpon <hi>Uxbridge-Treaty,</hi> and other Offers made by the King. <hi>150</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>19.</hi> Vpon the various events of the Warre; Victo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ries, and Defeats. <hi>155</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>20.</hi> Vpon the Reformations of the Times. <hi>164</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>21.</hi> Vpon His Maieſties Letters, taken, and divul<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ged. <hi>172</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>22.</hi> Vpon His Maieſties leaving <hi>Oxford,</hi> and go<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing to the <hi>Scots. 178</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>23.</hi> Vpon the <hi>Scots</hi> delivering the King to the <hi>Engliſh;</hi> and his Captivity at <hi>Holmeby. 183</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>24.</hi> Vpon their Denying his Maieſty the Atten<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dance of his Chaplains. <hi>187</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>25.</hi> Penitentiall Meditations and Vowes in the Kings ſolitude at <hi>Holmeby. p. 199</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>
                     <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                        <desc>•</desc>
                     </gap>6.</hi> Vpon the Armies Surpriſall of the King at <hi>Holmby,</hi> and the enſuing diſtractions in the two houſes, the army, and the City. <hi>204</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>27.</hi> To the Prince of <hi>Wales. 213</hi>
               </item>
               <item>
                  <hi>28.</hi> Meditations upon Death, after the Votes of Non-addreſſes, and his Maieſties cloſer Impri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſonment in <hi>Carisbrook Caſtle. <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                        <desc>•</desc>
                     </gap>32</hi>
               </item>
            </list>
         </div>
      </front>
      <body>
         <div type="text">
            <pb facs="tcp:38600:4"/>
            <head>ΕΙΚΩΝ ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΗ.</head>
            <div n="1" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>1.</hi> Vpon His Maieſties calling this laſt <hi>Parliament.</hi>
               </head>
               <p>
                  <seg rend="decorInit">T</seg>His laſt Parliament I called not more by others advice, and ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceſſity of My affairs, then by my owne choice and inclination; who have alwayes thought the right way of Parliaments moſt <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>afe for my Crown, and beſt pleaſing to My People: And although I was not forgetfull of <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>hoſe ſparks, which ſome mens diſtempers for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>erly ſtudied to kindle in Parliaments, (which <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>y forbearing to convene for ſome yeares, I <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>oped to have extinguiſhed) yet reſolving with <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>y ſelfe to give all juſt ſatisfaction to modeſt <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>nd ſober deſires, and to redreſſe all pub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>que greivances in Church and State: I hoped <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>y My [freedome and their moderation] to pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ent all miſunderſtandings, and miſcariages in <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>is; In which, as I feared affaires would meet <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ith ſome paſſion and prejudice in other men, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>o I reſolved they ſhould finde leaſt of them in <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>y ſelfe; not doubting but by the weight of
<pb n="2" facs="tcp:38600:5"/>
Reaſon I ſhould counterpoiſe the over-ballan<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cings of any factions.</p>
               <p>I was, indeed, ſorry to hear, with what partia<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lity and popular heat Elections were carried in many places; yet hoping that the gravity and diſcretion of other Gentlemen would allay and fix the Commons to a due temperament, (gui<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ding ſome mens wel-meaning zeal by ſuch rules of moderation as are beſt, both to preſerve and reſtore the health of all States and Kingdomes) No man was better pleaſed with the convening of this Parliament, then My ſelfe; who know<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing beſt the largeneſſe of My owne Heart to<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ward My peoples good and juſt contentment pleaſed my ſelfe moſt in that good and firm<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> underſtanding, which would hence grow be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tween Me and My people.</p>
               <p>All Jealouſies being laid aſide, My owne an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> my Children Intereſts gave me many obligati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons to ſeek and preſerve the love and welfare o<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> my Subjects. The only temporall bleſſing tha<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> is left to the ambition of juſt Monarchs, as thei<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> greateſt honour and ſafety, next Gods protecti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on; I cared not to leſſen my ſelf in ſome thing of my wonted prerogative; ſince I knew I coul<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> be no loſer, if I might gain but a recompen<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> in My Subjects affections.</p>
               <p>I intended not only to obliege My Friends, b<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Mine Enemies alſo: exceeding even the deſire of thoſe, that were factiouſly diſcontented, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> they did but pretend to any modeſt and ſobe<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> ſenſe.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="3" facs="tcp:38600:5"/>
The <hi>odium</hi> and offences which ſome mens ri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gour or remiſſneſs in Church &amp; State had con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tracted upon my Government, I reſolved to have expiated by ſuch Laws, &amp; regulations for the future, as might not only rectifie what was amiſſe in practiſe, but ſupply what was defective in the conſtitution: No man having a greater zeal to ſee Religion ſetled in Unity, and Order, than My ſelfe; whom it moſt concernes both in piety, and policy; as knowing that no flames of civill diſſentions are more dangerous then thoſe which make Religious pretenſions the grounds of Factions.</p>
               <p>I reſolved to reform, what I ſhould by free and full advice in Parliament be convinced to be amiſſe, and to grant whatever My Reaſon &amp; Conſcience told me was fit to be deſired; I wiſh I had kept my ſelfe within thoſe bounds, and not ſuffered My own Iudgement to have been over-born in ſome things, more by others Im<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>portunities, then their Arguments; My confi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dence had leſſe betrayed My ſelf, and My King<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>domes to thoſe advantages which ſome men ſought for, who wanted nothing but power and occaſion to do miſchiefe.</p>
               <p>But our ſinnes being ripe, there was no pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>venting of Gods Iuſtice, from reaping that glo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ry in our Calamities, which we robb'd him of in our Proſperity.</p>
               <p>For thou (O Lord) haſt made us ſee, that Reſolu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tions of future Reforming do not alwaies ſatisfie
<pb n="4" facs="tcp:38600:6"/>
thy Juſtice, nor prevent thy vengeance for former miſcarriages.</p>
               <p>Our ſins have over laid our hopes, Thou haſt taught us to depend on thy mercies to forgive, not on our purpoſe to amend. When thou haſt vindicated thy glory by thy Iudgement, and haſt ſhewed us how unſafe it is to offend thee upon preſumptions after<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>wards to pleaſe thee; Then I trust thy mercies wil reſtore thoſe bleſsings to us, which we have ſo much abuſed, as to force thee to deprive us of them.</p>
               <p>For want of timely repentance of our ſins, thou givest us cauſe to repent of thoſe Remedies we too late apply.</p>
               <p>Yet I do not Repent of my calling this laſt Parli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ament, becauſe [O Lord,] I did it with an upright intention to Thy glory, and My Peoples good.</p>
               <p>The miſeries which have enſued upon Me and My Kingdomes, are the juſt effects of thy displea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſure upon us; and may be yet (through thy mercy) preparatives of us to future bleſſings, and better hearts to enioy them.</p>
               <p>O Lord, though thou haſt deprived us of many former comſorts; yet grant Me and my People the benefit of our afflictions, and thy chaſtiſements, that thy rod as well as thy Staffe may comfort us: Then ſhall we dare to account them the ſtrokes not of an Enemy but, a Father, when thou giveſt us thoſe humble affections, that meaſure of patience in re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pentance, which becoms thy Children; I ſhall have no cauſe to repent the miſeries this Parliament hath occaſioned, when by them thou hast brought
<pb n="5" facs="tcp:38600:6"/>
Me and My People, unfeignedly to repent of the ſins we have committed.</p>
               <p>Thy Grace is infinitely better with our ſufferings then our peace could be with our ſins. <hi>O</hi> thou Sove<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>raign goodneſs and wiſdom who over-ruleſt all our Counſels, over rules alſo all our hearts, that the worſe things we ſuffer by thy iuſtice, th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> better we may be by thy Mercy.</p>
               <p>As our ſinnes have turned our Antidotes into poyſon, ſo let thy grace turn our poyſons into An<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tidotes.</p>
               <p>As the ſins of our peace diſpoſed us to this unhap<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>py war, ſo let this Warre prepare us for thy bleſſed Peace.</p>
               <p>That although I have but troubleſome Kingdoms here, yet I may attain to that kingdom of peace in My Heart, and in thy Heaven, which Christ hath purchaſed, and thou wilt give to thy ſervant, <hi>[though a Sinner]</hi> for my Saviours ſake.</p>
               <closer>Amen.</closer>
            </div>
            <div n="2" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>2:</hi> Vpon the Earle of <hi>Straffords</hi> death.</head>
               <p>I Looked upon my Lord of <hi>Strafford,</hi> as a Gentleman, whoſe great abilities might make a Prince rather afraid, then aſhamed to employ him in the greateſt affaires of State.</p>
               <p>For, thoſe were prone to create in him great confidence of undertakings, and this was like e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nough to betray him to great errours, and many
<pb n="6" facs="tcp:38600:7"/>
Enemies; whereof he could not but contract good ſtore, while moving in ſo high a ſpheare, and with ſo vigorous a luſtre, he muſt need, [as the ſun] raiſe many envious exhalations, which condenſed by a popular Odium, were capable to caſt a cloud upon the brighteſt merit and in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tegrity.</p>
               <p>Though I cannot in my judgement approve all he did, driven (it may be) by the neceſſities of times, and the Temper of that people, more then led by his own diſpoſition to any height and rigour of actions, yet I could never be con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vinced of any ſuch criminouſneſſe in him, as willingly to expoſe his life to the ſtroak of Ju<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtice, and malice of his Enemies.</p>
               <p>I never met with more unhappy conjuncture of affaires, then in the buſineſſe of that unfortu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nate Earl: when between My own unſatisfied<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe in Conſcience, and a neceſſity (as ſome told me) of ſatisfying the importunities of ſome people, I was perſwaded by thoſe, that I think wiſhed me well, to chuſe rather what was ſafe, then what ſeemed juſt; preferring the outward peace of My Kingdoms with men, before that inward exactneſſe of Conſcience before God.</p>
               <p>And indeed, I am ſo farre from excuſing or denying that complyance on my part (for ple<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nary conſent it was not) to his deſtruction, whom in my judgement I thought not, by any clear Law, gilty of death; That I never bare a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny touch of Conſcience with greater regret:
<pb n="7" facs="tcp:38600:7"/>
which, as a ſign of my repentance, I have often with ſorrow confeſſed both to God and men, as an act of ſo ſinfull frailty, that it diſcovered more a feare of Man, than of God, whoſe name and place on Earth no man is worthy to bear, who will avoid inconveniences of State, by acts of ſo high injuſtice, as no publique conveni<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ence can expiate or compenſate.</p>
               <p>I ſee it a bad exchange to wound a mans own Conſcience, thereby to ſalve State ſores; to calme the ſtormes of popular diſcontents, by ſtirring up a tempeſt in a mans own boſome.</p>
               <p>Nor hath Gods juſtice failed in the event and ſad conſequences, to ſhew the world the fa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lacy of that Maxime, <hi>Better one man periſh (though uniuſtly) then the people be diſpleaſed, or deſtroyed.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>For, In all likelyhood I could never have ſuffe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>red with My People greater calamities (yet with greater comfort) had I vindicated <hi>Strafford s</hi> in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nocency, at leaſt by denying to ſigne that de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtructive Bill, according to that juſtice, which my Conſcience ſuggeſted, to me, then I have done ſince I gratified ſome mens unthankfull importunities with ſo cruell a favour. And <hi>I</hi> have obſerved, that thoſe, who counſelled me to ſign that Bill, have been ſo farre from receiving the rewards of ſuch ingratiatings with the peo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ple, that no men have bin haraſſed and cruſhed more than they: He only hath bin leaſt vexed by them, who counſelled me not to conſent a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt
<pb n="8" facs="tcp:38600:8"/>
the vote of my owne Conſcience, I hope God hath forgiven me and them the ſinfull raſh<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe of that buſines.</p>
               <p>To which being in my Soul ſo fully conſcious, thoſe judgments God hath pleaſed to ſend upon me, are ſo much the more welcome, as a meanes (I hope) which his mercy hath ſanctified ſo to me, as to make me repent of that unjuſt act, (for ſo it was to me) and for the future to teach me, That the beſt rule of policy is to prefer the do<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing of Iuſtice before all enjoyments, and the peace of my conſcience before the preſervation of my Kingdoms.</p>
               <p>Nor hath any thing more fortified my <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>eſolu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tions againſt all thoſe violent importunityes, which ſince have ſought to gaine alike conſent from me, to Acts, wherein my conſcience is un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſatisfied, then the Sharp touches I have had for what paſſed Me, in My Lord of <hi>Straffords</hi> Bu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſines.</p>
               <p>Not that I reſolved to have imployed him in My affaires, againſt the advice of my Parlia<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment, but I would not have had any hand in his Death, of whoſe Guiltleſneſſe I was better aſſured than any man living could be.</p>
               <p>Nor were the Crimes objected againſt him ſo clear, as after a long and fair hearing, to give convincing ſatisfaction to the major part of both Houſes; eſpecially that of the Lords, of whom ſcarce a third part were preſent, when the Bill paſſed that Houſe: And for the Houſe
<pb n="9" facs="tcp:38600:8"/>
of Commons, many Gentlemen, diſpoſed e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nough to diminiſh My L. of <hi>Straffords</hi> greatnes and power, yet unſatisfied of his guilt in Law, durſt not condemne him to die; who for their integrity in their Votes, were by poaſting their names, expoſed to the popular calumny, hatred and fury: which grew then ſo exorbitant in their clamours <hi>for Juſtice,</hi> [that is, to have both my ſelf and the two Houſes vote, and do as they would have us] that many ['tis thought] were rather terrified to concur with the condemning party, then ſatisfied that of right they ought ſo to do.</p>
               <p>And that after Act vacating the authority of the precedent, for future imitation, ſufficiently tells the world, that ſome remorſe touched even his moſt implacable Enemies, as knowing he had very hard meaſure, and ſuch as they would be very loath ſhould be repeated to themſelves.</p>
               <p>This tenderneſſe and regret I find in my ſoul, for having had any hand [and that very unwil<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lingly God knows] in ſhedding one mans bloud unjuſtly (though under the colour and formali<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ties of Juſtice, and pretences of avoiding pub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>like miſchiefs:) which may, I hope, be ſome e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vidence before God and Man, to all poſterity, that I am far from bearing juſtly the vaſt load and guilt of all that bloud which hath been ſhed in this unhappy War: which ſome men will needs charge on Me, to caſe their own ſoules, who am, and ever ſhall be more afraid to take
<pb n="10" facs="tcp:38600:9"/>
away any mans life unjuſtly, then to loſe my own.</p>
               <p>But thou, O God of infinite mercies, forgive me that act of ſinfull complyance, which hath greater aggravations upon Me, then any Man. Since I had not the leaſt temptation of envie, or malice againſt him, and by my place ſhould, at leaſt ſo farre; have bin a preſerver of him, as to have denied my con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſent to his deſtruction.</p>
               <p>O Lord, I acknowledge my tranſgreſſion, and my ſin is ever before me.</p>
               <p>Deliver me from bloudguiltineſs, O God, thou God of my ſalvation, and my tongue ſhal ſing of thy righteouſneſs.</p>
               <p>Againſt thee have I finned, and done this evill in thy ſight, for thou ſaweſt the contradiction be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tween my heart and my hand.</p>
               <p>Yet caſt me not away from thy preſence, purge me with the blood of my Redeemer, and I ſhall be clean; waſh me with that pretious efuſion, and I ſhall be whiter then ſnow.</p>
               <p>Teach me to learn Righteouſneſſe by thy Judge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ments, and to ſee my frailtie in thy Juſtice: while I was perſwaded by ſhedding one mans bloud to prevent after-troubles, thou haſt for that, among o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther ſins, brought upon Me, and upon My King<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>domes, great, long, and heavie troubles.</p>
               <p>Make me to preferre Juſtice, which is thy wil, be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fore all contrarie clamours, which are but the diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>coveries of mans iniurious will.</p>
               <p>It is too much that they have once overcome me,
<pb n="11" facs="tcp:38600:9"/>
to pleaſe them by diſpleaſing thee; O never ſuffer me for any Reaſon of State, to go againſt my Reaſon of Conſcience, which is highly to ſin against thee, the God of Reaſon, and Iudg of our Conſciences.</p>
               <p>Whatever, O Lord, thou ſeeſt fit to deprive me of, yet reſtore unto me the ioy of thy Salvation, and e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver uphold me with thy free Spirit; which ſubiects my will to none, but thy light of Reaſon, Justice, and Religion, which ſhines in my Soule, for thou deſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>reſt Truth in the inward parts, and integritie in the outward expreſsions.</p>
               <p>Lord hear the voice of thy Sons, and my Saviours Bloud, which speaks better things: O make me, and my people, to hear the voice of ioy &amp; gladneſs, that the bones which thou haſt broken may reioice in thy <hi>Salvation.</hi>
               </p>
            </div>
            <div n="3" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>3</hi> Upon His Maieſtes going to the Houſe of Commons.</head>
               <p>MY going to the Houſe of Commons to de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mand juſtice upon the 5. Members, was an act, which my enemies loaded with all the oblo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>quies and exaſperations they could.</p>
               <p>It filled indifferent men with great jealouſies and fears; yea; and many of my freinds reſen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted it as a motion riſing rather from Paſſion than Reaſon, and not guided with ſuch diſcreti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on
<pb n="12" facs="tcp:38600:10"/>
as the touchines of thoſe times required. But theſe men knew not the faſt motives, and preg<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nant grounds, with which <hi>I</hi> thought my ſelf ſo furniſhed, that they needed nothing to ſuch evi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dence, as I could have produced againſt thoſe I charged, ſave only a free &amp; legall Triall, which was all I deſired.</p>
               <p>Nor had <hi>I</hi> any temptation of diſpleaſure or re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>venge againſt thoſe mens perſons, further then I had diſcovered thoſe [as <hi>I</hi> thought] unlawful correſpondencies they had uſed, &amp; engagements they had made to embroyle my Kingdomes; of all which I miſſed but little to have produced writings under ſome mens owne hands, who were the chief contrivers of the following inno<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vations.</p>
               <p>Providence would not have it ſo, yet I wan<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted not ſuch probabilities as were ſufficient to raiſe jealouſies in any Kings heart, who is not wholly ſtupid and neglective of the publick peace, which to preſerve by calling in queſtion halfe a dozen men, in a fair and legall way, (which God knows was all my deſign) could have amounted to no worſe effect, had it ſuc<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceeded, then either to do me and my Kingdome right, in caſe they had bin found guilty; or elſe to have clear'd their innocency, and removed my ſuſpitions; which, as they were not raiſed out of any malice, ſo neither were they in Reaſon to be ſmothered.</p>
               <p>What flames of diſcontent this ſpark (though
<pb n="13" facs="tcp:38600:10"/>
I ſought by all ſpeedy and poſſible means to quench it) ſoon kindled, all the world is witnes: The aſperſion which ſome men caſt upon that action, as if I had deſigned by force to aſſault the Houſe of Commons, and invade their privi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ledge, is ſo falſe, that as God beſt knows, I had no ſuch intent; ſo none that attended Me could juſtly gather from any thing I then ſaid, or did, the leaſt intimation of any ſuch thoughts.</p>
               <p>That I went attended with ſome Gentlemen as it was no unwonted thing for the Majeſty and ſafety of a King ſo to be attended, eſpecially in diſcontented times, ſo were my followers at that time ſhort of my ordinary guard, and no way proportionable to hazard a tumultuary conflict. Nor were they more ſcared at my comming, then I was unaſſured of not having ſome affronts caſt upon me, if I had none with me to preſerve a reverence to me; For ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny people had, [at that time] learned to think thoſe hard thoughts, which they have ſince a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bundantly vented againſt Me, both by words and deeds.</p>
               <p>The ſumme of that buſineſſe was this.</p>
               <p>Thoſe men and their adherents were then looked upon by the afrighted vulgar as greater Protectors of their Lawes and Liberties, then my ſelf, and ſo worthier of their protection. I leave them to God, and their own Conſciences, who, if guilty of evill machinations; no preſent impunity, or popular vindications of them will
<pb n="14" facs="tcp:38600:11"/>
be <hi>ſubter fuge</hi> ſufficient to reſcue them from thoſe exact Tribunalls.</p>
               <p>To which, in the obſtructions of juſtice among men, we muſt religiouſly appeale, as being an argument to us Chriſtians of that after un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>avoidable judgement, which ſhall rejudge, what among men is but corruptly decided, or not at all.</p>
               <p>I endeavoured to have prevented, if God had ſeen fit, thoſe future commotions, which I fore<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſaw, would in all likelyhood follow ſome mens activity [if not reſtrained] and ſo now hath don to the undoing of many thouſands, the more is the pitty.</p>
               <p>But to over-awe the freedom of the Houſes, or to weaken their juſt Authority by any vio<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lent impreſſions upon them, was not at all my deſign: I thought I had ſo much juſtice and reaſon on my ſide, as ſhould not have needed ſo rough aſſiſtance: and I was reſolved rather to bear the repulſe with patience, then to uſe ſuch hazardous extremities.</p>
               <p>But thou O Lord art my witneſſe in heaven, and in my Heart: if I have purpoſed anie violence or oppreſſion againſt the innocent, or if there were a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nie ſuch wickedneſse in my thoughts.</p>
               <p>Then let the enemie perſecute my ſoule, and tread my life to the ground, &amp; lay mine Honour in the dust.</p>
               <p>Thou that ſeeſt not as a man ſeeth, but lookeſt be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>yond all popular appearances, ſearching the heart,
<pb n="15" facs="tcp:38600:11"/>
and trying the reins, &amp; bringing to light the hid<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>den things of darkneſſe, ſhew thy ſelf.</p>
               <p>Let not my afflictions be eſteemed, as (with wiſe and godly men they cannot be) any argument of my ſinne in that matter, more then their impunity a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mong good men is any ſure token of their innocen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cy.</p>
               <p>But forgive them wherein they have done amiſs<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>, though they are not puniſhed for it in this world.</p>
               <p>Save thy ſervant, from the privie conſpiracies &amp; open violence of bloodie and unreaſonable men, according to the uprightnes of my heart, &amp; the in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nocency of my hands in this matter.</p>
               <p>Plead my cauſe, and maintain My Right, O thou that ſittest in the Throne, iudging rightlie, that thy Servant may ever reioyce in thy Salvation.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="4" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>4</hi> 
                  <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>pon the Inſolency of the Tu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mults<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
               </head>
               <p>I Never thought any thing (except our ſins) more ominouſly preſaging all theſe miſcheifs, which have followed, then thoſe Tumults in LONDON and WESTMINSTER, ſoon after the Convening of this Parliament; which were not like a ſtorm at Sea, [which yet wants not its terror] but like an Earth-quake, ſhaking the very foundations of all; then which nothing in the world hath more of horrour.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="16" facs="tcp:38600:12"/>
As it is one of the moſt convincing Argu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ments that there is a God, while his power ſets bounds to the raging of the Seas, ſo 'tis no leſſe, that he reſtraines the madneſſe of the people. Nor doth any thing portend more Gods diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pleaſure againſt a Nation, then when he ſuffers the confluence and clamours of the vulgar, to paſſe all boundaries of Lawes, and reverence to Authority.</p>
               <p>VVhich thoſe Tumults did to ſo high degrees of inſolence, that they ſpared not to invade the Honour and Freedome of the two Houſes, menacing, reproaching, ſhaking, yea and aſſaul<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ting ſome Members of both Houſes, as they fancyed, or diſliked them; nor did they for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>beare moſt rude and unſeemly deportments both in contemptuous words and actions, to my ſelfe and my Court.</p>
               <p>Nor was this a ſhort fit or two of ſhaking, as an Ague, but a quotidian feaver, always encreaſing to higher inflamations, impatient of any miti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gation, reſtraint, or remiſſion.</p>
               <p>Firſt, they muſt be a guard againſt thoſe fears which ſome men ſcared themſelves and others withall, when indeed nothing was more to be feared and leſſe to be uſed by wiſe men, then thoſe tumultuary confluxes of meane and rude people, who are taught firſt to petition, then to protect, then to dictate, at laſt to command and overawe the Parliament.</p>
               <p>All obſtructions in Parliament [that is, all
<pb n="17" facs="tcp:38600:12"/>
freedome of differing in Votes, and debating matters with reaſon and candour) muſt be ta<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ken away with theſe Tumults: By theſe muſt the Houſes be purged, and all rotten Members (as they pleaſe to count them) caſt out; By theſe the obſtinacy of men reſolved to diſcharg their Conſciences, muſt be ſubdued; by theſe all factious, ſeditious, and ſchiſmaticall propoſalls againſt Government Eccleſiaſticall or Civill, muſt be backed and abetted, till they prevailed.</p>
               <p>Generally, who ever had moſt mind to bring forth confuſion and ruine upon Church and State, uſed the midwifery of thoſe Tumults: whoſe riot and impatience was ſuch, that they would not ſtay the ripening &amp; ſeaſon of coun<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſells or fair production of Acts, in the order, gravity, and deliberateneſſe befitting a Parlia<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment; but ripped up with barbarous cruelty, &amp; forcibly cut out abortive Votes, ſuch as their in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>viters and incouragers moſt fancyed.</p>
               <p>Yea, ſo enormous and deteſtable were their outrages, that no ſober man could be without an infinite ſhame and ſorrow to ſee them ſo to<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lerated, and connived at by ſome, countenanced, encouraged and applauded by others.</p>
               <p>What good man had not rather want any thing he moſt deſired for the publique good, then ob<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tain it by ſuch an unlawfull and irreligious means? But mens paſſions and Gods direction ſeldome agree; violent deſignes and motions muſt have ſutable engins, ſuch as too much at<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tend
<pb n="18" facs="tcp:38600:13"/>
their own ends, ſeldome confine them<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſelves to Gods means. Force muſt croud in, what reaſon will not lead.</p>
               <p>VVho were the chief Demagogues and Pa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>trons of Tumults, to ſend for them, to flatte<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> and emboulden them, to direct and turne thei<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> clamorous importunities, ſome men yet living are too conſcious to pretend ignorance; God in his due time will let theſe ſee, that thoſe were no fit means to be uſed for attaining his ends.</p>
               <p>But, as it is no ſtrange thing for the Sea, to rage when ſtrong winds blow upon it, ſo nei<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther for multitudes to become inſolent, when they have Men of ſome reputation for part<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> and piety to fet them on.</p>
               <p>That which made their rudeneſſe moſt formi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dable, was that many Complaints being made, and Meſſages ſent by My ſelf and ſome of both Houſes; yet no order for redreſſe could be ob<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tained with any vigour and efficacy, proportio<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nable to the malignity of that now far ſpread diſeaſe, and predominant miſchiefe.</p>
               <p>Such was ſome mens ſtupidity, that they fea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>red no inconvenience: Others petulancy, that they joyed to ſee their betters ſhamefully out<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>raged and abuſed, while they knew their only ſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>curity conſiſted in vulgar flattery: So inſenſible were they of mine, or the two Houſes common ſafety and honours.</p>
               <p>Nor could ever any order be obtained, impar<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tially to examine, cenſure, &amp; puniſh the know<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <pb n="19" facs="tcp:38600:13"/>
                  <hi>Boutefeus,</hi> and impudent Incendiaries, who boa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſted of the influence they had, and uſed to con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>voke thoſe Tumults as their advantages ſerved.</p>
               <p>Yea, ſome (who ſhould have bin wiſer States<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>men) owned them as friends, commending their Courage, Zeal, and induſtry; which to ſober men could ſeem no better then that of the De<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vill, who <hi>goes about ſeeking whom he may deceive and devoure.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>I confeſſe when I found ſuch a deafnes, that no Declaration from the Biſhops, who were firſt fouly inſolenced and aſſaulted; nor yet from o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther Lords and Gentlemen of Honour, nor yet from my ſelf, could take place for the due re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>preſſion of theſe Tnmults: and ſecuring not only Our freedom in Parliament, but Our very Perſons in the ſtreets; I thought My ſelf not bound by My preſence, to provoke them to higher boldneſſe and contempts; I hoped by My withdrawing to give time, both for the Eb<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bing of their tumultuous fury, and others regai<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ning ſom degrees of modeſty and ſober ſenſe.</p>
               <p>Some may interpret it as an effect of Puſilla<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nimity in any man for popular terrours to de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſert his publique ſtation. But I think it a har<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dineſſe beyond true valour, for a wiſe man to ſet him ſelf againſt the breaking in of a Sea; which to reſiſt, at preſent, threatens imminent danger; but to withdraw, gives it ſpace to ſpend its fury, and gaines a fitter time to repaire the breach<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> Certainly a Gallant man had rather
<pb n="20" facs="tcp:38600:14"/>
ſight to great diſadvantages for number and place in the ſield, in an orderly way, then skuffle with an undiſciplined rabble.</p>
               <p>Some ſuſpected and affirmed that <hi>I</hi> meditated a Warre (when <hi>I</hi> went from <hi>Whitehall,</hi> only to redeem My Perſon and Conſcience from vio<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lence) God knowes <hi>I</hi> did not then thinke of a Warre.</p>
               <p>Nor will any prudent man conceive that <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> would by ſo many former, and ſome after-acts<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> have ſo much weakned my ſelf, if I had purpo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed to engage in a War, which to decline by all means, I denyed My ſelf in ſo many particulars<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> Tis evident I had then no Army to flie unto, fo<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> protection, or vindication.</p>
               <p>Who can blame Me, or any other, for with<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>drawing our ſelves from the daily baitings o<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> the Tumults, not knowing whether their fur<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> and diſcontent might not fly ſo high, as to wor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ry and tear thoſe in peices, whom as yet they bu<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> played with in their Pawes? God, who is M<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> ſole Judge, is My Witnes in Heaven, that I ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver had any thoughts of going from My Houſ<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> at <hi>Whitehall,</hi> if I could have had but any reaſo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nable fair Quarter; I was reſolved to bear much and did ſo, but I did not think My ſelf bound t<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> proſtitute the Majeſty of my place and Perſon the ſafety of My Wife and Children, to thoſe who are prone to inſult moſt, when they hav<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> objects and opportunity moſt capable of the<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> rudeneſſe and petulancy.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="21" facs="tcp:38600:14"/>
But this buſineſſe of the Tumults (whereof ſome have given already an account to God, o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>thers, yet living know themſelves deſperately guilty) Time and the guilt of many hath ſo ſmo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>thered up, and buried, that I think it beſt to leave it, as it is. Onely <hi>I</hi> beleive the juſt Avenger of al diſorders, will in time make thoſe men, and that City, ſee their ſin in the glaſſe of their puniſh<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment. 'Tis more then an even-lay that they may one day ſee themſelves puniſhed by that way they offended.</p>
               <p>Had this Parliament, as it was in its firſt Ele<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ction and conſtitution, ſate full and free, the Members of both houſes being left to their free<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dom of Voting, as in all reaſon, honour, and Re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ligion, they ſhould have bin; <hi>I</hi> doubt not but things would have bin ſo carried, as would have given no leſſe content to all good men, then they wiſhed or expected.</p>
               <p>For <hi>I</hi> was reſolved to hear reaſon in all things, &amp; to conſent to it ſo far as <hi>I</hi> could comprehend it: but as Swine are to Gardens, and orderly Plantations, ſo are Tumults to Parliaments, and Plebeian concourſes to publick Councels, tur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ning all into diſorders and ſordid confuſions.</p>
               <p>
                  <hi>I</hi> am prone ſometimes to think, that had <hi>I</hi> cal<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>led this Parliament to any other place in <hi>Eng<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>land</hi> (as <hi>I</hi> might opportunly enough have don) the ſad conſequences in all likelyhood, with Gods bleſſing might have been prevented.</p>
               <p>A Parliament would have bin welcom in any
<pb n="22" facs="tcp:38600:15"/>
place, no place afforded ſuch confluence of vari<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ous and vitious humours, as that where it was unhappily convened. But we muſt leave all to God, who orders our diſorders, and magnifies his wiſdom moſt, when our follies and miſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ries are moſt diſcovered.</p>
               <p>But thou O Lord art My refuge and defence, to thee J may ſafely flie, who ruleſt the raging of the Sea, and the madneſſe of the People.</p>
               <p>The flouds, O Lord, the flouds are come in upon me, and are readie to overwhelme me.</p>
               <p>J look upon My ſinnes, and the ſinnes of My people, (which are the tumults of our ſoules againſt thee O Lord) as the iust cauſe of theſe popular in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>undations which thou permitteſt to overbeare all the banks of loyaltie, modeſtie, Lawes, Juſtice, and Reli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gion.</p>
               <p>But thou that gatheredſt the waters into one place<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> and madeſt the dry land to appeare, and after did'<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> aſſwage the floud which drowned the world, by th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> word of thy power: Rebuke thoſe beaſts of th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> People<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> and deliver Me from the rudeneſs and ſtriving<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> of the multitude.</p>
               <p>Reſtore, we beſeech thee unto us, the freedomes o<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> our Councells, and Parliaments, make us unpaſſi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>na<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ly to ſee the light of reaſon, and Religion, an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> wi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>h all order and gravitie to follow it, as it becom<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Men and Chriſtians, ſo ſhall we praiſe thy name who art the God of Order and Councell.</p>
               <p>What man cannot, or will not repreſs, thy <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>mnip<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tent Juſtice can and will.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="23" facs="tcp:38600:15"/>
O Lord, give them that are yet living a timely ſ<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="2 letters">
                     <desc>••</desc>
                  </gap>ce and ſorrow for their great ſi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ne, whom thou knoweſt guiltie of raiſing or not ſuppreſſing thoſe diſorders: Let ſhame here, and not ſuffering here<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>after be their puniſhment.</p>
               <p>Set bounds to our paſsions by Reaſon, to our er<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rour by Truth, to our ſeditions by lawes duly execu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted, and to our ſchiſms, by Charitie, that we may b<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> as thy <hi>Jeruſalem,</hi> a Citie at unitie in it ſelfe.</p>
               <p>This grant, O My God, in thy good time for Ie<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſus Chriſts ſake</p>
               <closer>Amen.</closer>
            </div>
            <div n="5" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>5</hi> 
                  <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>pon his Maieſties paſsing the bill for Trieniall Parliaments, and after, ſetling this, during the pleaſure of the two houſes.</head>
               <p>THat the world might be fully confirmed in My purpoſes at firſt, to contribute what in Juſtice, Reaſon, Honour, and Conſcience I could, to the happy ſucceſſe of this Parliament (which had in me no other deſigne but the ge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nerall Good of My Kingdoms) I willingly paſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed the Bill for Trieniall Parliaments; which, as gentle and ſeaſonabl<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Phyſick, might (if well applyed) prevent any diſtempers from getting any head, or prevailing; eſpecially, if the reme<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dy proved not a deſeaſe beyond all remedy.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="24" facs="tcp:38600:16"/>
I conceived this Parliament would ſind work with convenient Receſſes for the firſt 3. yeares; But I did not imagine that ſome Men would thereby have occaſioned more work then they found to do, by undoing ſo much as they found well don to their hands.</p>
               <p>Such is ſome mens activity, that they will needs make worke rather then want it; &amp; chuſe to be doing amiſſe, rather then doe nothing.</p>
               <p>When that firſt Act ſeemed too ſcanty to ſa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tisfy ſome mens fears, and compaſſe publick af<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fairs; I was perſwaded to grant that BILL of Sitting during the pleaſure of the Houſes, which amounted, in ſome mens ſenſe, to as much as the perpetuating of this Parliament. By this Act of higheſt confidence, I hoped for e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver to ſhut out, and lock the door upon all pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſent jealouſies, and future miſtakes. I confeſſe I did not thereby intend to ſhut My ſelfe out of doores, as ſome men have now requited Me.</p>
               <p>True, it was an Act unparallel'd by any of My Predeceſſors; yet cannot in reaſon admit of a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny worſe interpretation then this, of an extream confidence I had, That my Subjects would not make ill uſe of an Act, by which I declared ſo much to truſt them, as to deny my ſelf in ſo high a point of my Prerogative.</p>
               <p>For, good Subjects will never think it juſt or fit that my condition ſhould be worſe by my bettering theirs<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> Nor indeed would it have been ſo in the events, if ſome men had known as well
<pb n="25" facs="tcp:38600:16"/>
with moderation to uſe, as with earneſtnes to defire advantages of doing good or evill.</p>
               <p>A continuall Parliament (I thought) would but keep the commonweal in tune, by preſerving Laws in their due execution and vigour; where<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>in my Intereſt lyes more then any mans, ſince by thoſe Laws, My Rights as a King, would be preſerved no leſſe then My Subjects, which is al I deſired. More then the Law gives Me I would not have, and leſſe the meaneſt Subject ſhould not.</p>
               <p>Some (as I have heard) gave it out, that I ſoon repented Me of ſetling that act; &amp; many would needs perſwade Me, I had cauſe ſo to do; But I could not eaſily nor ſudenly ſuſpect ſuch ingra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>titude in Men of Honour. That the more I gran<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted them, the leſſe I ſhould have and enjoy with them. I ſtill counted my Selfe undiminiſhed by my largeſt Conceſſions, if by them I might gain and confirme the love of my people.</p>
               <p>Of which, I do not yet deſpair, but that God will ſtill bleſſe me with increaſe of it, when men ſhall have more leiſure, and leſſe prejudice; that ſo with unpaſſionate repreſentations they may reflect upon thoſe (as <hi>I</hi> think) not more Prince<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly then freindly Contributions, which <hi>I</hi> granted toward the perpetuating of their happines; who are now only miſerable in this, That ſome mens ambition will not give them leave to enioy what <hi>I</hi> intended for their good.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="26" facs="tcp:38600:17"/>
Nor do I doubt, but that in Gods due time, the Loyall and cleared affections of My people, will ſtrive to returne ſuch retributions of Ho<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nour and love to Mee, or my poſterity, as may fully compenſate both the acts of my confidence and my ſufferings for them; which (God knowes) have been neither few, nor ſmall, nor ſhort; occaſioned chiefly by a perſwaſion I had, that I could not grant too much, or diſtruſt too little, to men, that being profeſſedly My Sub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jects, pretended ſingular piety, and religious ſtrictneſſe.</p>
               <p>The Injury of all Injuries, is, That which ſome men will needs load me withall; as if I were a wilfull and reſolved Occaſioner of My owne, and My Subjects miſeries, while (as they confidently, but (God knowes) falſly divulge) I repini<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>g at the eſtabliſhment of this Parliament, endeavoured by force and open hoſtility, to un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>doe what by My Royall aſſent I had done. Sure it had argued a very ſhort ſight of things, and extreme fatuity of minde in Me, ſo farre to binde My owne hands at their requeſt, If I had ſhort<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly meant to have uſed a Sword againſt them. God knowes, though I had then a ſenſe of inju<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ries; yet not ſuch as to think them worth vin<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dicating by a Warre: I was not then compel<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>led, as ſince, to injure my ſelfe by their not u<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſing favours, with the ſame candour wherewith they were conferred. The Tumults indeed threatned to abuſe all Acts of Grace, and turne
<pb n="27" facs="tcp:38600:17"/>
them into wantonneſſe; but I thought at length their owne feares, whoſe black arts firſt raiſed up thoſe turbulent Spirits, would force them to conjure them down againe.</p>
               <p>Nor if I had juſtly reſented any indignities put upon Me, or others; was I then in any capacity to have taken juſt revenge in an Hoſtile and Warlike way, upon thoſe whom I knew ſo wel fortified in the love of the meaner ſort of the people, that I could not have given my enemies greater and more deſired advantages againſt Me, then by ſo unprincely inconſtancy, to have aſſaulted them with Armes, thereby to ſcatter them, whom but lately I had ſolemly ſetled by an Act of Parliament.</p>
               <p>God knows, I longed for nothing more then that My ſelfe, and My Subjects might quietly enjoy the fruits of my many condeſcendings.</p>
               <p>It had been a Courſe full of ſin, as well as of Hazard, and Diſhonour, for me to go about the cutting up of that by the Sword, which I had ſo lately planted, ſo much (as I thought) to my Subjects content, and Mine owne too, in all pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bability: if ſome men had not feared where no feare was, whoſe ſecurity conſiſted in ſcaring o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>thers.</p>
               <p>I thank God, I knew ſo well the ſincerity and uprightneſſe of My owne heart, in paſſing that great Bill, which exceeded the very thoughts of former times; That although I may ſe<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>m leſſe a Politition to men, yet I need no ſecret diſtin<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctions
<pb n="28" facs="tcp:38600:18"/>
or evaſions before God Nor had <hi>I</hi> any re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſervations in my own ſoul, when <hi>I</hi> paſſed it; nor repentings after, till <hi>I</hi> ſaw that my letting ſome men go up to the pinacle of the temple, was a temptation to them to caſt me downe head<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>long.</p>
               <p>Concluding, that without a miracle, Monarchy it ſelf, together with Me, could not but be daſh<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ed in peices by ſuch a precipitious fall as they intended, whom God in mercy forgive, and make them ſee at length, That as many King<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>domes as the Devill ſhewed our Saviour, and the glory of them) if they could be at once en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ioyed by them] are not worth the gaining, by wayes of ſinfull ingratitude and diſhonour, which hazards a Soule worth more worlds, then this hath Kingdoms.</p>
               <p>But God hath hitherto preſerved Me, &amp; made Me to ſee, That it is no ſtrange thing for men, left to their own paſſions, either to do much e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vill themſelvs, or abuſe the over-much goodneſs of others, whereof an ungratefull ſurfet is the moſt deſperate and incurable diſeaſe,</p>
               <p>
                  <hi>I</hi> cannot ſay properly that <hi>I</hi> repent of that Act, ſince <hi>I</hi> have no reflections upon it as a ſin of my will, though an errour of too charitable a iudg<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment; only <hi>I</hi> am ſorry other mens eyes ſhould be evill, becauſe mine were good.</p>
               <p>To thee (O My God) do I ſtill appeale, whoſe Al<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>diſ<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>erning Juſtice ſees through all the diſguiſes of mens pre<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>enſions, and deceitfull darkneſſes, of their Hearts.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="29" facs="tcp:38600:18"/>
Thou gavest Me a heart to grant much to my ſub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>iects, and now I need a heart fitted to ſuffer much from ſome of them.</p>
               <p>Thy will be don, though never ſo much to the croſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſing of ours, even when we hope to doe what might be moſt conformable to thine &amp; theirs too; who pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tended they aimed at nothing elſe.</p>
               <p>Let thy Grace teach me wiſely to enioy as w<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ll the fruſtratings, as the fulfillings of My best hopes, and most specious deſires:</p>
               <p>I ſee while I thought to allay others fears; I have raiſed My Own; and by ſetling them, have unſet<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>led My ſelf.</p>
               <p>Thus have they requited Me evill for good, and hatred for My good will towards them.</p>
               <p>O Lord be thou my Pilot in this dark &amp; dange<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rous ſtorme, which neither admits My return to the Port whence I ſet out, nor My making any other, with that ſafety and honour which I deſigned.</p>
               <p>Tis eaſie for thee to keep Me ſafe in the love and confidence of my people; nor is it hard for Thee to preſerve Me amidſt the uniuſt hatred and iealou<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſies of to many, which thou haſt ſuffered ſo far to pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vail upon Me, as to be able to pervert and abuſe my Acts of greatest Indulgence to them, and aſſu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rance of them.</p>
               <p>But no favours from Me can make others more guilty then my ſelfe may be, of miſuſing thoſe many and great ones, which Thou, O Lord, haſt con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ferred on me.</p>
               <p>I beſeech thee give ME and them ſuch Repen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tance
<pb n="30" facs="tcp:38600:19"/>
as thou wilt accept, and ſuch graces as we may not abuſe.</p>
               <p>Make me ſo far happy as to make a right uſe of o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>thers abuſes, and by their failings of Me, to reflect with a reforming diſpleaſure upon my offences a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt thee.</p>
               <p>So, although for my ſins I am by other mens ſins de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>prived of thy temporall bleſſings, yet I may be happy to enioy the comfort of thy mercies, which often raiſe <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>he greateſt Sufferers to be the moſt glorious Saints.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="6" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>6</hi> 
                  <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>pon his Maieſties retirement from <hi>VVeſtminſter,</hi>
               </head>
               <p>WIth what unwillingneſſe I withdrew from WESTMINSTER, let them judge, who, un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>provided of tackling and victuall, are forced to Sea by a ſtorme; yet better do ſo, then venture ſplitting or ſinking on a Lee-ſhore.</p>
               <p>I ſtayed at <hi>White-Hall,</hi> till I was driven away by ſhame, more then fear, to ſee the barbarous rudeneſſe of thoſe Tumults, who reſolved they would take the boldneſſe to demand any thing, and not leave either My ſelf, or the Members of Parliament, the liberty of our Reaſon, and Con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſcience to deny them any thing.</p>
               <p>Nor was this intollerable oppreſſion my caſe alone, (though cheifly Mine) For the Lords and
<pb n="31" facs="tcp:38600:19"/>
Commons might be content to be over-voted by the Major part of their Houſes, when they had uſed each their owne freedome.</p>
               <p>Whoſe agreeing Votes were not by any Law or reaſon concluſive to my Judgement; nor can they include, or carry with them, My con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſent, whom they repreſent not in any kinde; Nor am I further bound to agree with the votes of both Houſes, then I ſee them agree with the will of God, with my juſt Rights, as a King, and the generall good of my people. I ſee that as many men; they are ſeldome of one minde, and I may oft ſee, that the major part of them are not in the right.</p>
               <p>I had formerly declared to ſober and moderate mindes, how deſirous I was to give all juſt con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tent, when I agreed to ſo many Bills, which had been enough to ſecure and ſatisfie all: If ſome mens Hydropick inſatiableneſſe had not learned to thirſt the more by how much more they drank; whom no fountaine of Royall bounty was able to overcome: ſo reſolved they ſeemed, either utterly to exhauſt it, or barbarouſly to obſtruct it.</p>
               <p>Sure, it ceaſes to be Councell: when not rea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſon is uſed, as to men to perſwade; but force and terrour as to beaſts, to drive and compell men to aſſent to what ever tumultuary patrons ſhall project. Hee deſerves to be a ſlave with<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>out pitty, or redemption, that is content to have the rationall ſoveraignty of his Soule, and liber<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty
<pb n="32" facs="tcp:38600:20"/>
of his will, and words ſo captivated.</p>
               <p>Nor do I think my Kingdoms ſo conſiderable as to preſerve them with the forfeiture of that freedom, which cannot be denyed me as a King; becauſe it belongs, to me as a man, and a Chri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtian, owning the dictates of none, but God to be above me, as obliging me to conſent. Better for me to die, enjoying this Empire of my ſoul, which ſubjects Me only to God, ſo farre as by Reaſon or Religion he directs me, then live with the Title of a King, if it ſhould carry ſuch a vaſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſallage with it, as not to ſuffer Me to uſe My Reaſon and Conſcience, in which I declare as a King, to like or diſlike.</p>
               <p>So far am I from thinking the Majeſty of the Crown of <hi>England</hi> to be bound by any Coro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nation Oath, in a blind and bruitiſh formality, to conſent to what ever its ſubjects in Parlia<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment ſhall require; as ſome men will needs in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fer; while denying Me any power of a Nega<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tive voice as KING, they are not aſhamed to ſeek to deprive me of the liberty of uſing My Reaſon with a good Conſcience; which them<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſelves, and all the Commons of ENGLAND en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>joy proportionable to their influence on the publique; who would take it very ill to be ur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ged, not to deny, what ever my ſelfe, as King, or the Houſe of Peers with Mee ſhould, not ſo much deſire, as enjoyne them to paſſe. I think my Oath fully diſcharged in that point, by my governing only by ſuch Lawes, as my People
<pb n="33" facs="tcp:38600:20"/>
with the Houſe of Peers have choſen, and my ſelfe have conſented to. I ſhall never think my ſelfe conſcientiouſly tied to go as oft againſt my Conſcience, as I ſhould conſent to ſuch new Propoſalls, which my Reaſon, in Juſtice, Ho<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nour, and Religion bids me deny.</p>
               <p>Yet ſo tender I ſee ſome men are of their be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing ſubject to Arbitrary Government, (that is, the Law of anothers will, to which themſelves give no conſent) that they care not wi h how much diſhonour and abſurdity they make their King the only man, that muſt be ſubject to the will of others, without having power left Him, to uſe His own Reaſon, either in Perſon, or by any Repreſentation.</p>
               <p>And if my diſſentings at any time were (as ſome have ſuſpected, and uncharitably avow<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ed) out of error, opiniativeneſſe, weakneſſe, or wilfullneſſe, and what they call Obſtinacy in me (which not true Judgement of things, but ſome vehement prejudice or paſſion hath fixed on my mind) yet can no man think it other then the Badge and Method of Slavery, by ſavage rude<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe, and importunate obtruſions of violence, to have the miſt of His Errour and Paſſion diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pelled, which is a ſhadow of Reaſon, and muſt ſerve thoſe that are deſtitute of the ſubſtance<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> Sure that man cannot be blameable to God or Man, who ſeriouſly endeavours to ſee the beſt reaſon of things, and faithfully fol<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lowes what Hee takes for Reaſon:</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="34" facs="tcp:38600:21"/>
The uprightneſſe of his intentions will excuſe the poſſible failings of his underſtanding; If a Pilot at Sea cannot ſee the Pole-ſtar, it can be no fault in him to ſteere his courſe by ſuch ſta<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> as do beſt appear to him. It argues rather thoſ<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> men to be conſcious of their defects of Reaſon and convincing Arguments, who call in the aſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſiſtance of meere force to carry on the weak<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe of their Councells, and Propoſalls. I may, in the Truth and Vprightneſſe of my heart, pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>teſt before God and men, that I never wilfully oppoſed, or denyed any thing, that was in a fai<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> way, after full and free debates propounded to me by the two Houſes, Further then I thought in good reaſon I might, and was bound to do<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
               </p>
               <p>Nor did any thing ever pleaſe me more, the<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> when my judgement ſo concurred with theirs<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> that I might with good conſcience conſent to them: yea, in many things where not abſolut<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> and morall neceſſity of Reaſon but temporary convenience in point of honour was to be con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſidered; I choſe rather to deny my ſelfe, the<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> them; as preferring that which they thought ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceſſary for my peoples good, before what I ſaw but convenient for my ſelf.</p>
               <p>For I can be content to recede much from my owne intereſts, and Perſonall Rights, of whic<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> I conceive my ſelf to be Maſter; but in wha<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> concernes Truth, Juſtice, the Right of th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Church, and My Crowne, together with the generall good of My Kingdomes: (all which
<pb n="35" facs="tcp:38600:21"/>
I am bound to preſerve as much as morally lies in Me,) here I am, and ever ſhall be fixt and re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſolute, nor ſhall any man gain My conſent to that, wherein My Heart gives My tongue or hand the Lie; nor will I be brought to affirme that to men, which in My Conſcience I deny be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fore God. I will rather chuſe to wear a Crown of Thorns with My Saviour, then to exchange that of Gold (which is due to me) for one of lead, whoſe embaſſed flexibleneſſe ſhall be for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ced to bend, and comply to the various, and oft contrary dictates of any Factions; when inſtead of Reaſon, and Publick concernments, they ob<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>trude nothing but what makes for the intereſt of Parties, and flowes from the partialities of private wills, and paſſions.</p>
               <p>I know no reſolutions more worthy a Chri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtian King, then to prefer His Conſcience be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fore His Kingdomes.</p>
               <p>O my God, preſerve thy ſervant in this Native, Rationall and Religious freedom; For this I believe is thy will, that we ſhould maintain: who, though thou doſt iuſtly require us, to ſubmit our underſtan<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dings &amp; wills to thine; whoſe wiſdome and goodnes can neither erre, nor miſguide us; and ſo farre to deny our carnall reaſon, in order to thy ſacred my<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſteries, and Commands, that we ſhould believe and obey, rather then diſpute them; yet dost thou expect from us, only ſuch a reaſonable ſervice of thee, as not to do any thing for thee, againſt our conſciences, &amp; as to the deſires of men, enioyneſt us to try all
<pb n="36" facs="tcp:38600:22"/>
things by the touch-stone of Reaſon &amp; Laws, which are the rules of Civill Juſtice; and to declare our conſent to that only which our Judgment approve.</p>
               <p>Thou knoweſt, O Lord, how unwilling I was to deſert that place, in which thou haſt ſet me, and whereto the affairs of my Kingdoms at preſent did call me.</p>
               <p>My People can witneſs how far I have bin content for their good, to deny My Selfe, in what thou haſt ſubjected to my dispoſall.</p>
               <p>O Let not the unthankfull importunities, &amp; tu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>multuary violence of ſome mens immoderate de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mands, ever betray Me to that degenerous &amp; un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>manly ſlavery, which ſhould make me ſtrengthen them by my conſent in thoſe things, which I think in my Conſcience to be againſt thy glory the good of my Subiects, and the diſcharge of my owne duty to reaſon and Juſtice.</p>
               <p>Make me willíng to ſuffer the greatest indig<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nities, &amp; iniuries they preſſe upon Me, rather then commit the least ſinne against my Conſcience.</p>
               <p>Let the juſt liberties of my people be (as well they may) preſerved in fair, and equall wayes, without the ſlavery of My Soul.</p>
               <p>Thou that hast invested Me by thy favours, in the power of a Chriſtian King, ſuffer me not to ſub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>iect My Reaſon to other mens paſſions, and deſigns, which to Me ſeem unreaſonable, unìust, and irreli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gious: So ſhall I ſerve thee in the truth and up<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rightneſle of my heart, thovgh I cannot ſatisfie theſe men.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="37" facs="tcp:38600:22"/>
Though I be driven from among them, yet give Me grace to walk alwayes uprightly before thee.</p>
               <p>Lead Me in the way of Truth and Iuſtice; for theſe, I know, will bring Me at laſt to peace and happineſſe with thee; though for theſe I have much trouble among men.</p>
               <p>This I beg of thee for My Saviours ſake.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="7" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>7</hi> Vpon the Queenes departure, and abſence out of <hi>England,</hi>
               </head>
               <p>ALthough I have much cauſe to be troub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>led at My Wifes departure from Me, and out of My Dominions; yet not Her abſence, ſo much, as the ſcandall of that neceſſity, which drives her away, doth afflict Me. That She ſhould be compelled by My own Subjects, and thoſe pretending to be Proteſtants, to with<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>draw for Her ſafety: This being the firſt exam<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ple of any Proteſtant Subjects, that have taken up Arms againſt their King, a Proteſtant: For I look upon this now done in <hi>England,</hi> as another Act of the ſame Tragedie which was lately be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gun in <hi>Sootland;</hi> the brands of that fire being ill quenched, have kindled the like flames here. I fear ſuch motions (ſo little to the adorning of the Proteſtant profeſsion, may occaſion a farther alienation of mind, &amp; divorce of affections in her
<pb n="38" facs="tcp:38600:23"/>
from that religion, which is the only thing wher<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>in we differ. Which yet God can, &amp; I pray he would in time take away, &amp; not ſuffer theſe pra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctiſes to be any obſtruction to her judgement; ſince it is the motion of thoſe men (for the moſt part) who are yet to ſeek and ſettle their Religion for Doctrine, Government, and good manners, and ſo not to be imputed to the true Engliſh Proteſtants; who continue firme to their for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mer ſetled Principles and Lawes.</p>
               <p>I am ſorry My relation to ſo deſerving a Lady, ſhould be any occaſion of her danger and affli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ction; whoſe merits would have ſerved her for a protection among the ſavage Indians; while their rudeneſſe and barbarity knows not ſo per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fectly to hate all Virtues, as ſome mens ſubtilty doth; among whom I yet think few are ſo mali<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cious as to hate Her for Her ſelf. The fault is, that She is my Wife.</p>
               <p>All juſtice then as well as affection commands me, to ſtudy her ſecurity, who is only in danger for my ſake: I am content to be toſſed, weather<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>beaten, &amp; ſhipwrackt, ſo as ſhe may be in ſafe<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> Harbour. This comfort I ſhall enjoy by her ſafety in the midſt of My Perſonal dangers, that I can periſh but halfe, if ſhe be preſerved: In whoſe memory, and hopefull Poſterity, I may yet ſurvive the malice of my enemies, although they ſhould be ſatiated with my bloud.</p>
               <p>I muſt leave Her, and them to the love &amp; loy<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>alty of my good ſubjects; &amp; to his protection,
<pb n="39" facs="tcp:38600:23"/>
who is able to puniſh the faults of Princes, and no leſſe ſeverely to reveng the injuries done to Them, by thoſe, who, in all duty and Allegiance, ought to have made good that ſafety, which the Lawes chiefly provide for Princes.</p>
               <p>But common civility is in vaine expected from thoſe, that diſpute their Loyalty: Nor can it be ſafe for any relation to a King, to tarry among them who are ſhaking hands with their Allegi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ance, under pretence of laying faſter hold on their Religion.</p>
               <p>'Tis pitty ſo noble and peacefull a ſoule ſhould ſee, much more ſuffer, the rudeneſſe of thoſe who muſt make up their want of juſtice, with inhumanity, and impudence.</p>
               <p>Her ſympathy with Me in My afflictions, will make her vertues ſhine with greater luſtre, as ſtars in the darke ſt nights; &amp; aſſure the envious world, that ſhe loves me, not my fortunes.</p>
               <p>Neither of us but can eaſily forgive, ſince we do not much blame the unkindneſſe of the Ge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nerality, and Vulgar; for we ſee God is pleaſed to try both our patience, by the moſt ſelf-puni<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſhing ſin, the Ingratitude of thoſe, who having eaten of our bread, and being enriched with Our bounty, have Scornfully lift up themſelves againſt Vs; and thoſe of Our owne Houſhold are become Our Enemies.</p>
               <p>I pray God lay not their ſin to their charge; who think to ſatisfie all obligations to duty, by their Corban of Religion; and can leſſe
<pb n="40" facs="tcp:38600:24"/>
endure to ſee, then to ſin againſt their benefa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctours, as well as their Soveraignes.</p>
               <p>But even that policy of my Enemies is ſo far veniall, as it was neceſſary to their deſignes, by ſcandalous Articles, and all irreverent demea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nour, to ſeek to drive her out of my Kingdomes; leſt, by the influence of Her example, eminent for love as a Wife, and Loyalty as a Subject, Shee ſhould have converted to, or retained in, their love, and Loyalty all thoſe whom they had a purpoſe to pervert.</p>
               <p>The leſſe I may be bleſt with Her company, the more I wil retire to God, and my owne Heart, whence no malice can baniſh Her. My Enemies may envy, but they can never deprive me of the enjoyment of her virtues, while I enjoy my ſelf.</p>
               <p>Thou, O Lord, whoſe Iustice at preſent ſees fit to ſcatter us, let thy mercy in thy due time, re<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>unite us, on earth, if it be thy will; however bring us both at laſt, to thy heavenly Kingdome.</p>
               <p>Preſerve us from the hands of our deſpitefull and deadly Enemies; and prepare us by our ſufferings for thy preſence.</p>
               <p>Though we differ in ſome things, as to Religion, (which is My greateſt temporall infelicity) yet Lord give, and accept the ſincerity of our affections, which deſire to ſeek, to find, to embrace every truth of thine.</p>
               <p>Let both our Hearts agree in the love of thy ſelfe, and Chriſt crucified for us.</p>
               <p>Teach us both what thou wouldſt have us to know, in order to thy glory, our publique relations, and
<pb n="41" facs="tcp:38600:24"/>
our ſoules eternall good, and make us carefull to doe what good we know.</p>
               <p>Let neither ignorance of what is neceſſary to be known, nor unbelief, or diſobedience to what we know, be our miſery or our wilfull default.</p>
               <p>Let not this great ſcandall of thoſe my Subiects, which profeſſe the ſame Religion with me, be any hindrance to her love of any Truth thou wouldſt have her to learne, nor any hardning of her in any errour, thou wouldſt have cleared to her.</p>
               <p>Let mine, and other mens conſtancy be an Anti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dote againſt the poyſon of their example.</p>
               <p>Let the Truth of that Religion I profeſſe, be re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>preſented to her Iudgement, with all the beauties of Humility, Loyalty, Charity, and Peaceableneſſe; which are the proper fruits, &amp; ornaments of it: Not in the odious diſguiſes of levity, Schiſme, Hereſie, Novelty, Cruelty, and Diſloyalty, which ſome mens practiſes have lately put upon it.</p>
               <p>Let her ſee thy ſacred and ſaving Truths, as Thine; that ſhe may believe, love and obey them as Thine, cleared from all ruſt and droſſe of humane mixtures. That in the glaſſe of thy Truth ſhee may ſee thee, in thoſe mercies which thou haſt offered to us, in thy Son Ieſus Chriſt, our only Saviour, &amp; ſerve thee in all th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ſe Holy duties, which moſt agree with his Holy Doctrine, and moſt imitable ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ample.</p>
               <p>The experience we have of the vanity and un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>certainty of all humane glory and greatneſſe in our ſcattering and eclypſes, let it make us both ſo
<pb n="42" facs="tcp:38600:25"/>
much the more ambitious to be inveſted in thoſe durable honours, and perfections, which are on<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly to be found in thy ſelfe, and obtained through Jeſus Chriſt.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="8" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>8.</hi> Vpon His Maieſties repulſe at <hi>Hull,</hi> and the fates of the <hi>Ho<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>thams.</hi>
               </head>
               <p>MY repulſe at <hi>Hull</hi> ſeemed at the firſt view an act of ſo rude diſloyalty, that My grea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>teſt Enemies had ſcarce confidence enough to abett, or owne it: It was the firſt overt Eſſay to be made, how patiently I could beare the Loſſe of My Kingdomes.</p>
               <p>God knowes, it affected me more with ſhame and ſorrow for others, then with anger for My <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>elfe; nor did the affront done to Me trouble Me ſo much as their ſinne, which admitted no colour or excuſe.</p>
               <p>I was reſolved how to beare this, and much more, with patience: But I foreſaw they could hardly conteine themſelves within the compaſſe of this one unworthy act, who had effrontery enough to commit, or countenance it: This was but the hand of that cloud, which was ſoone af<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ter to overſpread the whole Kingdom, and caſt all into diſorder and darkneſſe.</p>
               <p>For 'tis among the wicked Maximes of bold
<pb n="43" facs="tcp:38600:25"/>
and diſloyall Undertakers, that bad actions muſt alwaies be ſeconded with worſe, and rather not be begun then not carried on; for they think the retreat more dangerous then the aſſault, &amp; hate repentance more then perſeverance in a fault.</p>
               <p>This gave me to ſee clearly through all the pi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ous diſguiſes, and ſoft palliations of ſome men; whoſe words were ſomtime ſmoother then oyl, but now <hi>I</hi> ſaw they would prove very Swords.</p>
               <p>Againſt which I having (as yet) no defence, but that of a good conſcience, thought it my beſt pollicy [with patience] to bear what I could not remedy: And in this (I thank God) <hi>I</hi> had the better of HOTHAM, that no diſdain, or emotion of paſſion tranſported me, by the indignitie of his carriage, to do or ſay any thing, unbeſeeming my ſelfe, or unſutable to that temper, which, in greateſt injuries, I think, beſt becoms a Chriſti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>an, as coming neareſt to the great example of Chriſt.</p>
               <p>And, indeed, I deſire alwayes more to remem<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ber I am a Chriſtian, than a King; for, what the Majeſty of one might juſtly abhor, the charity of the other is wiling to bear; what the height of a King tempteth to revenge, the humility of a Chriſtian teacheth to forgive. Keeping in com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>paſſe all thoſe impotent paſſions, whoſe exceſſe injures a man, more then his greateſt Enemies can; for theſe give their malice a full impreſſion on our ſoules, which otherwaies cannot reach very farre, nor do us much hurt.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="44" facs="tcp:38600:26"/>
I cannot but obſerve how God not long after, ſo pleaded, and avenged My cauſe, in the eye of the world, that the moſt wilfully blind cannot avoid the diſpleaſure to ſee it, and with ſome re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>morſe and fear to own it as a notable ſtroke, and prediction of divine vengeance.</p>
               <p>For, Sir <hi>Iohn Hotham</hi> unreproached, unthreat<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ned, uncurſed by any language or ſecret impre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cation of Mine, only blaſted with the conſcience of his own wickedneſſe, and falling from one in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>conſtancy to another, not long after paies his owne and his eldeſt Sons heads, as forfeitures of their diſloyalty, to thoſe men from whom ſure<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly he might have expected another reward then thus to divide their heads from their bodies, whoſe hearts with them were divided from their KING.</p>
               <p>Nor is it ſtrange that they who imployed them at firſt in ſo high a ſervice, and ſo ſucceſſefull to them, ſhould not find mercy enough to for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>give Him, who had ſo much premerited of them For, Apoſtacy unto Loyalty ſome men account the moſt unpardonable ſinne.</p>
               <p>Nor did a ſolitary vengeance ſerve the turne, the cutting off one head in a Family is not e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nough to expiate the affront don to the head of the commonweal. The eldeſt ſon muſt be invol<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ved in the puniſhment, as he was infected with the ſinne of the Father, againſt the Father of his country: root &amp; branch God cuts off in one day.</p>
               <p>Theſe obſervations are obvious to every fancy: God knows, I was ſo far from rejoy<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cing
<pb n="45" facs="tcp:38600:26"/>
in the <hi>Hotham's</hi> ruine, (though it were ſuch as were able to give the greateſt thirſt for re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>venge a ful draught, being executed by them, who firſt imployed him againſt Me) that I ſo far pi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tied him, as I thought he at firſt acted more a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt the light of his Conſcience, then I hope many other men do in the ſame cauſe.</p>
               <p>For, he was never thought to be of that ſuper<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtitious ſowrneſſe, which ſome men pretend to, in matters of Religion; which ſo darkens their judgment that they cannot ſee any thing of Sin and Rebellion in thoſe means they uſe, with in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tents to refrom to their Models, what they call Religion; who think all is Gold of piety, which doth but gliſter with a ſhew of Zeale &amp; ferven<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cy.</p>
               <p>Sir <hi>John Hotham</hi> was (I think) a man of ano<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther temper, and ſo moſt liable to thoſe down<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>right temptations of ambition, which have no cloak or cheat of religion to impoſe upon them<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſelves or others.</p>
               <p>That which makes me more pity him is, that after he begun to have ſome inclinations to<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>wards a repentance for his ſinne, and reparations of his duty to Me, He ſhould be ſo unhappy as to fall into the hands of their Juſtice, and not my Mercy, who could as willingly have forgi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ven him, as he could have asked that favour of Me. For I think clemency a debt, which wee ought to pay to thoſe that crave it, when wee have cauſe to beleive they would not after a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>buſe
<pb n="46" facs="tcp:38600:27"/>
it, ſince God himſelf ſuffers us not to pay any thing for his mercy but only prayers and praiſes.</p>
               <p>Poor Gentleman, he is now become a noteable monument of unproſperous diſloyalty, teaching the world by ſo ſad and unfortunate a ſpectacle, that the rude carriage of a Subject towards his Soveraigne carries alwayes its own vengeance, as an unſeparable ſhadow with it, and thoſe oft prove the moſt fatall, and implacable Executi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>oners of it, who were the firſt imployers in the ſervice.</p>
               <p>After-times will diſpute it, whether Hotham were more infamous at Hull, or at Tower-hill, though 'tis certain that no puniſhment ſo ſtains a mans Honour, as wilfull perpetrations of un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>worthy actions, which beſides the conſcience of the ſin, brands with moſt indelible characters of infamy, the name &amp; memory to poſterity, who not engaged in the Factions of the times, have the moſt impartiall reflections on the actions. <hi>But thou, O Lord who haſt in ſo remarkable a way a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>venged thy ſervant, ſuffer me not to take any ſecret pleaſure in it, for as his death hath ſatisfyed the iniury he did to me, ſo let me not by it gratifie any paſſion in me, lest I make thy vengeance to be mine, &amp; conſider the affront againſt me, more then the ſinne againſt thee.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>Thou indeed, without any deſire or endeavour of mine, haſt made his miſchief to return on his own head, and his violent dealing to come down on his own pate.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="47" facs="tcp:38600:27"/>
Thou haſt pleaded my cauſe, even before the ſons of men, and taken the matter into thine own hands; that men may know it was thy work, and ſee that thou, Lord, haſt done it.</p>
               <p>I do not, I dare not ſay, ſo let mine enemies periſh O Lord! yea Lord, rather give them repentance, pardon, and impunity, if it be thy bleſſed will.</p>
               <p>Let not thy iuſtice prevent the obiects and oppor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tunities of my mercy: yea, let them live and amend who have moſt offended me in ſo high a nature: that I may have thoſe to forgive, who beare moſt propor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tion in their offences to thoſe treſpaſſes againſt thy Maieſty, which I hope thy mercy hath forgiven me.</p>
               <p>Lord lay not their ſins (who yet live) to their charge for condemnation, but to their conſciences for amendment: Let the lightning of this Thun<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>derbolt, which hath been ſo ſevere a puniſhment to one, be a torrour to all.</p>
               <p>Diſcover to them their ſinne, who know not they have done amiſſe: and ſcare them from their ſinne, that ſin of malicious wickedneſſe.</p>
               <p>That, preventing thy Iudgements by their true repentance, they may eſcape the ſtrokes of thine eter<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nall vengeance.</p>
               <p>And do thou, O Lord, eſtabliſh the Throne of thy ſervant in mercy, and truth meeting together: let my Crown ever flouriſh in righteouſneſſe and peace, kiſſing each other.</p>
               <p>Heare my prayer, O Lord, who haſt taught us to pray for, to do good to, and to love our Enemies, for thy ſake: who haſt prevented us with offertures of
<pb n="48" facs="tcp:38600:28"/>
thy love, even when we were thine Enemies, and haſt ſent thy Son Ieſus Chriſt to die for us, when we were diſpoſed to crucifie him.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="9" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>9.</hi> 
                  <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>pon the liſting, and raiſing Ar<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mies againſt the <hi>King.</hi>
               </head>
               <p>I Finde that I am at the ſame point and poſture I was when they forced Me to leave <hi>White-Hall:</hi> what Tumults could not doe, an Army muſt; which is but Tumults liſted, and enrolled too a better order, but as bad an end: My re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceſſe hath given them confidence that I may be conquered.</p>
               <p>And ſo I eaſily may as to any outward ſtrength<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> which, God knowes, is little or none at all: But I have a Soule invincible through Gods grace en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>abling Me; here I am ſure to be Conqueror, if God will give Me ſuch a meaſure of Conſtan<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cy, as to feare him more then man: and to love the inward peace of My Conſcience, before any outward tranquility.</p>
               <p>And muſt I be oppoſed with force; becauſe they have not reaſon wherewith to convince Me? O My Soule! be of good courage, they confeſſe their knowne weakneſſe, as to truth and Juſtice, who chooſe rather to contend by Armies then by Arguments.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="49" facs="tcp:38600:28"/>
Is this the reward and thanks that I am to re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceive for thoſe many Acts of Grace I have late<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly paſſed, and for thoſe many Indignities I have endured? Is there no way left to make Me a glo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rious KING but by My ſufferings?</p>
               <p>It is a hard and diſputable choice for a King, that loves his People, and deſires their love, ei<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther to kill his own Subjects, or to be killed by them.</p>
               <p>Are the hazards and miſeries of Civill War in the bowels of My moſt flouriſhing King<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dome, the fruits I muſt now reap, after 17. years living and reigning among them, with ſuch a meaſure of Juſtice, Peace, Plenty, and Religion, as all Nations about either admired, or envied? notwithſtanding ſome miſcarriages in Govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment, which might eſcape; rather through ill counſell of ſome men driving on their private ends, or the peeviſhnes of others envying the publike ſhould be managed without them, or the hidden and inſuperable neceſſities of State, then any propenſity, I hope, of my ſelfe either to injuriouſnes or oppreſſion.</p>
               <p>Whoſe innocent bloud during My Reign have I ſhed, to ſatisfie My luſt, anger, or covetouſnes? what Widdowes or Orphans tears can witneſſe againſt me, the juſt cry of which muſt now be avenged with My own bloud? For the hazards of War are equall, nor doth the Cannon know any reſpect of Perſons.</p>
               <p>In vaine is My Perſon excepted by a Paren<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>theſis
<pb n="50" facs="tcp:38600:29"/>
of words, when ſo many hands are ar<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>med againſt Me with Swords.</p>
               <p>God knowes how much I have ſtudied to ſe<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> what ground of Juſtice is alledged for this Wa againſt Me; that ſo I might (by giving juſt ſatis<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>faction) either prevent, or ſoone end ſo unna<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>turall a motion; which (to many men) ſeem<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> rather the productions of a ſurfeit of peace, an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> wantonneſſe of minds, or of private diſcontents Ambition and Faction (which eaſily find, o make cauſes of quarrell) then any reall obſtru<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctions of publick Juſtice, or Parliamentary Pri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>viledge.</p>
               <p>But this is pretended, and this I muſt be ab<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> to avoid and anſwer before God in My ow<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Conſcience; however ſome men are not wi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ling to believe Me, leſt they ſhould condem<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> themſelves.</p>
               <p>VVhen I firſt with drew from <hi>White-hall,</hi> 
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> ſee if I could allay the inſolency of the Tumul<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> of the not ſuppreſſing of which no account i Reaſon can be given, (where an orderly Gua<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> was granted, but only to oppreſſe both Mine a<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> the Two Houſes freedome of declaring and vo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ting according to every mans Conſcience) wh<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> obſtructions of Juſtice were there further the this that what ſeemed juſt to one man, might n<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> ſeeme ſo to another? VVhom did I by pow<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> protect againſt the Juſtice of Parliament?</p>
               <p>That ſome men withdrew, who feared t<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> partiality of their tryal, (warned by My Lo<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <pb n="51" facs="tcp:38600:29"/>
of Straffords death) while the vulgar threatned to be their Oppreſſors, and Judgers of their jud<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ges, was from that inſtinct, which is in all crea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tures to preſerve themſelves. If any others refu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed to appear, where they evidently ſaw the cur: rent of Iuſtice &amp; freedom ſo ſtopped and trou<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bled by the Rabble, that their lawfull Judges ei<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther durſt not come to the houſes, or not declare their ſenſe with liberty &amp; ſafety, it cannot ſeem ſtrange to any reaſonable man; when the ſole expoſing them to publick <hi>odium</hi> was enough to ruine them, before the cauſe could be heard or tryed.</p>
               <p>Had not factious Tumults overborn the Free<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dom and Honour of the two Houſes; had they aſſerted their Iuſtice againſt them, &amp; made the way open for all the Members quietly to come and declare their Conſciences; I know no man ſo dear to Me, whom I had the leaſt inclination to adviſe either to withdraw himſelfe, or deny ap<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pearing upon their ſummons, to whoſe ſentence according to Law, I think every Subject bound to ſtand. Diſtempers (indeed) were riſen to ſo great a height, for want of timely repreſſing the vulgar inſolencies; that the greateſt guilt of thoſe which were Voted &amp; demanded as Delinquents was this, That they would not ſuffer themſelves o be over-aw'd with the Tumults, and their Pa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ons; nor compelled to abet by their ſuffrages, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>r preſence; the deſigns of thoſe men who agi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ated innovations, and ruine both in Church &amp; <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="2 letters">
                     <desc>••</desc>
                  </gap>ate.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="52" facs="tcp:38600:30"/>
In this point I could not but approve their generous conſtancy and catiouſneſſe; further then this I did never allow any mans refracto<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rineſſe againſt the Priviledges and Orders of the Houſes; to whom I wiſhed nothing more, then Safety, Fulneſſe, and Freedom.</p>
               <p>But, the truth is, ſome men, and thoſe not ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny, deſpairing in fair and parliamentary ways, by free deliberations and Votes, to gain the concur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rence of the Major part of Lords and Common<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> betook themſelves (by the deſperate activity o factious Tumults) to ſift and terrifie away a<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> thoſe Members whom they ſaw to be of contra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ry minds to their purpoſes.</p>
               <p>How oft was the buſineſſe of the Biſhops en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>joying their Ancient places, and undoubted Pri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>viledges in the Houſe of Peers, carried for the<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> by far the Major part of Lords. Yet after fi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> repulſes, contrary to all Order and Cuſtome, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> was by tumultuary inſtigations obtruded again and by a few carried, when moſt of the Pee<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> were forced to abſent themſelvs.</p>
               <p>In like manner, was the Bill againſt Root a<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Branch brought on by tumultuary Clamours, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> ſchiſmaticall Terrours; which could never paſ<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> till both houſes were ſufficiently thinned a<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> over-awed. To which Partiality, while in all re<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſon, Juſtice, and Religion, My conſcience forb<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Me by conſenting to make up their Votes <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Acts of Parliament, I muſt now be urged wi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> an Army, and conſtrained either to hazard M
<pb n="53" facs="tcp:38600:30"/>
owne, and My Kingdoms ruins, by My Defence; or proſtrate My Conſcience to the blind obedi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ence of thoſe men, whoſe zealous ſuperſtition thinks, or pretends, they cannot do God and the Church a greater ſervice, than utterly to deſtroy that Primitive, Apoſtolicall, and anciently U<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>niverſall Government of the Church by Bi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſhops.</p>
               <p>Which if other mens Iudgements bind them to maintaine, or forbids them to conſent to the aboliſhing of it, Mine much more, who, be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſides the grounds I have in My Iudgement, have alſo a moſt ſtrikt and indiſpenſable Oath upon My Conſcience, to preſerve that Order, and the Rights of the Church; to which, (moſt Sacrilegious and abhorred Perjury,) moſt un-beſeeming a Chriſtian King, ſhould I ever by giving My conſent, be betrayed, I ſhould ac<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>count it infinitely greater miſety, then any hath, or can befall Me; in as much, as the leaſt ſinne hath more evill in it, then the greateſt affliction. Had I gratified their Anti-epiſcopall Faction at firſt in this point, with My conſent; and ſacrifi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ced the Eccleſiaſticall Government, and Reve<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nues, to the fury of their covetouſneſſe, ambiti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on, and Revenge, I believe they would then have found no colourable neceſſity of rai<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſing an Army to fetch in, and puniſh Delin<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>quents.</p>
               <p>That I conſented to the Bill of putting the Biſhops out of the Houſe of Peers, was done
<pb n="54" facs="tcp:38600:31"/>
with a firme perſwaſion of their contentedn<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> to ſuffer a preſent diminution in their Rights and Honour for My ſake, and the Common weals; which I was confident they would readi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly yeeld unto rather then occaſion (by the lea<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> obſtruction on their part) any dangers to Me, o to My Kingdome. That I cannot adde My con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſent for the totall extirpation of that Govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment (which I have often offered to all fit regu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lations) hath ſo much further tie upon My Con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſcience, as what I think Religious and Apoſto<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>licall; and ſo very Sacred and Divine, as no to be diſpenſed with, or deſtroyed; when what <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> only of civill Favor, and priviledge of Hono<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> granted to men of that Order, may with the<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> conſent, who are concerned in it, be annu<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> led.</p>
               <p>This is the true ſtate of thoſe obſtruction pretended to be in point of Juſtice and Authori<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty of Parliament; when, I call God to witne<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> I knew none of ſuch conſequence as was wort ſpeaking of a VVarre, being only ſuch as J<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtice, Reaſon, and Religion had made in My ow and ther mens Conſciences.</p>
               <p>Afterwards indeed a great ſhew of Delin<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>quents was made; which were but conſeque<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ces neceſſarily following upon Mine, or other withdrawing from, or defence againſt vi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lence: but thoſe could not be the firſt occaſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on of raiſing an Army againſt Me. VVherein was ſo far from preventing them, (as the
<pb n="55" facs="tcp:38600:31"/>
have declared often, that they might ſeeme to have the advantage and Juſtice of the defenſive part, and load Me with all the envy &amp; injuries of firſt aſſaulting them) that God knows, I had not ſo much as any hopes of an army in My thoughts. Had the Tumults been Honourably and effectually repreſſed by exemplary Iuſtice, and the liberty of the Houſes ſo vindicated, that all Members of either houſe might with Honour and Freedome, becoming ſuch a Senate, have come and diſcharged their Conſciences, I had obtained all that I deſigned by My withdrawing, and had much more willingly, and ſpeedily re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>turned then I retired; this being my neceſſity driving, the other my choiſe deſiring.</p>
               <p>But ſome men knew, I was like to bring the ſame judgement and conſtancy, which I carry with me, which would never fit their deſignes<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> and ſo while they invited me to come, and grei<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vouſly complain'd of my abſence, yet they could not but be pleaſed with it: eſpecially when they had found out that plaſible and popular pretext of raiſing an Army to fetch in De<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>linquents: when all that while they never puniſhed the greateſt and moſt intolerable Delinquency of the Tumults, and their Ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>citers, which drave my ſelfe, and ſo many of both Houſes from their places, by moſt bar<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>barous indignities, which yet in all reaſon and Honour, they were as loath to have deſerted
<pb n="56" facs="tcp:38600:32"/>
as thoſe others were willing they ſhould, that ſo they might have occaſion to perſecute them with the Injuries of an Army, for not ſuffering more tamely the Injuries of the Tumults.</p>
               <p>That this is the true ſtate, and firſt drift and de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſigne in raiſing an Army againſt Me, is by the ſequell ſo evident, that all other pretences va<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>niſh. For when they declared by Propoſitions, or Treaties, what they would have to appeaſe them; there was nothing of conſequence offered to Me, or demanded of Me, as any originall dif<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ference in any point of Law, or order of Juſtice. But among other leſſer Innovations, this chiefly was urged, The Abolition of Epiſcopall, and the Eſtabliſhment of Presbyterian Govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment.</p>
               <p>All other things at any time propounded were either impertinent as to any ground of a War, or eaſily granted by Me, and only to make up a number, or elſe they were meerly conſequenti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>all, and acceſſary, after the Warre was by them unjuſtly began.</p>
               <p>I cannot hinder other mens thoughts, whom the noiſe and ſhew of piety, and heat for Re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>formation and Religion, might eaſily ſo fill with prejudice, that all equality and clearneſſe of judgement might be obſtructed. But this was, and is, as to my beſt obſervation, the true ſtate of affaires betweene us, when they firſt raiſed an Army, with this deſigne, either to ſtop My mouth, or to force My conſent: and
<pb n="57" facs="tcp:38600:32"/>
in this truth, as to My conſcience, (who was (God knowes) as far from meditating a VVar, as I was in the eye of the world from having any preparation for one) I find that comfort, that in the midſt of all the unfortunate ſuc<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceſſes of this VVar, on My ſide, I do not think My Innocencie any whit prejudiced or darkned; Nor am I without that integrity, and Peace be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fore God, as with humble confidence to ad<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dreſſe My Prayer to Him.</p>
               <p>For Thou, O Lord, ſeeſt clearly through all the cloudings of humane affaires; Thou Judgeſt with<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>out preiudice: Thy Omniſcience eternally guids thy unerrable Iudgement.</p>
               <p>O my God, the proud are riſen againſt me, and the aſſemblies of violent men have ſought after my ſoule, and have not ſet Thee before their eyes.</p>
               <p>Conſider my Enemies, O Lord, for they are many, &amp; they hate me with deadly hatred, without a cauſe.</p>
               <p>For Thou knoweſt, I had no paſſion, deſigne or preparation to embroyle My Kingdoms in a Civill War; whereto I had leaſt temptation; as knowing I muſt adventure more then any, and could gaine leaſt of any by it.</p>
               <p>Thou O Lord, art my witneſſe how oft I have de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>plored, and ſtudied to divert the neceſſity thereof, wherein I cannot well be thought ſo prodigally thir<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſty of my Subiects blood, as to venture my own life, which I have bin oft compelled to do<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> in this un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>happy Warre; and which were better ſpent to ſave then to deſtroy my People.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="58" facs="tcp:38600:33"/>
O Lord; I need much of thy grace, with patience to bear the many afflictions thou haſt ſuffered ſome men to bring upon me; but much more to bear the uniust reproaches of thoſe, who not content that I ſuffer moſt by warre, will needs perſwade the world that I have raiſed firſt, or given juſt cauſe to raiſe it.</p>
               <p>The confidence of ſome mens falſe tougues is ſuch, that they would make me almost ſuspect my own In<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nocency yea, I could be content (at leaſt by my ſilence) to take upon me ſo great a guilt before men, If by that I might allay the malice of my Enemies, &amp; re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>deeme My People from this miſerable Warre; ſince thou O Lord knoweſt my Innocency in this thing. Thou wilt find out bloudy &amp; deceitfull men; many of whom have not lived out half their dayes, in which they promiſed themſelvs the enioyment of the fruits of their violent and wicked Councells.</p>
               <p>Save, O Lord thy ſervant, as hitherto thou haſt; and in thy due time ſcatter the people that delight in War.</p>
               <p>Ariſe O Lord, lift up thy ſelfe, becauſe of the rage of mine Enemyes, which encreaſeth more and more: Behold them that have conceived miſchief, travelled with iniquity, and brought forth fal<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſhood.</p>
               <p>Thou knowest the chief deſigne of this Warre is, either to deſtroy my Perſon, or force My Iudgement, and to make Me renege my Conſcience and thy Truth.</p>
               <p>I am driven to croſſe Davids choice; and de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſire
<pb n="59" facs="tcp:38600:33"/>
rather to fall into the hands of men, by denying them, (though their mercy be cruell) then into thy hands by ſinning againſt My Conſcience, and in that againſt thee, who art a conſuming fire; Bet<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ter they deſtroy Me, then thou ſhouldeſt damne Me.</p>
               <p>Be thou ever the defence of My ſoule, who wilt ſave the upright in heart.</p>
               <p>If nothing but My bloud will ſatisfie My Ene<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mies, or quench the flames of My Kingdomes, or thy temporall Iuſtice, I am content, if it be thy will, that it be ſhed by Mine owne Subiects hands.</p>
               <p>But O let the bloud of Me, though their King, yet a ſinner, be daſhed with the bloud of My Inno<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cent and peace-making Redeemer, for in that thy Iuſtice, will find not only a temporary expiation, but an eternall plenary ſatisfaction; both for my ſins, and the ſins of my People; whom I beſeech thee ſtill owne for thine; and when thy wrath is appeaſed by my Death, O Remember thy great mercies toward them, and forgive them, O my Father, for they know not what they doe.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="10" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>10<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
                  </hi> 
                  <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>pon their ſeizing the Kings Magazines, Forts, Navy, and Militia.</head>
               <p>HOw untruly I am Charged with the firſt raiſing of an ARMY, and beginning
<pb n="60" facs="tcp:38600:34"/>
this Civill Warre, the eyes that only pitty me, and the Loyall hearts that durſt only pray for me, at firſt, might witneſſe, which yet appeare not ſo many on my ſide, as there were men in Arms liſted againſt me; my unpreparedneſſe for a War ma<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> well diſ-hearten thoſe that would help me; while it argues (truly) my unwilling<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe to fight, yet it teſtifies for Me, that I am ſet on the defenſive part; having ſo little hopes or power to offend others, that I have none to de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fend my ſelfe, or to preſerve what is mine own from their prereption.</p>
               <p>No man can doubt but they prevented Me, in their purpoſes, as well as their injuries, who are ſo much before-hand in their preparations a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt Me, and ſurprizalls of My ſtrength. Such as are not for Them, yet dare not be for Me; ſo overaw'd is their Loyalty by the others numbers and terrours. I beleive my Innocency, and un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>preparedneſſe to aſſert my Rights and Honour, makes Me the more guilty in their eſteem; who would not ſo eaſily have declared a war againſt Me, if I had firſt aſſaulted them.</p>
               <p>They knew my chiefeſt Arms left Me, were thoſe only, which the ancient Chriſtians were wont to uſe againſt their Perſecutors, Prayers and Tears. Theſe may ſerve a good mans turn, if not to Conquer as a Souldier, yet to Suffer as a Martyr.</p>
               <p>Their preventing of Me, and ſurprizing My Caſtles, Forts, Armes, and Navy, with the
<pb n="61" facs="tcp:38600:34"/>
Militia, is ſo far beſt for Me, That it may drive me from putting any truſt in the arme of fleſh, and wholy to caſt my ſelf into the protection of the living God, who can ſave by few, or none, as well as by many.</p>
               <p>He that made the greedy Ravens to be ELYAS Caterers, and bring him foode, may alſo make their ſurprizall of outward force and defence, an opportunity to ſhew me the ſpeciall ſupport of his power and protection.</p>
               <p>I thank God I reckon not now the want of the Militia ſo much in reference to My owne prote<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ction as My Peoples<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
               </p>
               <p>Their many and ſore oppreſſions greive Me, I am above My Owne; what I want in the hands of Force and Power, I have in the wings of faith and Prayer.</p>
               <p>But this is the ſtrange method theſe Men will needs take to reſolve their riddle of making me a glorious King, by taking away my Kingly power: Thus I ſhall become a ſupport to My Freinds, and a Terrour to My Enemies, by being unable to ſuccour the one, or ſuppreſs the other. For thus have they deſigned, &amp; propoſed to Me the new-modelling of Soveraignty and king<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſhip; as without any reality of power, ſo with<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>out any neceſſity of ſubjection and obedience; That the Majeſty of the Kings of England might hereafter hang like Mahomets Tomb, by a mag<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>netique Charm, between the Power and Privi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ledges of the two Houſes in an aiery imaginati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on of Regality.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="62" facs="tcp:38600:35"/>
But, I believe, the ſurfet of too much Power, which ſome men have greedily ſeiz'd on, &amp; now ſeek wholly to devour, wil ere long make the Common-wealth ſick both of it and them, ſince they cannot well digeſt it; Soveraigne Power in Subjects ſeldome agreeing with the ſtomacks of fellow Subjects.</p>
               <p>Yet I have even in this point of the conſtant <hi>Militia</hi> ſought, by ſatisfying their feares, and importunities, both to ſecure My Freinds, &amp; o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vercom Mine enemies, to gain the peace of al, by depriving My ſelf of a ſole power to helpe, or hurt any: yeilding the <hi>Militia</hi> (which is my un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>doubted Right no leſſe than the Crowne) to be diſpoſed of; as the two Houſes ſhall thinke fit, during My time.</p>
               <p>So willing am I to bury all jealouſies of me, in them, &amp; to live above all jealouſies of them, as to My ſelf; I deſire not to be ſafer than I wiſh them &amp; My People, if I had the ſole actuall diſpoſing of the <hi>Militia,</hi> I could not pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tect My People, further than they protected Me, &amp; themſelvs: ſo that the uſe of the <hi>Militia</hi> is mutuall. I would but defend My ſelf ſo far, as to be able to defend My good Subjects from thoſe mens violence and fraud, who conſcious to their own evill merits and deſignes, will needs per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſwade the world, that none but Wolves are fit to be truſted with the cuſtody of the Shepheard and his Flock. Miſerable experience hath taught My Subjects, ſince Power hath beene wreſted
<pb n="63" facs="tcp:38600:35"/>
from Me, and imployed againſt Me and Them, that neither can be ſafe, if both be not in ſuch a way as the Law hath entruſted the publique ſafety and welfare.</p>
               <p>Yet even this Conſeſſion of Mine as to the exerciſe of the <hi>Militia,</hi> ſo vaſt and large, is not ſatisfactory to ſome men; which ſeeme to be Enemies not to Me onely, but to all Monarchy; and are reſolved to tranſmit to poſterity ſuch Jealouſies of the Crowne, as they ſhould never permit it to enjoy its juſt and neceſſary Rights, in point of Power; to which (at laſt) all Law is reſolved, while thereby it is beſt protected.</p>
               <p>But here Honour and Juſtice, due to My Suc<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceſſors, forbid Me to yeild to ſuch a totall alie<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nation of that power from them, which civility and duty (no leſſe then juſtice and honour) ſhould have forbad them to have asked of Me.</p>
               <p>For, although I can be content to Eclypſe My owne beames, to ſatisfie their feares, who think they muſt needs be ſcorched or blinded, if I ſhould ſhine in the full luſture of Kingly Power, wherewith God and the Lawes have inveſted Me; yet I will never conſent to put out the Sun of Soveraignty to all Poſterity, and ſucceeding Kings; whoſe juſt recovery of their Rights, from unjuſt uſurpations and ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tortions, ſhall never be prejudiced or obſtru<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cted by any Act of Mine; which indeed would not be more injurious to ſucceeding Kings, than to My Subjects; whom I deſire
<pb n="64" facs="tcp:38600:36"/>
to leave in a condition not wholly deſperate for the future; ſo as by a Law to be ever ſubjected to thoſe many factious diſtractions, which muſt needs follow the many-headed <hi>Hydra</hi> of Go<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vernment: which, as it makes a ſhew to the People to have more eyes to foreſee, ſo they wil find it hath more mouths too, which muſt be ſa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tisfied: and (at beſt) it hath rather a monſtroſity, than any thing of perfection, beyond that of right Monarchy; where counſell may be in ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny as the ſenſes, but the ſupreame Power can be but in One as the Head.</p>
               <p>Happily, when men have tried the horrours and malignant influence which will certainly follow My enforced darkneſſe and Eclypſe, (occaſioned by the interpoſition and ſhaddow of that body, which as the Moon receiveth its chiefeſt light from Me) they will at length more eſteem and welcome the reſtored glory and bleſſing of the Suns light.</p>
               <p>And, if at preſent I may ſeem by My receding ſo much from the uſe of My Right in the power of the <hi>Militia,</hi> to come ſhort of the diſcharge of that truſt, to which I am ſworne for My Peo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ples protection. I conceive thoſe men are guil<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty of the enforced perjury, (if ſo it may ſeem) who compell Me to take this new and ſtrange way of diſcharging My truſt, by ſeeming to de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſert it; of protecting My Subjects, by expoſing My ſelfe to danger or diſhonour, for their ſafe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty and quiet.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="65" facs="tcp:38600:36"/>
VVhich, in the conflicts of Civill VVar and advantages of Power, cannot be effected but by ſome ſide yeilding; to which the greateſt love of the publique Peace, and the firmeſt aſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſurance of Gods protection (ariſing from a good conſcience) doth more invite Me, than can be expected from other mens fears; which ari<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſing from the injuſtice of their Actions (though never ſo ſucceſſefull) yet dare not adventure their Authors upon any other way of ſafety then that of the Sword and <hi>Militia;</hi> which yet are but weak defences againſt the ſtroaks of di<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vine vengeance, which will overtake; or of mens owne Conſciences, which alwayes at<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tend injurious perpetraſions.</p>
               <p>For my ſelfe, I do not think that I can want a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny thing which providentiall neceſſity is plea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed to take from Me, in order to my Peoples tranquillity and Gods glory, whoſe protection is ſufficient for me; and he is able, by his be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing with me, abundantly to compenſate to Me, as he did to <hi>Iob,</hi> what ever honour, power, or li<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>berty the Caldeans, the Sabeans, or the Devill himſelfe can deprive Me of.</p>
               <p>Although they take from Me all defence of Armes and <hi>Militia;</hi> all refuge by Land, of Forts, and Caſtles; all flight by Sea in My Ships, and Navie; yea, though they ſtudy to Rob me of the Hearts of my Subjects, the greateſt Treaſure &amp; beſt Ammunition of a King, yet cannot they deprive me of my own innocency, or Gods mer<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cy
<pb n="66" facs="tcp:38600:37"/>
nor obſtruct My way to Heaven-</p>
               <p>Therefore, O my God, to thee I flye for help, if th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> wilt be on my ſide, J ſhall have more with we the can be againſt me.</p>
               <p>There is none in Heaven, or in Earth, that I d<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſire in compariſon of thee; In the loſs of all, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> thou more then all to me: Make haſt to ſuccour <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> thou that never faileſt them, that put their truſt <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> thee.</p>
               <p>Thou ſeest I have no power to oppoſe them th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> come againſt me, who are encouraged to fight und<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> the pretence of fighting for me: But my eyes a<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> toward thee.</p>
               <p>Thou needeſt no help, nor ſhall I, if I may ha<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> thine; If not to conquer, yet at leaſt to ſuffer.</p>
               <p>If thou delightest not in my ſafety, &amp; proſperi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> behold here am I, willing to be reduced to what th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> wilt have me; whoſe Judgements oft begin with <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> own Children.</p>
               <p>I am content to be nothing, that thou mayſt be all<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
               </p>
               <p>Thou hast taught me, That no King can be ſav<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> by the multitude of an Hoſt; but yet thou canſt ſa<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> me by the multitude of thy mercyes, who art the L<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> of Hoſts, and the Father of mercies.</p>
               <p>Help Me, O Lord, who am ſore diſtreſſed on e<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ry ſide; yet be thou on my ſide, and I ſhall not fe<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> what man can do unto me. I will give thy juſti the glory of mydistreſſe.</p>
               <p>O let thy mercy have the glory of my delivra<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> from them that perſecute my Soule!</p>
               <p>By my ſinnes have I fought againſt thee, a<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <pb n="67" facs="tcp:38600:37"/>
robbed thee of thy glory, who am thy ſubiect; and iuſtly mayſt thou, by my owne Subiects, ſtrip me of my ſtrength, and eclypſe my glory.</p>
               <p>But ſhew thy ſelfe, O my hope, and only refuge! Let not mine Enemies ſay, There is no help for him in his God.</p>
               <p>Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my foot<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſteps ſlip not.</p>
               <p>Keep me as the apple of thine eye, hide me under the ſh<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ddow of thy wings.</p>
               <p>Shew thy marveilous loving kindneſſe, O thou that ſaveſt by thy right hand them that put their truſt in thee, from thoſe that riſe up againſt them.</p>
               <p>From the wicked that oppreſſe me, from my dead<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly Enemies that compaſſe me about.</p>
               <p>Shew me the path of life. In thy preſence is ful<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe of Ioy, at thy right hand there are pleaſures for evermore.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="11" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>11.</hi> Vpon the <hi>19<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
                  </hi> Propoſitions firſt ſent to the <hi>King;</hi> and more after<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>wards.</head>
               <p>ALthough there be many things, they de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mand, yet if theſe be all, I am glad to ſee at what price they ſet My owne ſafety, and My Peoples peace; which I cannot thinke I buye at too deare a rate, ſave onely
<pb n="68" facs="tcp:38600:38"/>
the parting with my Conſcience and Honour. If nothing elſe will ſatisfye, I muſt chuſe rathe<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> to be as miſerable, and inglorious, as My Ene<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mies can make or wiſh Me.</p>
               <p>Some things here propounded to me have bi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> offered by me; Others are eaſily granted; The reſt <hi>(I</hi> think) ought not to be obtruded upon me with the point of the Sword; nor urged with th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> injuries of a war; when I have already declare<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> that I cannot yeild to them, without violatin<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> my Conſcience: 'tis ſtrange, there can be n<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> method of peace, but by making Warre upo<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> My Soul.</p>
               <p>Here are many things required of me; but <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> ſee nothing offer'd to me, by the way of grate<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>full exchange of Honour; or any requitall fo<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> thoſe favours, I have, or can yet grant them.</p>
               <p>This Honour they doe me, to put me o<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> the giving part, which is more princely an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> divine. They cannot ask more than I can give, may I but reſerve to my ſelf the incommunica<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ble Jewell of my Conſcience; and not be for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ced to part with that, whoſe loſs nothing ca<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> repair or requite.</p>
               <p>Some things (which they are pleaſed to pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pound) ſeem unreaſonable to Me; and whil<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> I have any maſtery of My Reaſon, how ca<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> they think I can conſent to them? who kno<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> they be ſuch as are inconſiſtent with being eithe<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> a KING, or a good Chriſtian. My yeilding ſo much (as I have already) makes ſome men con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fident I will deny nothing.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="69" facs="tcp:38600:38"/>
The love I have of My Peoples peace, hath (indeed) great influence upon me; but the love of Truth, and inward peace, hath more.</p>
               <p>Should I grant ſome things they require, I ſhould not ſo much weaken My outward ſtate of a King; as wound that inward quiet of My Conſcience, which ought to be, is, and ever ſhall be (by Gods grace) dearer to Me than My king<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>domes.</p>
               <p>Some things which a King might approve yet in Honour &amp; Policy are at ſome time to be de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nyed, to ſome men, leſt he ſhould ſeeme not to dare to deny any thing; and give too much in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>couragement to unreaſonable Demands, or im<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>portunities.</p>
               <p>But to bind My ſelfe to a generall and impli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cite conſent, to what ever they ſhall deſire, or propound, (for ſuch is one of their Propoſiti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons) were ſuch a latitude of blind obedience, as never was expected from any Free-man, nor fit to be required of any man, much leſſe of a King, by His owne Subjects; any of whom he may poſſibly exceed as much in wiſdome, as he doth in place and power.</p>
               <p>This were as if <hi>Sampſon</hi> ſhould have conſented, not only to bind his owne hands, and cut off his hair, but to put out his own eyes, that the <hi>Philiſt<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ins</hi> might with the more ſafety mock, and abuſe him; which they choſe rather to doe, then quite to deſtroy him, when he was become ſo tame an object, &amp; fit occaſion for their ſport and ſcorne.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="70" facs="tcp:38600:39"/>
Certainly, to exclude all power of deniall ſeemes an arrogancy, leaſt of all becomming thoſe who pretend to make their addreſſes in a<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> humble and loyall way of petitioning; who, by that, ſufficiently confeſſe their owne inferiority<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> which obligeth them to reſt, if not ſatisfied, y<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> quieted with ſuch an anſwer as the will and rea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſon of their Superiour thinks fit to give; wh<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> is acknowledged to have a freedome and powe<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> of Reaſon, to Conſent, or Diſſent; elſe it wer<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> uery fooliſh and abſurd to ask, what anothe having not liberty to deny, neither hath powe to grant.</p>
               <p>But if this be My Right belonging to Me, i<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Reaſon, as a Man, and in Honour as a Sove<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>raign King, (as undoubtedly it doth) how can i be other then extream injury to confine my Rea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſon to a neceſſity of granting all they have<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> mind to ask, whoſe minds may be as differin<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> from mine both in Reaſon and Honour, as thei<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> aims may be, and their qualities are; which la<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> God and the Laws have ſufficiently diſtinguiſh<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> making me their Soveraigne, and them my Sub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jects: whoſe Propoſitions may ſoone prov<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> violent oppoſitions, if once they gaine to be ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceſſary impoſitions upon the Regall Authority Since no man ſeeks to limit &amp; confine his King in Reaſon, who hath not a ſecret aime to ſhar<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> with him, or uſurp upon him in power &amp; domi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on. But they would have me truſt to their mo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>deration, and abandon mine own diſcretio<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <pb n="71" facs="tcp:38600:39"/>
that ſo I might verifie what repreſentations ſome have made of me to the world, that I am fitter to be their Pupill then their Prince. Truly I am not ſo confident of my own ſufficiency, as not willingly to admit the Counſell of others: But yet I am not ſo diffident of my ſelf, as brn<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tiſhly to ſubmit to any mans dictates, &amp; at once to betray the Soveraignty of Reaſon in my ſoul, and the Majeſty of my own Crown to any of my Snbjects.</p>
               <p>Leaſt of all have I any ground of credulity, to induce me fully to ſubmit to all the deſires of thoſe men, who will not admit, or, do refuſe, and neglect to vindicate the freedome of their own and others, Sitting and Voting in Parlia<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment.</p>
               <p>Beſides, all men that know them, know this, how young States-men (the moſt part) of theſe Propounders are; ſo that, till experience of one ſeven yearts hath ſhewed me, how well they can Govern themſelves, and ſo much power as is wreſted from me, I ſhould be very fooliſh in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>deed, &amp; unfaithfull in my Truſt, to put the reins of both Reaſon and Government, wholly out of my own, into to their hands, whoſe driving is already too much like <hi>Iehues;</hi> and whoſe for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>wardneſſe to aſcend the Throne of Supremacy portends more of <hi>Phaeton</hi> then of <hi>Phoebus;</hi> God divert the Omen if it be his will.</p>
               <p>They may remember, that at beſt they ſit in Par<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>liament as My Subjects, not my ſuperiours,
<pb n="72" facs="tcp:38600:40"/>
called to be my Counſellours, not Dictators<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> Their Summons extends to Recommend thei<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> advice, not to command my Duty.</p>
               <p>VVhen I firſt heard of Propoſitions to be ſen<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Me, I expected either ſome good Lawes, whic<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> had been antiquated by the courſe of time, o<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> overlayd by the corruption of manners, had bi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> deſired to a reſtauration of their vigour an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> due execution; or ſome evill cuſtomes preter<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>legall, and abuſes perſonall had been to be re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>moved; or ſome injuries done by My ſelfe, an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> others, to the Common-weale, were to be re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>paired; or ſome equable offertures were to b<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> tendred to Me, wherein the advantages of my Crowne, being conſidered by them, might fairly induce me to condeſcend, to what tended to my Subjects good, without any great diminution o<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> My ſelfe; whom Nature, Law, Reaſon, an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Religion, bind me (in the firſt place) to pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſerve: without which, 'tis impoſſible to pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſerve my People according to my Place.</p>
               <p>Or (at leaſt) I looked for ſuch moderate de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſires of due Reformation of what was (in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>deed) amiſſe in Church and State, as migh ſtill preſerve the foundation and eſſentialls o Government in both; not ſhake and quite ove<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> throw either of them, without any regar<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> of the Lawes, inforce, the wiſdome and piet<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> of former Parliaments, the ancient and uni<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>verſall practiſe of Chriſtian Churches; th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Rights and Priviledges of particular men
<pb n="73" facs="tcp:38600:40"/>
Nor yet any thing offered in lieu, or in the roome of what muſt be deſtroyed, which might at once reach the good end of the others Inſtitu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tion, and alſo ſupply its pretended defects, re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>forme its abuſes, and ſatisfie ſober and wiſe men, not with ſoft and ſpecious words, preten<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ding zeale and ſpeciall piety, but with pregnant &amp; ſolid reaſons both divine and humane, which might juſtifie the abruptneſſe and neceſſity of ſuch vaſt alterations.</p>
               <p>But in all their Propoſitions I can obſerve little of theſe kinds, or to theſe ends; Nothing of any Lawes diſ-joynted, which are to be reſto<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>red; of any right invaded; of any Juſtice to be un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>obſtructed; of any compenſations to be made; of any impartiall reformation to be granted; to al, or any of which, reaſon, Religion, true Policy, or any other humane motives, might induce me.</p>
               <p>But, as to the maine matters propounded by them at any time, in which is either great no<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>velty, or difficulty, I perceive that what were formerly look't upon as Factions in the State, and Schiſmes in the Church, and ſo, puniſhable by the Lawes, have now the confidence, by vulgar clamours, and aſſiſtance (chiefly) to de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mand not only Tolerations of themſelves, in their vanity, novelty, and confuſion; but alſo Abolition of the Lawes againſt them; and a to<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tall extirpation of that Government, whoſe Rights they have a mind to invade.</p>
               <p>This, as to the maine; other Propoſitions
<pb n="74" facs="tcp:38600:41"/>
are (for the moſt part) but as waſte paper, in thoſe which are wrapped up, to preſent them ſomewhat more handſomely. Nor do I ſo much wonder at the variety, &amp; horrible novelty of ſome Propoſitions (therebeing nothing ſo mon<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtrous, which ſome fancies are not prone to long for. This caſts me into, not an admiration, but an extaſie, how ſuch things ſhould have the fortun to be propounded in the name of the two Hou<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſes of the Parliament of <hi>England:</hi> among whom, I am very confident, there was not a fourth part of the Members of either Houſe, whoſe judge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ments free, ſingle, and apart did approve or de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſire ſuch dſtructive changes in the Government of the Church.</p>
               <p>I am perſwaded there remaines in far the major part of both Houſes, (if free and full) ſo much learning, Reaſon, Religion, and juſt moderation as to know how to ſever between the uſe an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> the abuſe of things; the inſtitution, &amp; the cor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ruption, the Government and the Miſ-govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment, the Primitive Patterns; and the abberrati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons or blottings of after Copies.</p>
               <p>Sure they could not all, upon ſo little, or n<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> reaſon (as yet produced to the contrary) ſo ſoon renounce all regard to the Lawes in force, to an<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tiquity, to the piety of their reforming Progeni<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tors, to the proſperity of former times in this Church &amp; ſtate, under the preſent Government of the Church.</p>
               <p>Yet, by a ſtrange fatality, theſe men ſuffer,
<pb n="75" facs="tcp:38600:41"/>
either by their abſence, or ſilence, or negligence, or ſupine credulity (believing that all is Gold, which is guilded with ſhewes of Zeale and Re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>formation) their private diſſe nting in judge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment to be drawne into the common ſewer or ſtream of the preſent vogue and humour; which hath its chief riſe and abetment from thoſe po<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pular clamours and Tumults, which ſerved to give life and ſtrength to the infinite activity of thoſe men, who ſtudied with all diligence, and policy, to improve to their Innovating deſignes, the preſent diſtractions.</p>
               <p>Such Armies of Propoſitions having ſo little, in My Judgement, of reaſon, J uſtice, and Religi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on on their ſide, as they had Tumult and Faction for their riſe, muſt not go alone, but ever be backt and ſeconded, with Armies of Souldiers: Though the ſecond ſhould prevaile againſt My Perſon, yet the firſt ſhall never overcome Me, further than I ſee cauſe; for, I look not at their number and power ſo much, as I weigh their Reaſon and Juſtice.</p>
               <p>Had the two Houſes firſt ſued out their livery, and once effectually redeemed themſelves from the Wardſhip of the Tumults, (which can be no other than the Hounds that attend the cry, and hollow of thoſe Men, who hunt after Factious and private Deſignes, to the ruine of Church and State.)</p>
               <p>Did my judgement tell Me, that the Propoſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons ſent to Me were the Reſults of the Ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jor
<pb n="76" facs="tcp:38600:42"/>
part of their votes, who exerciſe their free<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dome, as well as they have a right to ſit in Parli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>liament, I ſhould then ſuſpect My own judge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment; for not ſpeedily &amp; fully concurring with every one of them.</p>
               <p>For, I have charity enough to think, there are wiſe men among them: and humility to think, that, as in ſome things I may want; ſo tis fit I ſhould uſe their adviſe; which is the end for which I called them to a Parliament. But yet I cannot allow their wiſdom ſuch a compleatneſſe and inerrability as to exclude My ſelf; ſince none of them hath that part to Act, that Truſt to diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>charge, nor that Eſtate and Honour to preſerve as My ſelf; without whoſe Reaſon concurrent with theirs (as the Suns influence is neceſſary in Nallatures productions) they cannot beget, or bring forth any one compleat and authoritative Act of publick wiſdom, which makes the Laws. But the unreaſonableneſſe of ſome Propoſitions not is more evident to Me, than this is, That they are not the joynt and free deſires of thoſe in their Major number, who are of right to Sit and Vote in Parliament.</p>
               <p>For, many of them ſavour very ſtrong of that old leaven of Innovations, masked vnder the name of Reformation; which, in my two laſt famous Predeceſſours daies, heaved at, and ſometime threatned both Prince and Par<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>liaments: But, I am ſure was never wont ſo farre to infect the whole maſſe of the Nobility
<pb n="77" facs="tcp:38600:42"/>
and Gentry of this Kingdome; however it diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>perſed among the vulgar: Nor was it likely ſo ſuddenly to taynt the Major part of both Hou<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſes, as that they ſhould unanimouſly deſire, and affect ſo enormous and dangerous innovations in Church &amp; State, contrary to their former education, practice, and judgement.</p>
               <p>Not that I am ignorant, how the choice of ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny Members was carried by much faction in the Countryes; ſome thirſting after nothing more, than a paſſionate revenge of what ever diſplea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſure they had conceived againſt me, my Court, or the Clergy.</p>
               <p>But all reaſon bids me impute theſe ſudden and vaſt deſires of change to thoſe few, who ar<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>med themſelves with the many-headed, and ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>handed Tumults.</p>
               <p>No leſſe doth Reaſon, Honour; and Safety both of Church and State command me, to chew ſuch morſells, before I let them down; If the ſtraitnes of my coſcience will not give me leave to ſwallow down ſuch Camels, as others do of ſacriledg, &amp; injuſtice both to God &amp; man, they have no more cauſe to quarrell withme, than for this, that my throat is not ſo wide as theirs. Yet, by Gods help, I am reſolved, That nothing of paſſion, or peeviſhneſſe, or liſt to contradict, or vanity to ſhew my negative power, ſhal have any byas upon my judgement, to make me gra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tifie my will, by denying any thing, which my Reaſon and Conſcience commands me not.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="78" facs="tcp:38600:43"/>
Nor on the other ſide, will I conſent to mor<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> than Reaſon, Juſtice, Honour, and Religion per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſwade me, to be for Gods glory, the Churches good, my Peoples welfare, and my own peace.</p>
               <p>I will ſtudy to ſatisfie my Parliament, and my People; but I wil never, for feare, or flattery, gra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tifie any Faction, how potent ſoever; for this were to nouriſh the diſeaſe, &amp; oppres the body.</p>
               <p>Although many mens loyalty and prudence are terrified from giving me that free, and faith<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>full counſell, which they are able and willing to impart, and I may want; yet none can hinde<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> me from craving the counſell of that mighty Counſellour, who can both ſuggeſt what is beſt, and incline my heart ſtedfaſtly to follow it.</p>
               <p>O thou first and eternall Reaſon, whoſe wiſdom<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> is fortified with omnipotency, furniſh thy Servant<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> firſt, with cleare diſcoveries of Truth, Reaſon, an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Iuſtice, in My underſtanding; then ſo con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>firme My will and reſolution to adheere to them<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> that no terrours, Iniuries, or oppreſſions of my Ene<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mies may ever inforce me againſt thoſe rules, whic<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> thou by them haſt planted in My Conſcience.</p>
               <p>Thou never madeſt me a King, that I ſhould <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> leſſe then a Man; and not dare to ſay, Yea, or Na<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> as I ſee cauſe; which freedom is not denied to th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> meaneſt creature, that hath the uſe of Reaſon, an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> liberty of ſpeech.</p>
               <p>Shall that be blameable in Me, which is commen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dable veracity and conſtancy in others?</p>
               <p>Thou ſeeſt, O Lord, with what partiality, an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <pb n="79" facs="tcp:38600:43"/>
iniuſtice, they deny that freedom to me their <hi>KING,</hi> which Thou haſt given to all Men; &amp; which Them<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſelves pertinaciouſly challenge to themſelves; while they are ſo tender of the least breach of their privi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ledges.</p>
               <p>To thee I make my ſupplication, who canſt guide us by an unerring rule, through the perplexed laby<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rinths of our own thought, and other mens propo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſalls; which, I have ſome cauſe to ſuspect, are pur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>poſely cast as ſnares, that by My granting or deny<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing them, I might be more eutangled in thoſe diffi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cultyes, wherewith they lie in wayt to afflict Me.</p>
               <p>O Lord, make thy way playn before Me.</p>
               <p>Let not my own ſinfull paſſions cloud, or divert thy ſacred ſuggeſtions.</p>
               <p>Let thy glory be my end, thy word my rule, and then thy will be done.</p>
               <p>I cannot pleaſe all, I care not to pleaſe ſome men; If I may be happy to pleaſe thee, I need not fear whom I displeaſe.</p>
               <p>Thou that makeſt the wiſdome of the world fooliſh<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſle, and takeſt in their own devices, ſuch as are wiſe in their own conceits, make Me wiſe by thy truth, for thy Honour, my Kingdomes generall good, and my own ſoules ſalvation; and J ſhall not much regard the worlds opinion, or diminution of me.</p>
               <p>The leſſe wiſdome they are willing to impute to me, the more they ſhall be convinced of thy wiſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dome directing me, while I deny nothing fit to be granted, out of croſſeneſs, or humour; nor grant
<pb n="80" facs="tcp:38600:44"/>
any thing which is to be denied, out of any feare, o<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> flattery of men.</p>
               <p>Suffer me not to be guilty, or unhappy, by willing or inconſiderate advancing any mens deſignes, which are iniurious to the publique good, while confirme them by my conſent.</p>
               <p>Nor let me be any occaſion to hinder or defrau<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> the publique of what is best, by any moroſe or per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>verſe diſſentings.</p>
               <p>Make me ſo humbly charitable, as to follow their adviſe, when it appears to be for the publique good<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> of whoſe affections to me, I have yet but few eviden<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ces to aſſure Me.</p>
               <p>Thou canſt as well bleſſe honeſt errours, as bl<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="2 letters">
                     <desc>••</desc>
                  </gap> fraudulent counſells.</p>
               <p>Since we muſt give an account of every evill an<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> idle word in private, at thy tribunall; Lord ma<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> me carefull of thoſe ſolemne Declarations of m<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> minde which are like to have the greateſt influent upon the Publique, either for woe, or weale.</p>
               <p>The leſſe others conſider what they aske, make <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> the more ſolicitous what I anſwer.</p>
               <p>Though Mine. owne, and My Peoples preſſur<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> are grievous, and peace would be very pleaſing yet, Lord, never ſuffer Me to avoid the one, or pur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>chaſe the other, with the leaſt expenſe or waſte<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> My Conſcience; whereof thou, O Lord, one<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> art deſervedly more Maſter then My ſelfe.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="12" type="part">
               <pb n="81" facs="tcp:38600:44"/>
               <head>
                  <hi>12</hi> Vpon the Rebellion and troubles in <hi>Ireland:</hi>
               </head>
               <p>THe Commotions in <hi>Ireland</hi> were ſo ſud<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>den, and ſo violent, that it was hard at firſt either to diſcerne the riſe, or apply a reme<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dy to that precipitant rebellion.</p>
               <p>Indeed, that Sea of bloud, which hath there bin cruelly &amp; barbarouſly ſhed, is enough to drown any man in eternall both infamy and miſery, whom God ſhall find the malicious Author or Inſtigator of its effuſion.</p>
               <p>It fell out, as a moſt unhappy advantage to ſome mens malice againſt me, that, when they had impudence enough to lay any thing to my charge, this bloudy opportunity ſhould be offe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>red them, with which I muſt be aſperſed. Al<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>though there was nothing which could be more abhorred to me, being ſo full of ſin againſt God, diſloyalty to my ſelfe, and deſtructive to my Subjects.</p>
               <p>Some men took it very ill not to be believed, when they affirmed, that what the <hi>Iriſh</hi> Rebells did, was done with my privitie (at leaſt) if not by my Commiſſion: But theſe knew too well, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>hat it is no newes for ſome of my Subjects to <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ight, not only without my Commiſſion, but againſt my Command, and Perſon too; yet all the while to pretend, they fight by my Authori<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>y, and for my ſafety.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="82" facs="tcp:38600:45"/>
I would to God the Iriſh had nothing to a ledge for their imitation againſt thoſe, who blame muſt neede be the greater, by how mu<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Proteſtant Principles are more againſt all R<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bellion againſt Princes, then thoſe of Papi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Nor wil the goodnes of mens intentions exc<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> the ſcandall, &amp; contagion of their Examples.</p>
               <p>But, who ever fail of their Duty toward me, muſt bear the blame; this Honour my Enemi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> have always don me, to think moderate injuri<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> not proportionate to me, nor competent trial<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> either of my patience under them, or my pard<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> of them,</p>
               <p>Therefore, with exquiſite malice, they ha<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> mixed the gall &amp; vinegar of falſity &amp; contem<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> with the cup of My Afflicton; Charging Me <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> only with untruths, but ſuch, as wherein I ha<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> the greateſt ſhare of loſſe &amp; diſhonour by wh<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> is committed; whereby (in all Policy, Reaſo<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> and religion, having leaſt cauſe to give, the le<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> conſent, and moſt grounds of utter deteſtation might be repreſented by them to the world, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> more inhumane &amp; barbarous: Like ſome C<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> clopick monſter, whom nothing will ſerve to <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> and drink, but the fleſh and bloud of my ow<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Subjects; in whoſe common welfare my in<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>reſt lies, as much as ſom mens doth in their pe<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>turbations; who think they cannot do well <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> in evill times, nor ſo cunningly as in laying <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> odium of thoſe ſad events on others, where w<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> themſelves are moſt pleaſ'd, &amp; whereof they ha<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> bin not the leaſt occaſion.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="83" facs="tcp:38600:45"/>
And certainly, tis thought by many wife men, that the prepoſterous rigour, and unreaſonable ſeverity, which ſome men carried before them in <hi>England,</hi> was not the leaſt incentive, that kind<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>led, and blew up into thoſe horrid flames, the ſparks of diſcontent, which wanted not pre-diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>poſed fewell for Rebellion in <hi>Ireland;</hi> where, deſpaire being added to their former diſcon<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tents, and the fears of utter extirpation to their wonted oppreſſions, it was eaſie to provoke to an open Rebellion, a people prone enough, to break out to all exorbitant violence, both by ſome Principles of their Religion, and the natu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rall deſires of liberty<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> both to exempt themſelves from their preſent reſtraints, and to prevent thoſe after rigours wherewith they ſaw them<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſelves apparently threatned, by the covetous zeal and uncharitable fury of ſome men, who think it a great argument of the Truth of their Religi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on, to endure no other but their own.</p>
               <p>God knowes, as I can with Truth waſh my hands in Innocency, as to any guilt in that rebel<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lion; ſo I might waſh them in my Tears, as to the ſad apprehenſions I had, to ſee it ſpread ſo farre, and make ſuch waſte. And this in a time, when diſtractions, and jealouſies here in <hi>Eugland,</hi> made moſt men rather intent to their owne ſafe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty, or deſignes they were driving, then to the reliefe of thoſe, who were every day inhu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>manely butchered in <hi>IRELAND:</hi> Whoſe <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>eares and bloud might, if nothing elſe, have
<pb n="84" facs="tcp:38600:46"/>
quenched, or at leaſt, for a time<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> repreſſed a<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> ſmothered thoſe ſparks of Civill diſſentions <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> Jealouſies, which in <hi>England</hi> ſome men mo<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> induſtriouſly ſcattered.</p>
               <p>I would to God no man had been leſſe affect<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> with <hi>Irelands</hi> ſad eſtate than my ſelf, I offer<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> to go my ſelf in Perſon upon that expedition But ſome men were either afraid I ſhould ha<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> any one Kingdome quieted; or loath they we<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> to ſhoot at any mark here leſſe then my ſelf<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> or that any ſhonld have the glory of my deſtr<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ction but themſelves. Had my many offers b<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> accepted, I am confident neither the ruine h<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> bin ſo great, nor the calamity ſo long, nor t<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> remedy ſo deſperate.</p>
               <p>So that, next to the ſin of thoſe, who began th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Rebellion, theirs muſt needs be, who either hi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dred the ſpeedy ſuppreſſing of it, by domeſti<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> diſſentions, or diverted the Aides, or exaſper<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted the Rebells to the moſt deſperate reſolu<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons and actions, by threatning al extremities, n<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> only to the known heads, &amp; chief incendiary<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> but even to the whole community of that Na<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on; Reſolving to deſtroy Root and Branch, Me<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Women, and Children; without any regard <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> thoſe uſuall pleas for mercy, which Couqu<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rours, not wholly barbarous, are wont to hea<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> from their owne breaſts, in behalfe of thoſ<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> whoſe oppreſſive fears, rather then their m<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> lice, engaged them; or whoſe imbecility f<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Sex and Age was ſuch, as they could neith<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <pb n="85" facs="tcp:38600:46"/>
lift up a hand againſt them, nor diſtinguiſh be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tween their right hand &amp; their left: Which pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>poſterous, and (I think) un-evangelical Zeale is too like that of the rebuked Diſciples, who would go no lower in their revenge, then to call for fire from Heaven upon whole Cityes for the repulſe or neglect of a few; or like that of <hi>Iacobs</hi> ſons<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> which the Father both blamed and curſed: chuſing rather to uſe all extremityes, which might drive men to deſperate obſtinacy, then to apply moderate remedies; ſuch as might puniſh ſome with exemplary juſtice, yet diſarm others, with tenders of mercy upon their ſub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>miſſion<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> &amp; our protection of them, from the fury of thoſe, who would ſoon drown them, if they refuſed to ſwim down the popular ſtream with them; But ſome kind of Zeal counts all merciful moderation, luke-warmneſſe; and had rather be cruell then counted cold, &amp; is not ſeldome more greedy to kill the Bear for his skin, then for any harm he hath done. The confiſcation of mens e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtates being more beneficiall, then the charity of ſaving their lives, or reforming their Errours.</p>
               <p>When all proportionable ſuccours of the poor Preteſtants in <hi>Ireland</hi> (who were daily maſſacred, and over-borne with numbers of now deſperate Enemies) were diverted and ob<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtructed here; I was earneſtly entreated, and generally adviſed by the chief of the Proteſtant Party there, to get them ſome reſpite and breathing by a ceſſation, without which they
<pb n="86" facs="tcp:38600:47"/>
ſaw <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>o probability (unleſſe by miracle) to pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſerve the remnant that had yet eſcaped: Go knows with how much commiſeration and ſol<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>citous caution I carried on that bnſineſſe, by pe<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſons of Honour and Integrity, that ſo I mig<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> neither incourage the rebells Inſolence, nor diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>courage the Proteſtants loyalty and patience.</p>
               <p>Yet when this was effected in the beſt ſo<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> that the neceſſity and difficulty of affaires woul<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> then permit, I was then to ſuffer againe in m<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> reputation and Honour, becauſe I ſuffered n<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> the Rebels utterly to devoure the remaini<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> handfulls of the Proteſtants there.</p>
               <p>I thought, that, in all reaſon, the gaining <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> that reſpite could not be ſo much to the Rebe<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> advantages (which ſome have highly calumni<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted againſt me) as it might have been for t<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Proteſtants future, as well as preſent ſafety; during the time of that Ceſſation, ſome men h<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> had the grace to have laid <hi>Irelands</hi> ſad conditio more to heart; and laid aſide thoſe violent m<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tions, which were here carried on by thoſe, th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> had better skill to let bloud then to ſtanch it.</p>
               <p>But in all the miſconſtructions of my actio<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> (which are prone to find more credulity in m<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> to what is falſe and evill, than love or charity <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> what is true and good) as I have no Judge <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> God above me, ſo I can have comfort to app<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> to his omniſcience, who doth not therefo<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> deny my Innocence, becauſe he is pleaſed<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> far to try my patience, as he did his ſervant <hi>Iob<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                        <desc>•</desc>
                     </gap>
                  </hi>
               </p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="87" facs="tcp:38600:47"/>
I have enough to doe to look to My own Con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſcience, and the faithfull diſcharge of My Truſt as a KING; I have ſcarce leiſure to conſider thoſe ſwarmes of reproaches, which iſſue out of ſome mens mouths &amp; hearts, as eaſily as ſmoke, or ſparks do out of a Fornace; Much leſſe to make ſuch prolix Apologies, as might give thoſe men ſatisfaction, who, conſcious to their owne depth of wickedneſſe, are loath to beleive any man not to be as bad as themſelves.</p>
               <p>'Tis Kingly to do well, and heare ill: If I can but act the one, I ſhall not much regard to bear the other.</p>
               <p>I thank God I can hear with patience, as bad as my worſt enemies can falſly ſay. And I hope I ſhall ſtill doe better than they deſire, or de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſerve I ſhould.</p>
               <p>I beleive it will at laſt appear, that they who firſt began to embroyle my other Kingdomes, are in great part guilty, if not of the firſt let<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ting out, yet of the not-timely ſtopping thoſe horrid effuſion of bloud in <hi>Ireland.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>Which (what ever my Enemies pleaſe to ſay, or think) I look upon, as that of my other King<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>domes, exhauſted out of my own veins; no man being ſo much weakned by it, as my ſelfe; And I hope, though mens unſatiable cruelti<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>s never wil<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> yet the mercy of God wil at length ſay to his ju<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtice, <hi>It is enough:</hi> &amp; command the ſword of civil wars to ſheath it ſelf: his mercifull juſtice inten<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ding I truſt not our utter confuſion; but our cure;
<pb n="88" facs="tcp:38600:48"/>
the abatement of our ſins, or the deſolating of theſe Nations.</p>
               <p>O my God, let thoſe infinite mercies prevent us once againe, which I and my Kingdomes have for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>merly abuſed, and can never deſerve ſhould be re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtored.</p>
               <p>Thou ſeest how much cruelty among Chriſtians is acted under the colour of Religion; as if we could not be Chriſtians, unleſſe we crucifie one another. Becauſe we have not more loved thy Truth, and practiſed in Charity, thou haſt ſuffered a Spirit of Errour and bitterneſſe, of mutuall and mortall ha<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tred to riſe among us.</p>
               <p>O Lord, forgive wherein we have ſinned, and ſanctifie what we have ſuffered.</p>
               <p>Let our repentance be our recovery, as our great ſins have been our ruine.</p>
               <p>Let not the miſeries I and my Kingdoms have hitherto ſuffered ſeem ſmall to thee: but make our ſins appear to our conſciences, as they are repreſen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted in the glaſſe of thy judgements; for thou never puniſheſt ſmall failings with ſo ſevere afflictions.</p>
               <p>O therefore, according to the multitude of thy great mercies, pardon our ſinnes, and remove thy iudgements which are very many, and very heavy.</p>
               <p>Yet let our ſinnes be evermore grievous to us, tha<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> thy Iudgements; and make us more willing to re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pent, then to be relieved; firſt, give us the peace of penitent conſciences, and then the tranquillity of united Kingdomes.</p>
               <p>In the Sea of our Saviours bloud drowne our
<pb facs="tcp:38600:48"/>
ſinnes, and throngh this red Sea of our own bloud bring us at laſt to a ſtate of piety, peace, and plenty.</p>
               <p>As my publique relations to all, make me ſhare in all my Subiects ſufferings; ſo give me ſuch a pious ſenſe of them, as becomes a Chriſtian King, and a loving Father of my people.</p>
               <p>Let the ſcandalous and uniuſt reproaches cast upon me, be as a breath, more to kindle my compaſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſion: Give me grace to heap charitable coales of fire upon their heads to melt them, whoſe malice or truell Zeal hath kindled, or hindred the quenching of thoſe flames, which have ſo much waſted my three Kingdoms.</p>
               <p>O reſcue and aſſiſt thoſe poore Proteſtants in <hi>Ire<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>land,</hi> whom thou haſt hitherto preſerved.</p>
               <p>And lead thoſe in the wayes of thy ſaving Truths, whoſe ignorance or errours have filled them with Rellellious and deſtructive principles; which they act under an opinion, That they do thee good ſervice.</p>
               <p>Let the hand of thy Iuſtice be againſt thoſe, who maliciouſly and diſpitefully have raiſed, or fomen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted thoſe cruell and deſperate Wars.</p>
               <p>Thou that art far from deſtroying the Innocent with the Guilty, and the Erroneous with the Ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>licious; Thou that hadſt pity on <hi>Niniveh</hi> for the many Children that were therein, give not over the whole ſtock of that populous and ſeduced Nation, to the wrath of thoſe, whoſe covetouſneſſe makes them cruell; nor to their anger, which is too fierce, and therefore iuſtly curſed.</p>
               <p>Preſerve, if it be thy will, in the midſt of the
<pb n="06" facs="tcp:38600:49"/>
fornace of thy ſevere iuſtice a Poſterity, which may praiſe thee for thy mercy.</p>
               <p>And deale with Me, not according to mans un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>iuſt reproaches, but according to the innocency of my hands in thy ſight.</p>
               <p>If I have deſired, or delighted in the wofull day of my Kingdoms calamities; if I have not earneſtly ſtudied, and faithfully endeavoured the preventing and compoſing of theſe bloody diſtractions; then let thy hand be againſt me, and my Fathers houſe.</p>
               <p>O Lord, thou ſeeſt I have enemies enough of men as I need not, ſo I ſhould not dare thus to imprecate thy curſe on me and mine, if my Conſcience did not wit<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe my integrity, which thou, O Lord, knowest right will; But I truſt not to My own merit, but thy mercies; ſpare us O Lord, and be not angry with us for ever.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="13" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>13</hi> 
                  <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>pon the Calling in of the <hi>Scots,</hi> and their Comming.</head>
               <p>THe <hi>Scots</hi> are a Nation, upon whom I have not onely common ties of Nature, Soveraignty, and Bounty, with My Father of bleſſed memory; but alſo ſpecial and late obligations of favours, having gratified the active Spirits, among them ſo far, that I ſeemed to many, to prefer the deſires of that party, be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fore my own intereſt and Honour. But, I ſee,
<pb n="91" facs="tcp:38600:49"/>
Royall bounty emboldens ſome men to aske, &amp; act beyond all bounds of modeſty and gratitude.</p>
               <p>My charity, and Act of Pacification, forbids me to reflect on former paſſages; wherein I ſhall e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver be farre from letting any mans ingratitude, or inconſtancy, make Me repent of what I gran<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted them, for the publique good: I pray God it may ſo prove.</p>
               <p>The comming againe of that Party into <hi>Eng<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>land,</hi> with an Army, onely to conforme this Church to their late New modell, cannot but ſeem as unreaſonable, as they would have thought the ſame meaſure offered from hence to themſelves.</p>
               <p>Other errand I could never underſtand they had, (beſides thoſe common and vulgar flouri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſhes for Religion and Liberty) ſave onely to confirme the Presbyterian Copy they had ſet, by making this Church to write after them, though it were in bloudy Characters.</p>
               <p>Which deſigne and end, whether it will juſti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fie the uſe of ſuch violent means, before the di<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vine Juſtice, I leave to their Conſciences to judge, who have already felt the miſery of the means, but not reaped the benefit of the end, ei<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther in this Kingdome, or that.</p>
               <p>Such knots and croſneſſe of grain being ob<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jected here, as will hardly ſuffer that forme, which they cry up as the only juſt reformati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on, and ſetling of Government and Diſci<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pline in Churches, to goe on ſo ſmoothly here, as it might doe in <hi>Scotland;</hi> and was by
<pb n="92" facs="tcp:38600:50"/>
them imagined would have done in ENGLAND, when ſo many of the Engliſh Clergy, through levity or diſcontent, if no worſe paſſion, ſudden<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly quitted their former engagements to Epiſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>copacy, and faced about to their Presbytery.</p>
               <p>It cannot but ſeem either paſſion, or ſome ſelf-ſeeking, more then true Zeal, and pious Diſcre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tion, for any forraign State or Church to pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſcribe ſuch medicines only for others, which themſelves have uſed, rather ſucceſſefully than commendably; not conſidering that the ſame Phyſick on different conſtitutions, will have dif<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ferent operations; That may kill one, which doth but cure another.</p>
               <p>Nor doe I know any ſuch tough and malig<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nant humours in the conſtitution of the <hi>Engliſh</hi> Church, which gentler applications then thoſe of an Army, might not eaſily have removed: Nor is it ſo proper to hew out religious Refor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mations by the Sword, as to poliſh them by fair and equal diſputations among thoſe that are moſt concerned in the diferences; whom not force, but Reaſon ought to convince.</p>
               <p>But their deſigne now ſeemed rather to cut of all diſputation here, than to pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cure a fair and equall one: For, it was conclu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ded, there, that the Engliſh Clergy muſt con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>form to the Scots pattern, before ever they could be heard, what they could ſay for themſelves, or againſt the others way.</p>
               <p>I could have wiſhed fairer proceedings both
<pb n="93" facs="tcp:38600:50"/>
for their credits, who urge things with ſuch violence; and for other mens Conſciences too, who can receive little ſatisfaction in theſe points which are maintained rather by Souldiers fight<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing in the Field, than Schollars diſputing in free and learned Synods.</p>
               <p>Sure, in matters, of Religion thoſe truths gain moſt on mens Judgements and Con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſciences, which are leaſt urged with ſecular vi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>olence, which weakens Truth with prejudices; and is unreaſonable to be uſed, till ſuch means of rationall conviction hath beene appli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ed, as, leaving no excuſe for ignorance, condemns mens obſtinacy to deſerved penalties.</p>
               <p>Which no charity will eaſily ſuſpect of ſo many learned and pious Church-men in <hi>Eng<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>land;</hi> who being alwayes bred up, and confor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mable to the Government of Epiſcopacy, can<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>not ſo ſoon renounce both their former opinion and practiſe, only becauſe that Party of the Scots wil needs, by force, aſsiſt a like Party here, either to drive all Miniſters, as ſheep into the common fold of Presbytery, or deſtroy them; at leaſt fleece them<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> by depriving them of the benefit of their Flocks. If the Scotch ſole Presbytery were proved to be the only inſtituti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on of Jeſus Chriſt, for all Churches Govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment, yet I beleive it would be hard to prove that Chriſt had given thoſe Scots, or any other of my Subjects, Commiſsion, by the ſword to ſet up in any of My Kingdomes without My Conſent.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="94" facs="tcp:38600:51"/>
What reſpect and obedience Chriſt and his Apoſtls pai'd to the chief Governours of States, where they lived is very clear in the Goſpell; but that he, or they ever commanded to ſet up ſuch a parity of Presbyters, and in ſuch a way as thoſe <hi>Scots</hi> endeavour, I think is not very diſputable.</p>
               <p>If Presbytery in ſuch a ſupremacy be an inſti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tution of Chriſt, ſure it differs from all others; and is the firſt and only point of Chriſtianity, that was to be planted and watred with ſo much Chriſtian bloud; whoſe effuſions run in a ſtream ſo contrary to that of the primitive Planters, both of Chriſtianity &amp; Epiſcopacy, which was with patient ſhedding of their own bloud, not violent drawing other mens; ſure there is too much of Man in it, to have much of Chriſt, none of whoſe inſtitutions were carried on, or begun with the Temptations of Covetouſneſſe or Am<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bition; of both which this is vehemently ſuſpe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cted. Yet was there never any thing upon the point, which thoſe <hi>Scots</hi> had by Army or Com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>miſſioners to move me with, by their many So<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lemne obteſtations, and pious threatnings, but only this; to repreſent to me the wonderfull neceſſity of ſetting up their Presbytery in <hi>Eng<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>land,</hi> to avoid the further miſeries of a Warre; which ſome men chiefly on this deſigne at firſt had begun, and now further ingaged themſelves to continue<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
               </p>
               <p>What hinders that any Sects, Schiſmes, or Hereſies, if they can get but numbers, ſtrength
<pb n="95" facs="tcp:38600:51"/>
and opportunity, may not, according to this o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pinion and pattern, ſet up their wayes by the like methods of violence? all which Presbytery ſeeks to ſuppreſ, &amp; render odious under thoſe names; when wiſe and learned men think, that nothing hath more marks of Schiſme, and Se<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctariſme, then this Presbyterian way<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> both as to the Ancient, and ſtill moſt Univerſall way of the Church-government, and ſpecially as to the particular Laws and Conſtitutions of this Eng<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>liſh Church, which are not yet repealed, nor are like to be for me, till I ſee more Rationall and Religious motives, then ſouldiers uſe to carry in their Knapſacks.</p>
               <p>But we muſt leave the ſucceſſe of all to God, who hath many waies (having firſt taken us off from the folly of our opinions, and fury of our paſſion) to teach us thoſe rules of true Reaſon, &amp; peaceable wiſdom, which is from above, ten<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ding moſt to Gods glory, &amp; his Churches good; which I think my ſelf ſo much the more bound in Conſcience to attend, with the moſt judicious Zeal and care, by how much I eſteem the church above the State, the glory of Chriſt above mine Own; &amp; the ſalvations of mens ſouls above the preſevation of their Bodies and Eſtates.</p>
               <p>Nor may any men, I think, without ſinne and preſumption, forcibly endeavour to caſt the Churches under my care and tuition, into the moulds they have fancied, and faſhioned to their deſignes, till they have firſt gained
<pb n="96" facs="tcp:38600:52"/>
my conſent, and reſolved both my own and o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther mens Conſciences by the ſtrength of their reaſons.</p>
               <p>Other violent motions, which are neither Manly, Chriſtian, nor Loyall, ſhall never either ſhake or ſettle my religion; nor any mans elſe, who knowes what Religion means; and how farre it is removed from all Faction, whoſe pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>per engine is force; the arbitrator of beaſts, no<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> of reaſonable men, much leſſe of humble Chri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtians, and loyall Subjects, in matters of religion.</p>
               <p>But men are prone to have ſuch high conceits of themſelves, that they care not what coſt they lay out upon their opinions; eſpecially thoſe, that have ſome temptation of gaine, to recom<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pence their loſſes and hazards.</p>
               <p>Yet I was not more ſcandalized at the <hi>Scots</hi> Armies comming in againſt my will, and their forfeiture of ſo many obligations of duty, and gratitude to me; then I wondred, how thoſe here could ſo much diſtruſt Gods aſſiſtance; who ſo much pretended Gods cauſe to the People, as if they had the certainty of ſome di<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vine Revelation; conſidering they were more then competently furniſhed with my Subjects Armes and Ammunition; My Navy by Sea, my Forts, Caſtls, and Cities by Land.</p>
               <p>But I find, that men jealous of tue Jnſtifi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ableneſſe of their doings. and deſignes before God. never think they have hnmane ſtrength
<pb n="97" facs="tcp:38600:52"/>
enough to carry their work on, ſeem it never ſo plauſible to the People; what cannot be ju<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtified in Law or Religion, had need be fortified with Power.</p>
               <p>And yet ſuch is the inconſtancy that attends all minds engaged in violent motion, that whom ſome of them one while earneſtly invite to come into their aſſiſtance, others of them ſoone after are weary of, and with nauſeating caſt them out: what one Party thought to rivet to a ſetledneſſe by the ſtrength and influence of the <hi>Scots,</hi> that the other rejects and contemnes at once, deſpiſing the Kirk Government, and <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>i<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſcipline of the <hi>Scots,</hi> and fruſtrating the ſucceſſe of ſo chargable, more then charitable aſſiſtance: For, ſure the Church of <hi>England</hi> might have purchaſed, at a farre cheaper rate, the truth and happineſſe of Reformed government and diſci<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pline (if it had been wanting) though it had en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tertained the beſt Divines of Chriſtendome for their advice in a full and free Synod; which I was ever willing to, and deſirous of, that mat<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ters being impartially ſetled, might be more ſa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tisfactory to all, and more durable.</p>
               <p>But much of Gods juſtice, and mans folly will at length be diſcovered, through all the filmes and pretenſions of Religion, in which Politici<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ans wrap up their deſignes; In vaine do men hope to build their piety on the ruines of Loy<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lty. Nor can thoſe confederations or deſignes <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> durable, when Subjects make bankrupt of
<pb n="98" facs="tcp:38600:53"/>
their Allegiance, under pretence of ſetting up a quicker trade for Religion.</p>
               <p>But, as my beſt Subjects of <hi>Scotland</hi> never de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſerted Me, ſo I cannot think that the moſt are gone ſo far from Me, in a prodigality of their love and reſpects toward Me, as to make Me to deſpair of their return; when, beſides the bonds of nature and Conſcience, which they have to Me, all Reaſon and true policy will teach them; that their chiefeſt intereſt conſiſts in their fideli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty to the Crown, not in their ſerviceableneſſe to any party of the People, to a neglect and betray<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing of My Safety and Honour for their advan<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tages: However, the leſſe cauſe I have to truſt to men, the more I ſhall apply my ſelf to God.</p>
               <p>The Troubles of My Soul are enlarged, O Lord, bring thou Me out of My diſtreſſe.</p>
               <p>Lord direct thy Servant in the wayes of that pious ſimplicity, which is the beſt policy.</p>
               <p>Deliver Me from the combined ſtrength of thoſe, who have ſo much of the Serpents ſubtilty, that they forget the Doves Innocency.</p>
               <p>Though hand ioyne in hand, yet let them not pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vaile againſt My ſoule, to the betraying of My Conſcience and Honour.</p>
               <p>Thou, O Lord, ca<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ſt turne the hearts of th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ſe Par<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ties in both Nations, as thou didſt the men of Judah and Iſrael, to reſtore David with as much loyall Zeal, as they did with inconſtancy and eagerneſſe purſve him.</p>
               <p>Preſerve the love of thy Truth, and uprightnes in
<pb n="99" facs="tcp:38600:53"/>
me, and I ſhall not deſpair of My Subjects affecti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons returning towards me.</p>
               <p>Thou canſt ſoone cauſe the overflowing Seas to ebb, and retire back again to the bounds which thou haſt appointed for them.</p>
               <p>O my God, I truſt in thee; let me not be aſhamed; let not my Enemies triumph over me.</p>
               <p>Let them be aſhamed who tranſgreſs without a cauſe; let them be turned back that perſecute my Soule.</p>
               <p>Let integrity and uprightneſſe preſerve me, for I wait on thee, O Lord.</p>
               <p>Redeem thy Church, O God, out of all its Troubles.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="14" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>14<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
                  </hi> 
                  <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>pon the Covenant,</head>
               <p>THe <hi>Presbyterian Scots</hi> are not to be hired at the ordinary rate of Auxiliarie; nothing will induce them to engage, till thoſe that call them in, have pawned their Soules to them, by a Solemne League and Covenant.</p>
               <p>Where many engines of religious and faire pretenſions are brought chiefly to batter, or raſe Epiſcopacy. This they make the grand evill Spirit, which, with ſome other Imps pur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>poſely added, to make it more odious, and terrible to the Vulgar, muſt by ſo ſolemne a charme and exorciſme be caſt out of this Church, after more than a thouſand yeares poſſeſſion here, from the firſt plantation of Chriſtianity in this Iſland, and an univerſall
<pb n="100" facs="tcp:38600:54"/>
preſcription of time &amp; practiſe in all other Chur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ches ſince the Apoſtles times till this laſt Century</p>
               <p>But no Antiquity muſt plead for it. Presbyte<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ry; like a young Heyr, thinks the Father hath li<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ved long enough; and impatient not to be in the Biſhops Chair &amp; Authority (though Lay-men go away with the Revenues) all art is uſed to ſink Epiſcopacy, and lanch Presbytery in <hi>Eng<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>land;</hi> which was lately boyed up in <hi>Scotland</hi> by the like artifice of a Covenant</p>
               <p>Although I am unſatisfyed with many paſſages in that covenant (ſome referring to My ſelf with very dubious &amp; dangerous limitations yet I chie<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fly wonder at the deſigne &amp; drift touching the Diſcipline and Government of the Church; and ſuch a manner of carying them on to new ways, by Oaths and Covenants, where it is hard for men to be engaged by no leſs, then ſwearing for, or againſt thoſe things, which are of no cleare morall neceſſity, but very diſputable, &amp; contro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>verted among learned &amp; godly men: whereto the application of Oaths can hardly be made and enjoyned with that judgement, and certainty in ones ſelf, or that charity and candour to others of different opinion, as I think Religion requires, which never refuſes faire and equable deli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>berations; yea, &amp; diſſentings too, in matters only probable. The enjoyning of oaths upon people muſt needs in things doubtfull be dangerous, as in things unlawfull, damnable; and no leſſe ſu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>perfluous, where former religious and legall
<pb n="101" facs="tcp:38600:54"/>
Engagements bound men ſufficiently, to all ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceſſary duties. Nor can I ſee how they will re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>concile ſuch an Innovating Oath and Covenant, with that former proteſtation which was ſo late<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly taked, to maintain the Religion eſtabliſhed in the Church of <hi>England:</hi> ſince they count Diſci<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pline ſo great a part of Religion.</p>
               <p>But ambitious minds never thinke they have laid ſnares and ginnes enough to catch and hold the Vulgar credulity: for by ſuch politique and ſeemingly-pious ſtratagems, they think to keep the populacy faſt to their Parties under the ter<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rour of perjury: Whereas certainly all honeſt and wiſe men ever thought themſelvs ſufficient<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly bound, by former ties of Religion, Allegi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ance, and Laws, to God and Man.</p>
               <p>Nor can ſuch after-Contracts, deviſed and impoſed by a few Men in a declared Party, with<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>out My Conſent, and without any like power or precedent from Gods or mans lawes, be ever thought by judicious men ſufficient either to ab<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſolve or ſlacken thoſe morall &amp; eternall bounds of duty which lie upon all My Subjects conſci<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ences both to God and Me. Yet, as things now ſtand, good men ſhal leſt offend God or Me, by keeping their Covenant in honeſt &amp; lawfull ways; ſince I have the charity to think, that the chief end of the Covenat, in ſuch mens intenti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons, was, to preſerve Religion in purity, and the kingdoms in peace: To other then ſuch ends and
<pb n="102" facs="tcp:38600:55"/>
meanes they cannot think themſelves engaged; nor will thoſe, that have any true touches of Conſcience, endeavour to carry on the beſt de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſignes (much leſſe ſuch as are, and will be daily more apparently factious &amp; ambitious) by any unlawfull means, under that title of the Cove<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nant: unleſſe they dare preferre ambiguous, dangerous, and un-authorized novelties, before their known and ſworn duties, which are indiſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>penſable, both to God and My ſelf.</p>
               <p>I am prone to believe and hope, That many, who took the Covenant, are yet firm to this judgment, That ſuch later Vows, Oaths, or Leagues, can ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver blot out thoſe form<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>r gravings, and characters which by juſt &amp; lawfull Oaths were made upon their Soul, That which makes ſuch Confederati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons by way of ſolemn leagues &amp; covenants more to be ſuſpected, is, that they are the common road uſed in all factions and powerfull perturbations, of State or Church: where formalities of extra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ordinary zeal and piety are never more ſtudied and elaborate, then, when Politicians moſt agi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tate deſperate deſignes againſt all that is ſetled, or ſacred in Religion, and Laws, which by ſuch ſcrues are cunningly, yet forcibly, wreſted by ſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cret ſteps, and leſſe ſenſible degrees, from their known rule &amp; wonted practiſe, to comply with the humours of thoſe men, who aym to ſubdue all to their own will and power, under the diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>guiſes of Holy Combinations.</p>
               <p>Which cords and wythes will hold mens
<pb n="103" facs="tcp:38600:55"/>
Conſciences no longer, then force attends and twiſts them: for every man ſoone growes his owne Pope, and eaſily abſolves himſelfe of thoſe ties, which, not the commands of Gods word, or the Lawes of the Land, but only the ſubtilty and terrour of a Party caſts upon him; either ſuper<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fluous and vaine, when they were ſufficiently ti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ed before; or fraudulent and injurious, if by ſuch after-ligaments they find the Impoſers really ayming to diſſolve, or ſuſpend their for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mer, juſt, and neceſſary obligations.</p>
               <p>Indeed, ſuch illegall waies ſeldome, or never, intend the engaging men more to duties, but on<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly to Parties; therefore it is not regarded how they keep their Covenants in point of piety pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tended, provided they adhere firmly to the Par<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty and Deſigne intended.</p>
               <p>I ſee the Impoſers of it are content to make their Covenant like Manna (not that it came from heaven, as this did) agreeable to every mans palate and reliſh, who will but ſwallow it: They admit any mens ſenſes of it, though di<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>verſe or contrary; with any ſalvoes, cautions, and reſervations, ſo as they croſſe not their chief Deſigne which is laid againſt the Church, and Me. It is enough if they get but the reputation of a ſeeming encreaſe to their Party; So little do men remember that God is not mocked.</p>
               <p>In ſuch latitudes of ſenſe, I believe many that love Me, and the Church well, may have taken the Covenant, who yet are not ſo fondly
<pb n="104" facs="tcp:38600:56"/>
and ſuperſtitiouſly taken by it, as now to act clearly againſt both all piety and loyalty; who firſt yeil<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ed to it, more to prevent that immi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nent violence and ruine, which hung over their heads, in caſe they wholly refuſed it, than for any value of it, or devotion to it.</p>
               <p>Wherein, the latitude of ſome generall Clau<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſes may (perhaps) ſerve ſomewhat to relieve them, as of <hi>Doing and endeavouring what law<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fully they may, in their Places and Callings,</hi> and <hi>according to the Word of God:</hi> for, theſe (indeed) carry no man beyond thoſe bounds of good Conſcience, which are certaine and fixed, either in Gods Lawes, as to the generall; or the Lawes of the State and Kingdome, as to the particular regulation and exerciſe of mens duties.</p>
               <p>I would to God, ſuch, as glory moſt in the name of <hi>Covenanters,</hi> would keepe themſelves within thoſe lawfull bounds, to which God hath called them: Surely it were the beſt way to ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>piate the raſhneſſe of taking it: which muſt needs then appeare, when beſides the want of a full and lawfull Authority at firſt to enjoyne it, it ſhall actually be carried on beyond and a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt thoſe ends which were in it ſpecified and pretended. I willingly forgive ſuch mens ta<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>king the Covenant, who keep it within ſuch bounds of Piety, Law, and Loyalty, as can never hurt either the Church, My ſelfe, or the Pub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lique Peace: Againſt which; no mans lawfull Calling can engage him.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="105" facs="tcp:38600:56"/>
As for that Reformation of the Church, which the Covenant pretends, I cannot think it juſt or comely, that by the partiall advice of a few Divines, (of ſo ſoft and ſervile tempers, as diſpoſed them to ſo ſudden acting and com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pliance, contrary to their former judgements, profeſſion and practiſe) ſuch foule ſcandalls and ſuſpitions ſhould be caſt upon the Doctrine and Government of the Church of <hi>England,</hi> as was never done (that I have heard) by any that deſerved the name of <hi>Reformed Churches</hi> abroad, nor by any men of learning and can<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dour, at home: all whoſe judgments I cannot but perfer before any mens now factiouſly en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gaged.</p>
               <p>No man can be more forward than My ſelfe to carry on all due Reformations, with mature judgement, and a good Conſcience, in what things I ſhall (after impartiall adviſe) be, by Gods Word, and right reaſon, convinced to be amiſſe, I have offered more than ever the fulleſt, freeſt, and wiſeſt Parliaments did deſire.</p>
               <p>But the ſequele of ſome mens actions makes it evident, that the main Reformation intended, is the abaſing of Epiſcopacy into Presbytery, and the robbing the Church of its Lands and Revenues: For, no men have beene more injuriouſly uſed, as to their legall Rights than the Biſhops and Church-men. Theſe, as the fatteſt Deer, muſt be deſtroyed; the other Raſcal-herd of Schiſmes, Hereſies, &amp;c. being
<pb n="106" facs="tcp:38600:57"/>
lean, may enjoy the benefit of a Toleration<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> Thus <hi>Naboth's</hi> Vineyard made him the onely Blaſphemer of this City, and fit to die. Still I ſee, while the breath of Religion fills the Sailes, Profit is the Compaſſe, by which Factious men ſteer their courſe in all ſeditious Commoti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons.</p>
               <p>I thank God, as no man lay more open to the ſacrilegious temptation of uſurping the Chur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ches Lands, and Revenues, (which iſſuing chiefly from the Crowne, are held of it, and legally can revert onely to the Crowne, with My Conſent) ſo I have alwayes had ſuch a perfect abhorrence of it in My Soule, that I never found the leaſt inclination to ſuch ſacrilegious Reformings: yet no man hath a greater deſire to have Biſhops and all Church-men ſo reformed, that they may beſt deſerve and uſe, not only what the pious muniſicence of My Predeceſſours hath given to God and the Church, but all other additions of chriſtian bounty.</p>
               <p>But no necſſity ſhall ever, I hope, drive Me or Mine to invade or ſell the Prieſts Lands, which both <hi>Pharaoh's</hi> divinity, and <hi>Ioſeph's</hi> true piety abhorred to doe: So unjuſt I think it both in the eye of Reaſon and Religion, to deprive the moſt ſacred imployment of all due encouragements; and like that other hard<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>hearted <hi>Pharaoh,</hi> to withdraw the ſtraw, and encreaſe the Taske; ſo purſuing the oppreſſed Church, as ſome have done, to the read ſea of
<pb n="107" facs="tcp:38600:57"/>
a Civil Warre, where nothing but a miracle can ſave either It, or Him, who eſteems it His grea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>teſt Title to be called, and His chiefeſt glory to be <hi>The Defender of the Church, both in its true faith &amp; its iuſt fruitions, equally abhorring Sacriledge and Apostacy,</hi>
               </p>
               <p>I had rather live as My Predeceſſour HENRY 3 ſometime did; on the Churches Alms, then vio<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lently to take the bread out of Biſhops and Mi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>niſters mouthes.</p>
               <p>The next work will be <hi>Ieroboam's</hi> reformati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on, conſecrating the meaneſt of the People to be Preiſts in <hi>Iſrael,</hi> to ſerve thoſe Golden Calves, who have enriched themſelves with the Chur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ches Patrimony and Dowry; which how it thri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ved both with Prince, Prieſts, and People, is well enough knowne: And ſo it will be here, when from the tuition of Kings and Queenes, which have been nurſing Fathers and Mothers of this Church, it ſhal be at their alowance, who have al<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ready diſcovered, what hard Fathers, and Step<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mothers they will be.</p>
               <p>If the poverty of <hi>Scotland</hi> might, yet the plenty of <hi>England,</hi> cannot excuſe the envy and rapine of the Churches Rights and Revenues.</p>
               <p>I cannot ſo much as pray God to prevent thoſe ſad conſequences, which will inevitably fol<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>low the parity and poverty of Miniſters, both in Church and State; ſince I thinke it no leſſe than a mocking and tempting of God, to de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſire him to hinder thoſe miſchiefs, whoſe oc<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>caſions
<pb n="108" facs="tcp:38600:58"/>
and remedies are in our own power; it being every mans ſin not to avoid the one, and not to uſe the other.</p>
               <p>There are wayes enongh to repair the breaches of the State without the ruins of the Church; as I would be a Reſtorer of the one, ſo I would not be an oppreſſour of the other, under the pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tence of Publiqu<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Debts: The occaſions contra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cting them were bad enough, but ſuch a diſchar<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ging of them would be much worſe; I pray God neither I, nor Mine, may be acceſſary to either.</p>
               <p>To thee, O Lord, doe I addreſſe My prayer, beſee<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ching thee to pardon the raſhneſſe of My Subiects Swearings, and to quicken their ſenſe and obſerva<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tion of thoſe juſt, morall, and indiſpenſable bonds, whi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>h thy Word, and the Lawes of this Kingdome have laid upon their Conſciences; From which no pretenſions of Piety and Reformation are ſufficient to abſolve them, or to engage them to any contrary practiſes.</p>
               <p>Make them at length ſeriouſly to conſider, that nothing violent and iniurious can be religious.</p>
               <p>Thou alloweſt no mans committing Sacriledge un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>der the Zeal of abhorring Idolls.</p>
               <p>Suffer not ſacrilegious deſigns to have the Coun<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tenance of religious ties.</p>
               <p>Thou hast taught us by the wiſeſt of Kings, that it is a ſnare to take things that are holy, and after V<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ws to make enquiry.</p>
               <p>Ever keep thy ſervant from conſenting to per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>iurious and ſacrilegious rapines, that I may not
<pb n="109" facs="tcp:38600:58"/>
have the brand and curſe to all poſterity of robbing Thee and thy Church, of what thy bounty hath given us, and thy clemency hath accepted from us, where<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>with to encourage Learning and Religion.</p>
               <p>Though My Treaſures are Exhauſted, My Reve<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nues Diminiſhed; and My Debts Encreaſed, yet ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver ſuffer Me to be tempted to uſe ſuch prophane Reparations; lest a coal from thine altar ſet ſuch a fire on My Throne and Conſcience as will be hard<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly quenched.</p>
               <p>Let not the Debs and Engagements of the Pub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lique, which ſome mens folly and prodigality hath contracted, be an occaſion to impoveriſh thy Church.</p>
               <p>The State may ſoone recover, by thy bleſsing of peace upon us; The Church is never likely in times, where the Charity of most men is grown ſo cold, &amp; their Religion ſo illeberall.</p>
               <p>Continne to thoſe that ſerve Thee and thy Church all thoſe incouragements, which by the will of the pious Donours, and the Iuſtice of the Laws are due unto them; and give them grace to deſerve and uſ<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> them aright to thy glory, and the releif of the poor; That thy Preists may be cloathed with righteouſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe, and the poor may be ſatisfyed with breád.</p>
               <p>Let not holy things be given to Swine; nor the Churches bread to Dogs; rather let them go a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bout the City, grin like a Dog, and grudg that they are not ſatisfyed,</p>
               <p>Let thoſe ſacred morſells, which ſome men have already by violence devoured, never digeſt with them, nor theirs; Let them be as <hi>Naboth's</hi>
                  <pb n="110" facs="tcp:38600:59"/>
Vineyard to <hi>Ahab,</hi> gall in their mouths, rotten<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe to their mames, a moth to their Families, and a ſting to their Conſciences.</p>
               <p>Break in ſunder, O Lord, all violent and ſacri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>legious Confederations, to doe wickedly and in<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>uri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ouſly.</p>
               <p>Divide their hearts and tongues who have ban<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dyed together againſt the Church and State, that the folly of ſuch may be manifeſt to all men, and pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceed no further.</p>
               <p>But ſo favour My righteous dealing, O Lord, that in the mercies of thee, the moſt High, I may never miſcarry.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="15" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>15.</hi> Vpon the many Jealouſies raiſed, and Scandals caſt upon the <hi>King,</hi> to ſtir up the People againſt Him<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
               </head>
               <p>IF I had not My own Innocency, and Gods protection, it were hard for Me to ſtand out againſt thoſe ſtratagems and conflicts of malice, which by Falſities ſeek to oppreſſe the Truth; and by Jealouſies to ſupply the defect of Reall cauſes, which might ſeeme to juſtifie ſo unjuſt Engagements againſt Me.</p>
               <p>And indeed, the worſt effects of open Hoſtili<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty come ſhort of theſe Deſignes: For, I can more willingly loſe My Crowne<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>, than My
<pb n="111" facs="tcp:38600:59"/>
Credit; nor are My Kingdoms, ſo dear to Me, as My Reputation and Honour.</p>
               <p>Thoſe muſt have a period with My life; but theſe may ſurvive to a glorious kind of Immor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tality, when I am dead and gon: A good name being the embalming of Princes, &amp; a ſweet con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſecrating of them to an Eternity of love &amp; gra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>titude among Poſterity.</p>
               <p>Thoſe foule and falſe aſperſions were ſecret engines at firſt employed againſt My peoples love of Me: that undermining their opinion &amp; value of Me, My enemies; and theirs too might at once blow up their affections, and batter down their loyalty.</p>
               <p>Wherein yet, I thank God, the detriment of My Honour is not ſo afflictive to Me, as the ſin and danger of My peoples ſouls, whoſe eye once blinded with ſuch miſts of ſuſpicions, they are ſoon miſ-led into the moſt deſperate precipices of actions: wherein they do not only, not conſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>der their ſin and danger, but glory in their zea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lous adventures; while I am rendred to them ſo fit to be deſtroyed, that many are ambitious to merit the name of My Deſtroyers; imagining they then fear God moſt, when they leaſt honor their King.</p>
               <p>I thank God, I never found but My pity was a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bove My anger; nor have My paſſions ever ſo prevailed againſt Me, as to exclude My moſt compaſsionate prayres for them, whom devout errours more than their own malice have betrai<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ed to a moſt religious Rebellion.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="112" facs="tcp:38600:60"/>
I had the Charity to interpret, that moſt pa<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="2 letters">
                     <desc>••</desc>
                  </gap> of My Subjects fought againſt My ſuppoſed er<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rours, not My Perſon; and intended to mend Me, not to end Me: And I hope that God, par<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>doning their Errours, hath ſo farre accepted and anſwered their good intentions, that as he hath yet preſerved Me, ſo he hath by theſe afflictions prepared Me, both to doe him better ſervice, and My people more good, than hitherto I hav<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>don.</p>
               <p>I doe not more willingly forgive their ſedu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctions, which occaſioned their loyall injuries then I am ambitious by all Princely merits to redeem them from their unjuſt ſuſpicions, and reward them for their good intentions.</p>
               <p>I am too conſcious to My own Affections to<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ward the generality of My people, to ſuſpect theirs to Me; nor ſhall the malice of My Ene<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mies ever be able to deprive Me of the comfort, which that confidence gives Me; I ſhall never gratifie the ſpightfulneſſe of a few with any ſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>niſter thoughts of all their Allegiance, whom pious frauds have ſeduced.</p>
               <p>The worſt ſome mens ambition can do, ſhall never perſwade Me, to make ſo bad interpreta<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tions of moſt of My Subjects actions; who poſſibly may be Erroneous, but no<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Hereticall in point of Loyaltie.</p>
               <p>The ſenſe of the Injuries done unto My Sub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jects is as ſharp, as thoſe done to My ſelfe; our welfares being inſeparable; in this onely they ſuffer more then My ſelfe, that they are anima<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted
<pb n="113" facs="tcp:38600:60"/>
by ſome ſeducers to injure at once both themſelves and Me.</p>
               <p>For this is not enough to the malice of My e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nemyes, that I be afflicted: but it muſt be don by ſuch inſtruments, that My afflictions grieve Me not more, then this doth, that I am afflicted by thoſe, whoſe proſperity I earneſtly deſire, &amp; whoſe ſeduction I heartily deplore.</p>
               <p>If they had been My open and forreign Ene<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mies, I could have born it; but they muſt be My own Subjects, who are, next to My Children; dear to Me: And for the reſtoring of whoſe tranquility, I could willingly be the <hi>Ionah;</hi> If I did not evidently fore-ſee, that by the divided Intereſts of their &amp; Mine enemies, as by contra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ry winds, the ſtorm of their miſeries would be rather encreaſed then allayed.</p>
               <p>I had rather prevent my peoples ruine then rule over them; nor am I ſo ambitious of that Domi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nion, which is but My Right, as of their happi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe; if it could expiate or countervaile ſuch a way of obtaining it, by the higheſt injuries of Subjects committed againſt their Soveraign.</p>
               <p>Yet I had rather ſuffer all the miſeries of life, and dy many deaths, then ſhamefully to deſert, or diſhonourably to betray My own juſt rights and Soveraignty; thereby to gratify the ambi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tion, or juſtifie the malice of My Enemies; be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tween whoſe malice; and other men miſtakes, I put as great a difference, as betweene an ordinary AGUE and the PLAGUE; or th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <pb n="114" facs="tcp:38600:61"/>
Itch of Novelty, and the Leproſie of Diſloyal<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty.</p>
               <p>As Lyars need have good Memories, ſo Mali<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cious Perſons need good inventions; That their calumnies may fit every mans fancy; and what their reproaches want of truth, they may make up with number and ſhew.</p>
               <p>My patience (I thank God) will better ſerve Me to bear, and My charity to forgive, then My leiſure to Anſwer the many falſe Aſperſions which ſome men have caſt upon Me.</p>
               <p>Did I not more conſider My Subjects Satiſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>faction, then my own Vindication: I ſhould ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver have given the malice of ſome men that pleaſure, as to ſee Me take notice of, or remem<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ber what they ſay, or object.</p>
               <p>I would leave the Authors to be puniſhed by their own evil manners and ſeared Conſciences, which will, I beleive, in a ſhorter time then they be aware of, both confute and revenge all thoſe black and falſe ſcandals, which they have caſt on Me; And make the world ſee, there is as little truth in them, as there was little worth in the broaching of them; or Civility (I need not ſay Loyalty) in the not-ſuppreſſing of them; whoſe credit &amp; reputation, even with the People, ſhall ere long be quite blaſted by the breath of that ſame fornace of popular obloquy and detracti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on, which they have ſtudied to heat and inflame to the higheſt degree of infamy, &amp; wherein they have ſought to caſt and conſume My Name and Honour.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="115" facs="tcp:38600:61"/>
Firſt, nothing gave Me more cauſe to ſuſpect and ſearch My owne Innocency, then when I obſerved ſo many forward to engage againſt Me, who had made great profeſſions of ſingular piety; For this gave to vulgar minds ſo bad a reflection upon Me, and My Cauſe, as if it had been impoſſible to adhere to Me, and not withall part from God; to think or ſpeak well of Me, and not to Blaſpheme Him; ſo many were perſwaded that theſe two were utterly inconſiſtent, to be at once Loyall to Me, and truly Religious toward God.</p>
               <p>Not but that I had (I thank God) many with Me, which were both Learned and Religious (much above that ordinary ſize, and that vulgar proportion, wherein ſome men glory ſo much) who were ſo well ſatisfied in the cauſe of My ſufferings, that they choſe rather to ſuffer with Me, then forſake Me.</p>
               <p>Nor is it ſtrange that ſo religious Pretenſions, as were uſed againſt me, ſhould be to many wel<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>minded Men a great temptation to oppoſe Me; Eſpecially, being urged by ſuch popular Prea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>chers, as think it no ſin to lie for God, and what they pleaſe to call Gods Cauſe, curſing all that will not curſe with them; looking ſo much at, and crying up the goodneſſe of the end pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pounded, that they conſider not the lawfullneſſe of the means uſed, nor the depth of the miſchief, chiefly plotted and intended. The weakneſſe of theſe mens judgements muſt be made up by their clamours and activity.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="116" facs="tcp:38600:62"/>
It was a great part of ſome mens Religion to ſcandalize Me &amp; Mine; they thought theirs could not be true, if they cried not down Mine as falſe.</p>
               <p>I thank God, I have had more triall of his grace, as to the conſtancy of My Religion in the Proteſtant Profeſſion of the Church of <hi>Eng<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>land,</hi> both abroad, and at home, than ever they are like to have. Nor do I know any exception, I am ſo liable to, in their opinion, as too great a fixednes in that Religion, whoſe judicious &amp; ſolid grounds, both from Scripture, and Antiquity, wil not give My Conſcience leave to approve or conſent to thoſe many dangerous and divided Innovations, which the bold Ignorance of ſome men would needs obtrud upon me, &amp; my people.</p>
               <p>Contrary to thoſe well tried foundations both of Truth, and Order, which men of far greater Learning, and clearer Zeal, have ſetled in the Confeſsion and Conſtitution of this Church in <hi>England;</hi> which many former Parliaments in the moſt calme, and unpaſsionate times, have oft confirmed; In which I ſhall ever, by Gods help, perſevere, as believing it hath moſt of Pri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mitive Truth and Order.</p>
               <p>Nor did My uſing the aſſiſtance of ſome Pa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>piſts, which were my Subjects, any way fight againſt My Religion, as ſome men would needs interpret it: eſpecially thoſe who leaſt of all men cared whom they imployed, or what they ſaid, or did, ſo they might prevaile. 'Tis ſtrange that ſo wiſe men, as they would be eſteemed,
<pb n="117" facs="tcp:38600:62"/>
ſhould not conceive, That differences of perſwa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſion in matters of Religion may eaſily fall out, where there is the fameneſs of duty, Allegiance, and ſubjection. The firſt they owe as men, and Chriſtians to God; the ſecond, they owe to Me in Common, as their <hi>King:</hi> different profeſſions in point of Religion, cannot (any more than in Civill Trades) take away the community of re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lations either to Parents, or to Princes: And where is there ſuch an <hi>Oglio</hi> or medley of vari<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ous Religions in the world again, as thoſe men entertaine in their ſervice (who find moſt fault with me) without any ſcruple, as to the diverſity of their Sects and Opinions?</p>
               <p>It was, indeed, a foule and indelible ſhame, for ſuch as would be counted Proteſtants, to enforce Me, a declared Proteſtant, their Lord &amp; King, to a neceſſary uſe of Papiſts, or any other, who did but their duty to help Me to defend My ſelfe.</p>
               <p>Nor did I more than is lawfull for any King, in ſuch exigents to uſe the aid of any his Sub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jects. I am ſorry the Papiſts ſhould have a greater ſenſe of their Allegiance, than many Proteſtant profeſſors; who ſeem to have learned, &amp; to pra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctiſe the worſt principles of the worſt Papiſts.</p>
               <p>Indeed, it had bin a very impertinent and un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſeaſonable ſcruple in Me, (and very pleaſing no doubt to My enemies) to have been then diſpu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ting the points of different beliefs in My Sub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jects, when I was diſputed with by ſwords points<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> and when I needed the help of My Subjects
<pb n="118" facs="tcp:38600:63"/>
as men, no leſſe then their prayers as Chriſtians.</p>
               <p>The noiſe of My Evill Councellours was an<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>other uſefull device for thoſe, who were impa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tient any mens counſels but their owne, ſhould be followed in Church or State; who were ſo eager in giving Me better counſel, that they would not give Me leave to take it with free<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dome, as a Man, or honour, as a King; making their counſels more like a drench that muſt be powred down, then a draught which might be fairly and leiſurely drank, if I liked it.</p>
               <p>I will not juſtifie beyond humane errours and frailties My ſelfe, or My Counſellours: They might be ſubject to ſome miſcariages, yet ſuch as were far more reparable by ſecond and better thoughts, than thoſe enormous extravagances, where with ſome men have now even wil dred and almoſt quite loſt both Church and State.</p>
               <p>The event of things at laſt will make it evi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dent to My Subjects, that had I followed the worſt Couucels, that My worſt Counſellours ever had the boldneſſe to offer to Me, or My ſelf any inclination to uſe; I could not ſo ſoon have brought both Church and State in three flouri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſhing Kingdomes, to ſuch a <hi>Chaos</hi> of confuſions, and Hell of miſeries, as ſome have done; out of which they cannot, or will not in the midſt of their many great advantages; redeeme either Me or My Subjects.</p>
               <p>No men were more willing to complaine, than I was to redreſſe what I ſaw in Reaſon was
<pb n="119" facs="tcp:38600:63"/>
either done or adviſed amiſſe; and this I thonght I had done, even beyond the expectation of mo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>derate men; who were ſorry to ſee me prone e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ven to injure My ſelf, out of a Zeal to releive my Subjects.</p>
               <p>But other mens inſatiable deſire of revenge upon Me, My Court, and My Clergy; hath wholly be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>guiled both Church and State, of the benefit of all My, either Retractations, or Conceſſions; &amp;, withall, hath deprived all thoſe (now ſo zealous Perſecutors) both of the comfort &amp; reward of their former pretended perſecutions, wherein they ſo much gloryed among the vulgar; and which, indeed, a truly humble Chriſtian will ſo highly prize, as rather not be relieved, then be re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>venged, ſo as to be bereaved of that Crowne of chriſtian Patience, which attends humble &amp; inju<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>red ſufferers.</p>
               <p>Another artifice uſed to withdraw My Peo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ples affections from Me, to their deſignes, was, The noiſe and oſtentation of liberty, which men are not more prone to deſire, then unapt to bear in the popular ſenſe, which is to do what every man likes beſt.</p>
               <p>If the Divineſt liberty be to will what men ſhould, &amp; to do what they ſo will, according to Reaſon; Lawes, and Religion; I envy not My ſub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jects that Liberty, which is all I deſire to enjoy My ſelf; So far am I from the deſire of oppreſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſing theirs: Nor were thoſe Lords &amp; Gentlemen which aſſiſted Me, ſo prodigall of their liberties,
<pb n="120" facs="tcp:38600:64"/>
as with their Lives and Fortunes to help on the enſlaving of themſelves and their poſterities.</p>
               <p>As to Civill Immunities, none but ſuch as de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſire to drive on their Ambitious and Covetous deſignes over the ruines of Church and State, Prince, Peers, and People, wil never deſire grea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ter freedoms then the Laws alow, whoſe bounds good men count their Ornament &amp; protection; others, their Menacles and Opreſſion.</p>
               <p>Nor is it juſt any man ſhould expect the re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ward &amp; benefit of the Law, who deſpiſeth its rule and direction, loſing juſtly his ſafety, while he ſeeks an unreaſonable liberty.</p>
               <p>Time will beſt inform my Subjects, that thoſe are the beſt preſerver of their true liberties, who allow themſelves the leaſt licentiouſneſs againſt, or beyond the Laws.</p>
               <p>They will feele it at laſt to their coſt, that it is impoſsible thoſe men ſhould be really tender of their fellow-Subjects libertyes, who have the hardineſſe to uſe their King with ſo ſevere re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtraint, againſt all Laws, both Divine and Hu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mane, under which; yet, I wil rather periſh, then complain to thoſe, who want nothing to com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pleat their mirth, and triumph, but ſuch muſick.</p>
               <p>In point of true conſciencious tendernes (atten<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ded with humility and meeknes, not with proud &amp; arrogant activity, which ſeeks to hatch every Egge of different opinion to a Faction or Schiſme) I have oft declared, how little I deſire My Laws and Scepter ſhould intrench on Gods
<pb n="121" facs="tcp:38600:64"/>
Soveraignty, which is the only King of mens Conſciences; and yet he hath laid ſuch reſtraints upon men, as commands them to be ſubject for Conſcience ſake, giving no men liberty to break the Law eſtabliſhed, further then with meeknes and patience, they are content to ſuffer the pe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nalties annexed, rather then perturb the publick peace.</p>
               <p>The truth is, ſome men thirſt after Novelties, others deſpaire to relieve the neceſſities of their Fortunes, or ſatisfie their Ambition, in peaceable times, (diſtruſting Gods providence, as well as their own merits) were the ſecret (but principal) impulſives to thoſe popular Commotions, by which Subjects have been diſcharged to expend much of thoſe plentifull Eſtates they got &amp; en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>joyed under my government, in peaceable times; which yet muſt now be blaſted with all the odi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ous reproaches, which impotent malice can in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vent; &amp; My ſelf expoſed to all thoſe contempts, which may moſtdiminiſh the Majeſty of a King, and encreaſe the ungratefull Inſolencies of My People.</p>
               <p>For Mine Honour, I am wel aſſured, that as mine Innocency is clear before God; in point of of any calumnies they object; ſo My reputati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on ſhall like the Son (after Owles and Bats have had their freedome in the night and darker times) riſe and recover it ſelfe to ſuch a de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gree of ſplendour, as thoſe ferall Birds
<pb n="122" facs="tcp:38600:65"/>
ſhall be greived to behold, and unable to bear. For never were any Princes more glorious the<g ref="char:cmbAbbrStroke">̄</g> thoſe whom God hath ſuffer'd to be tried in the fornace of afflictions, by their injurious ſubjects.</p>
               <p>And who knows but the juſt and merciful God will do Me good, for ſome mens hard, falſe &amp; e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vill ſpeeches againſt Me; wherein they ſpake ra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther what they wiſh, than what they believe or know. Nor can I ſuffer ſo much in point of ho<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nour, by thoſe rude and ſcandalous Pamphlets (which like fire, in great conflagration<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>, fly up &amp; down to ſet all places on like flames) than thoſe men do, who pretending to ſo much piety, are ſo forgetfull of their duty to God and Me: By no way ever vindicating the Majeſty of their KING againſt any of thoſe, who, contrary to the pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cept of God, and precedent of Angels, <hi>ſpeak e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vill of dignityes, and bring rayling accuſations a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gaynſt thoſe,</hi> who are honoured with the name of Gods. But 'tis no wonder, if men not fearing God, ſhould not Honour their Kings</p>
               <p>They will eaſily contemn ſuch ſhaddowes of God, who reverence not that Supreme, and ado<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rable Majeſty; in compariſon of whom all the glory of Men &amp; Angels is but obſcurity; yet hath he graven ſuch Characters of divine Au<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>thority, and ſacred power upon Kings, as none may without ſin ſeek to blot them out. Nor ſhal their black veiles be able to hide the ſhining of My face, while God gives Me a heart frequent<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly &amp; humbly to converſe with him, from whom
<pb n="123" facs="tcp:38600:65"/>
alone are all the traditions of true glory and Majeſty.</p>
               <p>Thou, O Lord, knoweſt My reproach, and My diſhonour, My Adverſaries are all before thee.</p>
               <p>My Soule is among Lyons, among them that are ſet on fire, even the Suns of Men; whoſe teeth are ſpears and arrows, their tongue a ſharp ſword.</p>
               <p>Mine Enemies reproach Me all the day long, and thoſe that are mad againſt me are ſworn together.</p>
               <p>O My God, how long ſhall the ſons of men turne my glory into ſhame? how long ſhall they love va<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nity, and ſeek after lies?</p>
               <p>Thou haſt heard the reproaches of wicked men on e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>very ſide. Hold not thy peace, leaſt My Enemies pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vaile againſt me, and lay mine Honour in the duſt.</p>
               <p>Thou, O Lord, ſhalt deſtroy them that ſpeak lies: the Lord will abhor both the bloud thirſty, and de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceitfull men.</p>
               <p>Make my righteouſneſſe to appear as the light, and mine innocency to ſhine forth as the Sun at noone day.</p>
               <p>Suffer not my ſilence to betray mine innocence, nor my diſpleaſure, my patience; That after my Saviours example, being reviled, I may not revile againe; &amp;, being curſed by them, I may bleſſe them.</p>
               <p>Thou that wouldſt not ſuffer <hi>Shimei's</hi> tongue to go unpuniſhed, when by thy iudgements on <hi>David</hi> he might ſeem to iuſtifie his diſdainfull reproaches, give me grace to intercede with thy mercy for theſe my enemies, that the reward of falſe and lying tongues, even hot burning coals of eternall fire, may not be brought upon them.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="124" facs="tcp:38600:66"/>
Let my prayers, and patience, be as water to coole and quench their tongues, who are already ſet on fire with the fire of Hell, and tormented with thoſe malicious flames.</p>
               <p>Let me be happy to refute, and put to ſilence their evill-ſpeaking by well-doing; and let them enioy not the fruit of their lips, but of my prayer for their repentance, and thy pardon.</p>
               <p>Teach me <hi>Davids</hi> patience and <hi>Hezekiahs</hi> devo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tion, that I may look to thy mercy through mans ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lice, and ſee thy Iuſtice in their ſin.</p>
               <p>Let <hi>Sheba's</hi> ſeditious ſpeeches, <hi>Rabſheka's</hi> rai<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ling, &amp; <hi>Shemei's</hi> curſing, provoke, as my humble prayer to thee, ſo thy renewed bleſſing toward Me.</p>
               <p>Though they curſe, do thou bleſſe, and I ſhall be bleſſed; and made a bleſſing to my people.</p>
               <p>That the ſtone, which ſome builders refuſe, may become the head-ſtone of the corner.</p>
               <p>Looke downe from heaven, and ſave me, from the reproach of them that would ſwallow me up.</p>
               <p>Hide me in the ſecret of thy preſence, from the pride of man, &amp; keep me from the ſtrife of tongues.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="16" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>16.</hi> Vpon the Ordinance against the Common-Prayer-Booke.</head>
               <p>IT is no news to have all Innovations uſhered in with the name of Reformations in Church and State, by thoſe, who, ſeeking to gaine repu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tation with the Vulgar for their extraordinary parts and piety, muſt needs undoe whatever was formerly ſetled never ſo well and wiſely.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="125" facs="tcp:38600:66"/>
So hardly can the pride of thoſe that ſtudy Novelties, allow former times any ſhare or de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gree of wiſdome or godlineſſe. And becauſe matter of prayer and devotion to God juſtly beares a great part in Religion, (being the Souls more immediate converſe with the divine Maje<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſty) nothing could be more plauſible to the peopl than to tel them, They ſerved God amiſſe in that point. Hence our publique Liturgy or Formes of conſtant Prayers muſt be (not amended, in what upon free and publique advice might ſeeme to ſober men inconvenient for matter or manner, to which I ſhould eaſily conſent, but) wholly ca<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſhiered and aboliſhed; and, after many popular contempts offered to the Booke, and thoſe that uſed it according to their Conſciences, and the Lawes in force, it muſt be crucified by an Ordi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nance, the better to pleaſe either thoſe men, who gloried in their extemporary veyn and flu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ency; or others, who, conſcious to their own formality in the uſe of it, thought they fully ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>piated their ſin of not uſing it aright, by laying all the blame upon it, and a totall rejection of it as a dead letter, thereby to excuſe the deadneſs of their hearts. As for the matter contained in the book, ſober &amp; learned men have ſufficiently vin<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dicated it againſt the cavils and exceptions of thoſe, who thought it a part of piety to make what profan objections, they could againſt it, e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſpecially for Popery &amp; Superſtition; whereas no doubt, the Liturgy was exactly conformed to the
<pb n="126" facs="tcp:38600:67"/>
doctrine of the Church of <hi>Engl.</hi> and this by all reformed churches is confeſſed to be moſt ſound and Orthodox. For the manner of uſing Set &amp; preſcribed Formes, there is no doubt but that wholſome words being known &amp; fitted to mens underſtandings, are ſooneſt received into their hearts, and apteſt to excite and carry along with them judicious and fervent affections.</p>
               <p>Nor doe I ſee any reaſon why Chriſtians ſhould be weary of a wel-compoſed Liturgy (as I hold this to be) more than of all other things, wherein the conſtancy abates nothing of the ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cellency and uſefulneſſe.</p>
               <p>I could never ſee any Reaſon, why any Chri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtian ſhould abhor, or be forbidden to uſe the ſame forms of prayer, ſince he prayes to the ſame God, believes in the ſame Saviour, profeſſeth the ſame Truths, reads the ſame Scriptures, hath the ſame duties upon him, and feels the ſame daily wants for the moſt part, both inward &amp; outward, which are common to the whole Church.</p>
               <p>Sure we may as wel before-hand know what we pray, as to whom we pray; &amp; in what words, as to whatſenſe; when we deſire the ſame things, what hinders we may not uſe the ſame words? our appetite and diſgeſtion too may be good when we uſe, as we pray for, <hi>our daily bread.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>Some men, I heare, are ſo impatient not to uſe in all their devotion their own invention, and gifts, that they not only diſuſe (as too many) but wholly caſt away &amp; contemn the <hi>Lords Prayer;</hi>
                  <pb n="127" facs="tcp:38600:67"/>
whoſe great guilt is, that it is the warrant &amp; ori<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ginall pattern of all ſet Liturgies, in the Chriſti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>an Church. I ever thought that the proud o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtentation of mens abilities for invention, and the vain affectations of variety for expreſsions, in Publique Prayer, or any ſacred Adminiſtrations, merits a greater brand of ſinne, than that which they call Coldneſſe and Barrenneſſe: Nor are men in thoſe noveltyes leſſe ſubject to formall and ſuperficiall tempers (as to their hearts) than in the uſe of conſtant Formes, where not the words, but mens hearts are too blame.</p>
               <p>I make no doubt but a man may be very formal in the moſt extemporary variety; and very fer<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vently devout in the moſt wonted expreſſions: Nor is God more a God of variety, than of conſtancy: Nor are conſtant Forms of Prayers more likely to flat, &amp; hinder the Spirit of pray<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>er, &amp; devotion, than un-premeditated &amp; confu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed variety to diſtract, and loſe it.</p>
               <p>Though I am not againſt a grave, modeſt, diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>creet, &amp; humble uſe of Miniſters gifts, even in publique, the better to fit, &amp; excite their own, &amp; the Peoples affections to the preſent occaſions; yet I know no neceſſity why private and ſingle abilityes ſhould quite juſtle out, and deprive the Church of the joynt abilityes &amp; concurrent gift of many learned and godly men; ſuch as the Compoſers of the Service booke were; who may in all reaſon be thought to have more of gifts and graces enabling them to Compoſe
<pb n="128" facs="tcp:38600:68"/>
with ſerious deliberation &amp; concurrent adviſe, ſuch Forms of prayers, as may beſt fit the chur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ches common want, inform the Hearers under<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtanding; and ſtir up that fiduciary and fervent application of their ſpirits, (wherein conſiſts the very life and ſoul of prayer, and that ſo much pretended Spirit of prayer) than any private man by his ſolitary abilities can be preſumed to have; which, what they are many times (even there, where they make a great noiſe and ſhew) the affectations, emptineſſe, impertinency, rude<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe, confuſions, flatneſſe, levity, obſcurity, vain, and ridiculous repititions, the ſenſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>leſſe, and oft-times blaſphemous expreſſions; all theſe burthened with a moſt tedious and intole<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rable length, do ſufficiently convince all men, but thoſe who glory in that Phariſaick way.</p>
               <p>Wherein men muſt be ſtrangely impudent, and flatterers of themſelves, not to have an infi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nite ſhame of what they ſo do and ſay, in things of ſo ſacred a nature, before God &amp; the Church, after ſo ridiculous, &amp; indeed, profane a manner.</p>
               <p>Nor can it be expected, but that in dutyes of frequent performance, as Sacramentall admini<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtrations, and the like, which are ſtil the ſame, Miniſters muſt either come to uſe their own forms conſtantly which are not like to be ſound, or comprehenſive of the nature of the duty, as Forms of Publick compoſure; or elſe they muſt euery time affect new expreſſions when the ſub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ject is the ſame; which can hardly be preſumed
<pb n="129" facs="tcp:38600:68"/>
in any mans greateſt ſufficiencyes not to want (many times) much of that compleatneſſe, or<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>der and gravity, becomming thoſe duties, which by this means are expoſed at every celebration to every Miniſters private infirmities, indiſpoſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tions, errours, diſorders, &amp; defects; both for judg<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment and expreſſion.</p>
               <p>A ſerious ſenſe of which inconvenience in the Church unavoidably following every mans ſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>verall manner of officiating, no doubt, firſt occa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſioned the wiſdom &amp; piety of the Ancient chur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ches, to remedy thoſe miſchiefs, by the uſe of conſtant Lyturgies of publick compoſure.</p>
               <p>The want of which I believe this Church will ſufficiently feel, when the unhappy fruits of ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny mens un-governed ignorance, and confident defects, ſhall be diſcovered in more errours, ſciſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mes, diſorders, and uncharitable diſtractions in Religion, which are already but too many; the more is the pity.</p>
               <p>However, if violence muſt needs bring in, and abet thoſe innovations, (that men may not ſeem to have nothing to do) which Law, Reaſon, &amp; Religion forbids, at leaſt to be ſo obtruded, as wholy to juſtle out the publick Lyturgy.</p>
               <p>Yet nothing can excuſe that moſt unjuſt and partiall ſeverity of thoſe men, who either lately had ſubſcribed to, uſed and maintained the Ser<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vice-book; or refuſing to uſe, it cryed out of the rigour of the Laws and Biſhops, which ſuffe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>red them not to uſe the liberty of their conſcien<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ces, in not uſing it.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="130" facs="tcp:38600:69"/>
That theſe men (I ſay) ſhould ſo ſuddenly change the Lyturgie into a Directory, as if the Spirit needed help for invention, though not for expreſsions; or as if matter preſcribed did not as much ſtint and obſtruct the Spirit, as if it were cloathed in, and confined to, fit words: (So ſlight and eaſie is that Legerdemain which will ſerve to delude the vulgar.)</p>
               <p>That further, they ſhould uſe ſuch ſeverity as not to ſuffer, without penalty, any to uſe the Common-Prayer-Book publickly, although their Conſciences binde them to it, as a duty of piety to GOD, and Obedience to the Laws. Thus I ſee, no men are prone to be greater Tyrants, and more rigorus exacters upon others to con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>form to their illegall novelties, then ſuch, whoſe pride was formerly leaſt diſpoſed to the obedi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ence of lawfull Conſtitutions; and whoſe licen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tious humours, moſt pretended Conſcientious liberties; which freedome, with much regret, they now allow to Me, and My Chaplains, when they may have leave to ſerue Me; whoſe abili<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ties, euen in their extemporary way, come not ſhort of the other<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> but their modeſty and learn<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing far exceeds the moſt of them.</p>
               <p>But this matter is of ſo popular a nature, as ſome men knew it would not bear learned and ſober debates, leaſt, being convinced by the evi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dence of Reaſon, as well as Laws, they ſhoul<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> have been driven either to ſinne more againſ<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> their knowledge, by taking away the Lyturgy<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
                  <pb n="131" facs="tcp:38600:69"/>
or to diſpleaſe ſome faction of the people by continuing the uſe of it.</p>
               <p>Though I believe they have offended more con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſiderable men, not only for their numbers &amp; e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtate, but for their weighty and judicious piety, than thoſe are, whoſe weaknes or giddines they ſought to gratifie by taking it away.</p>
               <p>One of the greateſt faults ſome men found with the Common-Prayer-book, I beleive, was this, That it taught them to pray ſo oft for Me; to which Petitions they had not Loyalty enough to ſay <hi>Amen,</hi> nor yet charity enough to forbear Reproaches, and even curſings of Me in their own forms, inſtead of praying for Me.</p>
               <p>I wiſh their Repentance may be their only puniſhment; that ſeeing the miſchiefs which the diſuſe of publique Liturgyes hath already pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>duced, they may reſtore that credit, uſe, and reve<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rence to them, which by the ancient Churches were given to Set Formes of ſound and whol<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſome words.</p>
               <p>And thou, O Lord, which art the ſame God, bleſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed for ever: whoſe mercies are full of varie y; &amp; yet of conſtancy; Thou denyest us not a new &amp; freſh ſenſe of our old and dayly wants: nor deſpiſeſt renu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ed affections ioyned to constant expreſſions.</p>
               <p>Let us not want the benefit of thy Churches united &amp; wel-adviſed Devotions.</p>
               <p>Let the matters of our prayers be agreeable to thy will<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> which is alwaies the ſame; and the fer<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vency
<pb n="132" facs="tcp:38600:70"/>
of our ſpirits to the motions of thy holy Spi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rit in us.</p>
               <p>And then we doubt not, but thy ſpirituall per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fections are ſuch, as thou art neither to be pleaſed with affected Novelties for matter or manner, nor offended with the pious conſtancy of our petitions in them both.</p>
               <p>Whoſe variety or conſtancy thou haſt no where either forbidden or commanded, but left them to the piety and prudence of thy Church, that both may be uſed, neither diſpiſed.</p>
               <p>Keep men in that pious moderation of their Iudg<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ments in matters of Religion; that their ignorance may not offend others, nor their opinion of their own abilities tempt them to deprive others of what they may lawfully and devoutly uſe, to help their infirmi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ties.</p>
               <p>And ſince the advantage of Errour conſiſts in no<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>velty and variety, as Truths in unity and conſtancy, Suffer not thy Church to be peſtered with errours, and diformed with undecencies in thy ſervice, un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>der the pretence of variety and novelty. Nor to be deprived of truth, unity, and order, under this fallacy, That conſtancy is the cauſe of formality.</p>
               <p>Lord keep us from formall Hypociſie in our own hearts, and then we know that praying to thee, or praiſing of thee (with <hi>David,</hi> and other holy men) in the ſame formes cannot hurt us.</p>
               <p>Give us wiſdome to amend what is amiſſe within us, and there will be leſſe to mend without us.</p>
               <p>Evermore defend and deliver thy Church from
<pb n="133" facs="tcp:38600:70"/>
the effects of blind zeal, and over-bold devotion.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="17" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>17.</hi> Of the differences betweene the <hi>King</hi> and the two Houſes, in point of Church-government.</head>
               <p>TOuching the GOVERNMENT of the Church by Biſhops, the common Jealouſie hath bin, that I am earneſt and reſolute to maintain it, not ſo much out of piety, as policy, and reaſon of State.</p>
               <p>Wherein ſo far indeed reaſon of State doth induce Me to approve that Government above any other, as I find it impoſſible for a Prince to preſerve the State in quiet, unleſſe he hath ſuch an influence upon Church-men, and they ſuch a dependance on Him, as may beſt reſtraine the ſeditions exorbitances of Miniſters Tongues; who with the Keys of Heaven have ſo far the Keys of the Peoples hearts, as they prevaile much by their Oratory to let in, or ſhut out, both Peace and Loyalty.</p>
               <p>So that, I being (as <hi>King)</hi> intruſted by God, &amp; the Laws, with the good both of Church and State; I ſee no reaſon I ſhould give up, or weaken by any change, that power and influence which in right and reaſon I ought to have over both.</p>
               <p>The moving Biſhops out of the Houſe of Peers (of which I have elſewhere given an ac<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>count) was ſufficient to take off any ſuſpicion,
<pb n="134" facs="tcp:38600:71"/>
that I encline to them for any uſe to be made of their Votes in State affairs: Though indeed I ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver thought any Biſhop worthy to ſit in that Houſe, who would not Vote according to his Conſcience.</p>
               <p>I muſt now in charity be thought deſirous to preſerve that Government in its right conſtitu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tion, as a matter of Religion; wherein both My judgement is juſtly ſatisfyed, that it hath of all other the fulleſt Scripture grounds, and alſo the conſtant practiſe of all Chriſtian Churches; til of late years, the tumultuarineſſe of People, or the factiouſneſſe and pride of Presbyters, or the covetouſneſſe of ſome States and Princes, gave occaſion to ſome mens wits to invent new mo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dells, aud propoſe them under ſpecious titles of <hi>Chriſts Government, Scepter, and Kindome;</hi> the better to ſerve their turns, to whom the change was beneficiall.</p>
               <p>They muſt give Me leave, having none of their temptations to invite Me to alter the Govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment of Biſhops, (that I may have a Title to their Eſtates) not to believe their pretended grounds to any new wayes: contrary to the full, and conſtant teſtimony of all Hiſtories, ſuffici<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ently convincing unbiaſed men; that as the Pri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mitive Churches were undoubtedly governed by the Apoſtls and their immediate Succeſſors firſt &amp; beſt Biſhops; ſo it cannot in reaſon or charity be ſuppoſed, that al churches in the world ſhould either be ignorant of the rule by the<g ref="char:cmbAbbrStroke">̄</g> pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſcribed,
<pb n="135" facs="tcp:38600:71"/>
or ſo ſoon deviate from their divine and holy patterne: That ſince the firſt Age, for 1500. years not one Example can be produced of any ſetled Church, wherein were many Mini<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſters and Congregations, which had not ſome Biſhop above them, under whoſe juriſdiction and government they were.</p>
               <p>Whoſe conſtant and univerſall practiſe a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>greeing with ſo large, and evident Scripture-di<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rections, and examples, as are ſet down in the E<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>piſtles to <hi>Timothy</hi> and <hi>Titus,</hi> for the ſetling of that Government, not in the perſons only of <hi>Ti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mothy</hi> and <hi>Titus,</hi> but in the ſucceſſion; (the want of Government being that, which the Church can no more diſpenſe with, in point of wel-be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing, then the want of the Word &amp; Sacraments, in point of being) I wonder how men came to look with ſo envious an eye upon Biſhops power and authority, as to overſee both the Ec<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cleſiaſticall uſe of them, and Apoſtolicall con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtitution: which to Me ſeems no leſſe evidently ſet forth as to the maine ſcope &amp; deſign of thoſe Epiſtles; for the ſetling of a peculiar Office, Power, and Authority in them as Preſident-Biſhops above others, in point of Ordination, Cenſures, and other acts of Eccleſiaſticall diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cipline; then thoſe ſhorter Characters of the qualities and duties of Presbiter-Biſhops, and Deacons, are deſcribed in ſome parts of the ſame Epiſtles, who in the latitude and commu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nity of the name, were then, and may now not
<pb n="136" facs="tcp:38600:72"/>
improperly be called <hi>Biſhops,</hi> as to the overſight and care of ſingle Congregations, committed to them by the Apoſtles, or thoſe Apoſtolicall Biſhops, who (as <hi>Timothy</hi> and <hi>Titus)</hi> ſucceeded them in that ordinary power, there aſſigned over larger diviſions, in which were many Presbyters</p>
               <p>The humility of thoſe firſt Biſhops avoiding the eminent title of Apoſtles, as a name in the Churches ſtile appropriated from its common notion <hi>(of a Meſſenger or one ſent)</hi> to that ſpeciall dignity which had extraordinary call, miſſion, gifts, and power immediatly from Chriſt: they contented themſelves with the ordinary titles of Biſhops and Presbyters; un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>till uſe, (the great Arbitrator of words, and Maſter of Language) finding reaſon to diſtin<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>guiſh by a peculiar name thoſe perſons, whoſe power and office, were indeed diſtinct from, and above all other in the Church, as ſucee<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ding the Apoſtles in the ordinary and con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtant power of governing the Churches, (the honour of whoſe name they moderately, yet commendably declined) all Chriſtian Chur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ches (ſubmitting to that ſpecial anthority) appro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>priated alſo the name of <hi>Biſhop,</hi> without any ſuſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pition or reproach of arrogancy, to thoſe who were by apoſtolical propagation rightly deſcen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ded &amp; inveſted into that higheſt &amp; largeſt pow<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>er of governing even the moſt pure &amp; primitive Churches: which, without all doubt, had many ſuch holy Biſhops, after the pattern of <hi>Timothy</hi> &amp;
<pb n="137" facs="tcp:38600:72"/>
                  <hi>Titus;</hi> whoſe ſpeciall power is not more clearly ſet down in thoſe Epiſtles (the chief grounds &amp; limits of all Epiſcopall claim, as from divine Right) then are the Characters of theſe perilous times, &amp; thoſe men that make them ſuch, who, not enduring ſound doctrine, &amp; clear teſtimoni<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>es of all Churches practiſe, are moſt perverſe diſputers, and proud Uſurpers, againſt true Epiſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>copacy: who, if they be not Traytors and Boa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſters, yet they ſeem to be very covetous, heady, high-minded; inordinate &amp; feirce, lovers of themſelves, having much of the form, litle of the power of godlines.</p>
               <p>Who, by popular heaps of weak, light, and un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>learned Teachers, ſeeke to over-lay &amp; ſmother the pregnancy and, authority of that power of Epiſcopall government, which; beyond al equi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vocation &amp; vulgar fallacy of names, is moſt con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vincingly ſet forth, both by Scripture, and all af<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ter-Hiſtoryes of the Church.</p>
               <p>This I write rather like a Divine, than a Prince that Poſterity may ſee, (if ever theſe Papers be publick) that I had fair grounds both from ſcrip<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ture-Canons, &amp; Eccleſiaſticall examples, where<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on My judgment was ſtated for Epiſcopall go<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vernment. Nor was it any policy of State, or obſtinacy of wil, or partiality of affection, either to the men, or their Function which fixed Me; who cannot in point of worldly reſpects be ſo conſiderable to me as to recompence the injuries and loſſes I, and My deareſt relations with My
<pb n="138" facs="tcp:38600:73"/>
Kingdomes, have ſuſtained, and hazarded, chief<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly, at firſt, upon this quarrell.</p>
               <p>And not only in Religion, of which Scripture is the beſt rule, and the Churches Vniverſall practice the beſt commentary, but alſo in right reaſon, and the true nature of Government, it cannot be thought that an orderly Subordinati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on among Presbyters, or Miniſters, ſhould be any more againſt Chriſtianity, then it is in all ſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cular and civill Governments, where parity breeds Confuſion and Faction.</p>
               <p>I can no more believe, that ſuch order is incon<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſiſtent with true Religion, then good features are with beauty, or numbers with harmony.</p>
               <p>Nor is it likely that God, who appointed ſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>verall orders, and a Prelacy, in the Government of his Church, among the Jewiſh Prieſts, ſhould abhor or forbid them among Chriſtian Mini<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſters; who have as much of the principles of ſchiſme and diviſion as other men; for preven<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ting and ſuppreſſing of which, the Apoſtolicall wiſdom (which was divine) after that Chriſti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ans were multiplied to many Congregations, and Presbyters with them, appointed this way of Government, which might beſt preſerve or<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>der and union with Authority.</p>
               <p>So that I conceive it was not the favour of Princes, or ambition of Presbyters, but the wiſdome and piety of the Apoſtles, that firſt ſetled Biſhops in the Church; which Autho<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rity they conſtantly uſed, and injoyed in thoſe
<pb n="139" facs="tcp:38600:73"/>
times, which were pureſt for Religion, though ſharpeſt for Perſecution.</p>
               <p>Not that I am againſt the managing of this pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſidency and authority in one man; by the joynt Counſell and conſent of many Presbyters: I have offerd to reſtore that, as a fit means to avoid thoſe Errours, Corruptions, and Partialities, which are incident to any one man; Alſo to avoyd Tyranny, which becomes no Chriſtians, leaſt of all Church-men; beſides, it will be a means to take away that burden, and <hi>odium</hi> of a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>faires, which may lie too heavy on one mans ſhoulders, as indeed I think it formerly did on the Biſhops here.</p>
               <p>Nor can I ſee what can be more agreeable both to Reaſon and Religion, then ſuch a frame of Government which is paternall, not Magiſterial; and wherein not only the neceſſity of avoyding Faction and Confuſion, Emulations and Con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>t<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>mps, which are prone to riſe among equals in power and function<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> but alſo the differences of ſome Miniſters gifts, and aptitudes for Govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment above others, doth invite to imploy them, in reference to thoſe Abilities, wherein they are eminent. Nor is this judgment of Mine, tou<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ching Epiſcopacy, any pre-occupation of opini<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on, which wil not admit any oppoſitions againſt it: it is well knowne I have endeavoured to ſa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tisfie my ſelf in what the chiefe Patrons for other wayes can ſay againſt this, or for theirs: And I finde they have, as ſarr leſſe of
<pb n="140" facs="tcp:38600:74"/>
Scripture grounds, and of Reaſon; ſo for ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>amples, and practiſe of the Church, or teſtimo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nies of Hiſtories, they are wholy deſtitute, where in the whoſe ſtream runs ſo for Epiſcopacy, that there is not the leaſt rivolet for any others.</p>
               <p>As for thoſe obtruded examples of ſome late reformed Churches, (for many retain Biſhops ſtill) whom neceſſity of times and affaires rather excuſeth, then commendeth for their inconfor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mity to all Antiquity; I could never ſee any reaſon why Churches orderly reformed and governed by Biſhops ſhould be forced to con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>forme to thoſe few, rather then to the Catho<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lick example of all Ancient Churches, which needed no Reformation; and to thoſe Chur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ches at this day, who, Governed by Biſhops in all the Chriſtian world, are many more then Presbyterians or Independents can pretend to be; All whom the Churches in My three King<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>doms, lately Governed by Biſhops, would equa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lize (I think) if not exceed.</p>
               <p>Nor is it any point of wiſdom or charity, where Chriſtians differ, (as many do in ſome points) there to widen the differences, &amp; at once to give all the Chriſtian world (except a hand<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>full of ſome Proteſtants) ſo great a ſcandall in point of Church-government; whom though you may convince of their Errours in ſome points of Doctrine, yet you ſhal never perſwade them, that to compleat their Reformation, they muſt neceſſarily deſert, and wholly caſt off that
<pb n="141" facs="tcp:38600:74"/>
Government, which they, and all before them have ever owned as Catholick, Primitive, and Apoſtolicall: So farre, as never Schiſmaticks, nor Hereticks, (except thoſe Aerians) have ſtrayed from the Vnity, and Conformity of the Church in that point, ever having Biſhops a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bove Presbyters.</p>
               <p>Beſides, the late generall approbation and ſub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>miſſion to this Government of Biſhops, by the Clergy, as well as the Laity of theſe Kindoms, is a great confirmation of My Judgement; and their inconſtancy is a great prejudice againſt their novelty; I cannot in charity ſo far doubt of their learning or integrity, as if they under<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtood not what heretofore they did, or that they did confirme contrary to their conſciences; So that their facility and levity is never to be excu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed, who, before ever the point of Church-go<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vernment had any free and impartiall debate, contrary to their former Oathes and practice, againſt their obedience to the Laws in force, and againſt My conſent, have not only quite cryed down the government by Biſhops; but have approved and incouraged the violent and moſt illegall ſtripping all the Biſhops, and many other Church-men, of all their due Authority and Revenues, even to the ſelling away, &amp; utter alienation of thoſe church-lands from any Ec<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cleſiaſtical uſes: So great a power hath the ſtream of times, &amp; the prevalency of parties over ſome mens judgements; of whoſe ſo ſudden and ſo to<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tal
<pb n="142" facs="tcp:38600:75"/>
change little reaſon can be given, beſides the <hi>Scots</hi> Army comming into <hi>England.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>But the folly of theſe men will at laſt puniſh it ſelf, and the Deſertors of Epiſcopacy will ap<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pear the greateſt enemies to, &amp; betrayers of their own intereſt: for Presbytery is never ſo conſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>derable or effectuall, as when it is joyned to, and crowned with Epiſcopacy. All Miniſters will find as great a difference in point of thriving, be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tween the favour of the People &amp; of Princes, as Plants do betweene being watered by hand, or by the ſweet and liberal dews of Heaven.</p>
               <p>The tenuity and contempt of Clergy-men wil ſoon let them ſee, what a poor carcaſſe they are, when parted from the influence of that Head, to whoſe Supremacy they have been ſworn.</p>
               <p>A little moderation might have prevented great miſchiefs; I am firm to Primitive Epiſcopacy, not to have it extirpated, (if I can hinder it.) Diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cretion without paſſion might eaſily reform, whatever the ruſt of times, or indulgence of laws or corruption of manners have brought upon it. It being a groſſe vulgar errour to impute to, or revenge upon the Function the faults of times, or perſons; which ſeditious &amp; popular principle, and practiſe all wiſe men abhor. For thoſe ſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cular additaments &amp; ornaments of Authority, civill Honor &amp; Eſtate, which My Predeceſſors, &amp; Chriſtian Princes in al countries have annex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ed to Biſhops &amp; Church-men, I look upon them but as juſt rewards of their learning, and piety,
<pb n="143" facs="tcp:38600:75"/>
who are fit to be in any degree of Church-Go<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vernment; alſo enablements to works of Cha<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rity, and Hoſpitality, meet ſtrengthenings of their Authority in point of reſpect, and obſer<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vance; which in peaceable times is hardly payed to any Governours by the meaſure of their ver<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tues, ſo much as by that of their Eſtates; Po<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>verty and meanneſſe expoſing them and their Authority to the contempt of licentious minds, and manners; which perſecuting times much re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtrained. I would have ſuch men Biſhops, as are moſt worthy of thoſe incouragements, and beſt able to uſe them: if at any time my judgement of men failed, My good intention made My errour veniall: And ſome Biſhops, I am ſure, I had, whoſe learning, gravity, and piety, no men of a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny worth or forehead can deny: But of all men, I would have Church-men, eſpecially the Go<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vernours to be redeemed from that vulgar neg<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lect, which (beſides an innate principle of vitious oppoſition, which is in all men againſt thoſe that ſeem to reprove, or reſtrain them) will ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceſſarily follow both the Presbyterian party, which makes all Miniſters equall; and the Inde<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pendent inferiority, which ſets their Paſtors be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>low the People.</p>
               <p>This for My judgment touching Epiſcopacy; wherein (God knows) I do not gratifie any de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſign or paſſion with the leaſt perverting of truth.</p>
               <p>And now I appeal to God above, and all the Chriſtian world, whether it be juſt for
<pb n="144" facs="tcp:38600:76"/>
Subjects, or pious for Chriſtians; by violence, &amp; infinite indignities, with ſervile reſtraints to ſeek to force Me their KING and Soveraign, as ſome men have endeavoured to do, againſt al theſe grounds of My Judgment, to conſent to their weake and divided noveltis.</p>
               <p>The greateſt Pretender of them deſires not more then I do, That the Church ſhould be go<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>verned, as Chriſt hath appointed, in true Reaſon; and in Scripture; of which I could never ſee any probable ſhew for any other wayes, who either content themſelves with the examples of ſome Churches in their infancy &amp; ſolitude, when one Presbyter might ſerve one Congregation, in a City or Country; or elſe they deny theſe moſt evident Truths, That the Apoſtles were Biſhops over thoſe Presbyters they ordained, as wel as o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver the Churches they planted; and that Govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment, being neceſſary for the Churches wel-be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing, when multiplyed &amp; ſociated, muſt alſo nece<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſarily deſcend from the Apoſtles to others, after the example of that power and ſuperiority, they had above others; which could not end with their perſons; ſince the uſe and ends of ſuch Govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment ſtill continue.</p>
               <p>It is moſt ſure, that the pureſt Primitive and beſt Churches flouriſhed under Epiſcopacy; &amp; may ſo ſtill, if ignorance, ſuperſtition, avarice, revenge, and other diſorderly and diſloyall paſſions had not ſo blown up ſome mens minds againſt it, that what they want of Reaſons or pri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mitive
<pb n="145" facs="tcp:38600:76"/>
Patterns, they ſupply with violence and oppreſſion, wherein ſome mens zeal for Biſhops Lands, Houſes, &amp; Revenues hath ſet them on work to eat up Epiſcopa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cy: which (however other men eſteeme) to Me is no leſſe ſin, then Sacriledge; or a robbery of God (the giver of all we have) of that portion which devout minds have thankfuly given again to him, in giving it to his Church and Prophets; through whoſe hands he graciouſly accepts even a cup of cold water, as a libation offered to him-</p>
               <p>Furthermore, as to My particular engagement above other men, by an Oath agreeable to My judgment I am ſolemnly obliged to preſerve that Government, and the Rights of the Church</p>
               <p>Were. I convinced of the unlawfulnes of the Function, as Antichriſtian, (which ſome men boldly but weakly calumniate) I could ſoon, with Judgement, break that Oath, which erroneouſly was taken by Me.</p>
               <p>But being daily by the beſt diſquiſition of truth, more confirmd in the reaſon &amp; Religion of that to which I am Sworn; how can any man that wi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſheth not My damnation, perſwade Me at once to ſo notorious and combined ſins, of Sacriledg and Perjury? beſides the many perſonall Inju<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtices I muſt doe to many worthy men, who are as legally inveſted in the ir Eſtates, as any, who ſeek to deprive the<g ref="char:cmbAbbrStroke">̄</g>; and they have by no Law, been convicted of thoſe Crimes, which might forfeit their eſtates &amp; livelyhoods.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="146" facs="tcp:38600:77"/>
I have oft wondred how men pretending to tendernes of Conſcience, and Reformation, can at once tell Me, that My Coronation Oath binds Me to conſent to whatſoever they ſhall pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pound to me, (which they urge with ſuch vio<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lence) though contrary to all that Rationall and Religious freedom which every man ought to preſerve; and of which they ſeem ſo tender of their own Votes; yet at the ſame time theſe men will needs perſwade Me That I muſt, and ought to diſpenſe with, and roundly break that part of My Oath, which binds me (agreeable to the beſt light of Reaſon and Religion I have) to maintain the Government, and legall Rights of the Church. 'Tis ſtrange My Oath ſhould be valid in that part, which both My ſelf, and all men in their own caſe, eſteem injurious &amp; un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>reaſonable, as being againſt the very natural and eſſentiall liberty of our ſouls; yet it ſhould be in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>valid, and to be broken in another clauſe, where<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>in I think my ſelf juſtly obliged, both to God &amp; Man. Yet upon this Rack chiefly have I been held ſo long, by ſome mens ambitious covetouſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe, and Sacrilegious Cruelty; torturing (with Me) both Church and State, in Civill diſſentions; till I ſhall be forced to conſent, and declare that I doe approve, what (God knowes) I utterly diſlike, and in My Soul ab<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>horre as many wayes highly againſt Reaſon, Ju<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtice, and Religion: and whereto, If I ſhould ſhamefully and diſhonourably give My con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſent;
<pb n="147" facs="tcp:38600:77"/>
yet ſhould I not by ſo doing, ſatisfie the di<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vided Intereſts and Opinions of thoſe Parties, which contend with each other, as well as both againſt Me and Epiſcopacy.</p>
               <p>Nor can My late condeſending to the <hi>Scots</hi> in point of Church-government, be rightly obje<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cted againſt Me, as an inducement for Me, to conſent to the like in My other Kingdoms; For it ſhould be conſidered that Epiſcopacy was not ſo rooted and ſetled there, as 'tis here; nor I (in that reſpect) ſo ſtrictly bound to continue it in that Kingdom as in this; for what I think in My judgement beſt, I may not think ſo abſolutly neceſſary for all places, and at all times.</p>
               <p>If any ſhall impute My yeelding to them, as My failing and ſin, I can eaſily acknowledge it, but that is no argument to do ſo again, or much worſe; I being now more convinced in that point: nor indeed hath My yeelding to them bin ſo happy and ſucceſſefull as to incourage Me to grant the like to others.</p>
               <p>Did I ſee any thing more of Chriſt, as to Meek<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe, Juſtice, Order, Charity, and Loyalty in thoſe that pretend to other modes of Govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment, I might ſuſpect My judgement to be bia<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed, or fore-ſtalled with ſome prejudice &amp; won<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tednes of opinion; but I have hitherto ſo much cauſe to ſuſpect the contrary in the manners of many of thoſe men, that I cannot from them gain the leaſt reputation for their new wayes of Government. Nor can I find that in any Refor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>med
<pb n="148" facs="tcp:38600:78"/>
Churches (whoſe paterns are ſo cryed up, and obtruded upon the Churches under My Dominion) that either Learning, or Religion, works of Piety or Charity, have ſo flouriſhed beyond what they have done in My Kingdomes (by Gods bleſſing) which might make me beleive either Presbytery or Independency have a more benigne influence upon the Church and mens hearts and lives, than Epiſcopacy in its right conſtitution.</p>
               <p>The abuſes of which, deſerve to be extirpa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted, as much as the uſe retained; for I think it far better to hold to primitive &amp; uniform Antiqui<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty, than to comply with divided novelty.</p>
               <p>A right Epiſcopacy would at once ſatisfie all juſt deſires and intereſts of good Biſhops, hum<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ble Presbyters, and ſober people; ſo as Church affairs ſhould be managed neither with tyranny, purity, nor popularity; neither Biſhops ejected, nor Presbiters deſpiſed, nor People oppreſſed.</p>
               <p>And in this integrity both of My judgment &amp; Conſcience, I hope God will preſerve Me.</p>
               <p>For Thou, O Lord, knoweſt My uprightneſse, and tenderneſſe, as thou haſt ſet me to be a Defender of the Faith, and a Protector of thy Church, ſo ſuſſer me not by any violence, to be overborn againſt My Conſcience.</p>
               <p>Ariſe, O Lord, maintaine thine own Cauſe, let not thy Church be deformed; as to that Govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment, which derived from thy Apoſtles, hath
<pb n="149" facs="tcp:38600:78"/>
been retained in pureſt and primitive times, till th<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Revenues of the Church became the obiect of ſecular envy; which ſeeks to rob it of all the incourage<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ments of Learning and Religion.</p>
               <p>Make me, as the good Samaritan, compaſſionate, and helpfull to thy afflicted Church; which ſome men have wounded and robbed; others paſſe by without regard, either to pitty, or relieve.</p>
               <p>As my power is from thee, ſo give me grace to uſe it for thee.</p>
               <p>And though I am not ſuffered to be Maſter of my other Rights as a <hi>KING,</hi> yet preſerve me in that liberty of Reaſon, love of Religion, and thy Churches welfare; which are fixed in my Cenſcience as a Chriſtian.</p>
               <p>Preſerve, from ſacrilegious invaſions, thoſe tem<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>porall bleſſings, which thy providence hath beſtowed on thy Church for thy glory.</p>
               <p>Forgive their ſinnes and errours, who have deſer<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ved thy iuſt permiſſion, thus to let in the wilde Boar and ſubtill Foxes, to waſt and deforme thy Vineyard, which thy right hand hath planted, and the dew of Heaven ſo long watred to a happy and flouriſhing eſtate.</p>
               <p>O let me not bear the infamous brand to all Po<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſterity of being the the firſt Chriſtian <hi>KING</hi> in this Kingdom, who ſhould conſent to the oppreſſions of thy Church, and the fathers of it; whoſe errours I would rather, with <hi>Conſtantine,</hi> cover with ſilence, and reform with meekneſſe, than expoſe their per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſons, and ſacred functions to vulgar contempt.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="150" facs="tcp:38600:79"/>
Thou, O Lord, ſeeſt how much I have ſuffered with, and for thy Church; make no long tarrying O my God, to deliver hoth me, and it, from unrea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſonable men; whoſe counſels have brought forth and continue ſuch violent confuſions, by a precipitant deſtroying the ancient boundaries of thy Churches peace<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> thereby letting in all manner of errours, ſchiſmes, and diſorders.</p>
               <p>O thou God, of order, and of truth, in thy good time, abate the malice, aſwage the rage, and con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>found all the miſchievous devices of thine, mine, and thy Churches enemies.</p>
               <p>That I, and all that love thy Church, may ſing praiſes to thee, and ever magnifie thy ſalvation, e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ven before the ſons of men.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="18" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>18</hi> 
                  <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>pon <hi>Vxbridge</hi>-treaty, and o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther Offers made by the <hi>King:</hi>
               </head>
               <p>I Look upon the way of Treaties, as a retiring from fighting like Beaſts, to arguing like Men; whoſe ſtrength ſhould be more in their under<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtandings, than in their limbs.</p>
               <p>And though I could ſeldome get opportuni<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ties to Treat, yet I never wanted either deſire or diſpoſition to it; having greater confidence of My Reaſon, than My Sword: I was ſo whol<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly reſolved to yeeld to the firſt, that I thought neither My ſelfe, nor others, ſhould need to uſe the ſecond, if once we rightly underſtood each other.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="151" facs="tcp:38600:79"/>
Nor did I ever think it a diminution of Me, to prevent them with Expreſſes of My deſires, and even importunities to Treat: It being an office, not onely of humanity, rather to uſe Reaſon, than Force; but alſo of Chriſtianity to <hi>ſeek peace and enſue it.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>As I was very unwillingly compelled to de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fend My ſelf with Arms, ſo I very willingly em<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>braced any thing tending to peace.</p>
               <p>The events of all War by the ſword being ve<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ry dubious, and of a Civill VVarre uncomfor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>table; the end had hardly recompencing, &amp; late repairing the miſchief of the means.</p>
               <p>Nor did any ſucceſſe I had ever, enhance with Me the price of Peace; as earneſtly deſired by Me as any man; though I was like to pay dearer for it then any man: All that I ſought to reſerve was, Mine Honour, and My Conſcience; the one I could not part with as a KING, the other as a Chriſtian.</p>
               <p>The Treaty at <hi>Uxbridge</hi> gave the faireſt hopes of an hapdy compoſure; had others applyed them ſelvs to it with the ſame moderatio<g ref="char:cmbAbbrStroke">̄</g>, as I did, I am confident the War had then ended. I was willing to condeſcend, as far as Reaſon, Honour, and Conſcience, would give Me leave; nor were the remaining difference ſo eſſential to My Peoples happines; or of ſuch conſequence as in the leaſt kind to have hindred My Subjects either ſecurity or proſperity; for they beter enjoyed both, many years, before ever thoſe demands were made,
<pb n="152" facs="tcp:38600:80"/>
ſome of which, to deny, I think the greateſt Ju<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtice to My ſelf, and favour to My ſubjects.</p>
               <p>I ſee, Jealouſies are not ſo eaſily allayed, as they are raiſed: Some men are more afraid to retreat from voilent Engagements than to Engage: what is wanting in equity, muſt be made up in pertinacy. Such as had little to enjoy in Peace, or to loſe in warre, ſtudied to render the very name of Peace odious and ſuſpected.</p>
               <p>In Church affaires, where I had leaſt liberty of prudence, having ſo many ſtrict tyes of Con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſcience upon Me; yet I was willing to conde<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſcend ſo far to the ſetling of them, as might have given fair ſatisfaction to all men, whom faction, covetouſneſſe, or ſuperſtition had not engaged more, than any true zeal, charity, or love of re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>formation.</p>
               <p>I was content to yeild to all that might ſeeme to advance true piety; I onely ſought to conti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nue what was neceſſary in point of Order, main<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tenance, and Authority to the Churches Gover<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment; and what I am perſwaded (as I have elſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>where ſet down My thoughts more fully) is moſt agreeable to the true principles of all Go<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vernment, raiſed to its full ſtature &amp; perfection, as alſo to the primitive Apoſtolicall pattern, and the practiſe of the Univerſall Church conforme thereto. From which wholly to recede, without any probable reaſon urged or anſwered only to ſatisfie ſome mens wills and fantaſies (which yet agree not among themſelves in any point
<pb n="153" facs="tcp:38600:80"/>
but that of extirpating Epiſcopacy, fighting a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt me,) muſt needs argue ſuch a ſoftnes, &amp; infirmity of mind in Me, as will rather part with Gods Truth, than Mans peace, and rather loſe the Churches honour, than croſſe ſome mens Factious humours.</p>
               <p>God knows, and time wil diſcover, who were moſt too blame for the un-ſuccesfulneſs of that Treaty, and who muſt bear the guilt of after-ca<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lamityes. I beleive, I am very excuſable both be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fore God, and all unpaſſionate men, who have ſeriouſly weighed thoſe tranſactions, wherein I endeavoured no leſſe the reſtauration of peace to my People, than the preſervation of my own Crowns to my poſterity.</p>
               <p>Some men have that height, as to interpret all fair Condeſcendings, as Arguments of feeble<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe, and glory moſt in an unflexible ſtifneſſe, when they ſee others moſt ſupple and inclinable to them.</p>
               <p>A grand Maxime with them was alwaies to ask ſomething, which in reaſon and honour muſt be denied, that they might have ſome colour to re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fuſe all that was in other things granted; ſetting Peace at as high a rate, as the worſt effects of Warre; endeavouring firſt to make Me deſtroy My ſelf by diſhonourable Conceſſions, that ſo they might have the leſſe to do.</p>
               <p>This was all which that Treaty, or any other produced, to let the world ſee, how litle I would deny, or they grant, in order to the publik peace.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="154" facs="tcp:38600:81"/>
That it gave occaſion to ſome mens further reſtiveneſſe, is imputable to their own depraved tempers, not to any Conceſſions or negations of Mine: I have alwayes the content of what I of<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fered, and they the regret, and blame, for what they refuſed.</p>
               <p>The higheſt tide of ſucceſſe ſet me not above a Treaty, nor the loweſt ebbe below a Fight: Though I never thought it any ſign of true va<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lour, to be prodigall of mens lives, rather then to be drawn to produce our own reaſons: or to ſubſcribe to other mens.</p>
               <p>That which made Me for the moſt part preſage the unſucceſſefulnes of any Treaty; was, ſome mens unwillingneſſe to Treat: which implyed ſome things were to be gained by the Sword, whoſe unreaſonablenes they were loath to have fairly ſcanned, being more proper to be acted by Souldiers; than by Councellours. I pray God forgive them that were guilty of that Treaties breaking; &amp; give them grace to make their ad<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vantages gotten by the the Sword a better op<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>portunity to uſe ſuch moderation, as was then wanting; that ſo though Peace were for our ſins juſtly deferred, yet at laſt it may be happily ob<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tain'd; what we could not get by our Treaties, we may gain by our prayers.</p>
               <p>O Thou, that art the God of Reaſon, and of Peace, who diſd<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ineſt not to Treat with Sinners, preſenting them with offers of attonement; and beſeeching them to be reconciled with thy ſelfe,
<pb n="155" facs="tcp:38600:81"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ho wantest not power or Iustice, to deſtroy them; <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>et aboundeſt in mercy to ſave: ſo often our hearts ly the bloud of our Redeemer, and perſwade us to accept of Peace with my ſelfe, and both to procure and, preſerve peace among our ſelves, as Men and Chriſtians, How oft have I intreated for Peace, but then I ſpeak thereof, they make them ready to War.</p>
               <p>Condemne us not to our paſſions, which are deſtru<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctive, both of our ſelves, and of others.</p>
               <p>Cleare up our underſtandings, to ſee thy Truth, both in Reaſon, as Men; and in Religion, as Chri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>stians: and encline all our hearts to hold the uni<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty of the Spirit, in the bond of Peace.</p>
               <p>Take from us that enmity which is now in our hearts againſt thee: and give us that charity which ſhould be among our ſelves.</p>
               <p>Remove the evils of War we have deſerved, and <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>eſtow upon us that Peace; which only Chriſt our great Peace maker cannot merit.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="19" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>19<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
                  </hi> Vpon the various events of the Warre; Vistories, and Defeats.</head>
               <p>THe various Succeſſes of this unhappy war, have at leaſt, afforded Me variety of good Meditations: ſometimes God was pleaſed to try Me with victory, by worſting My Enemies, that I might know how with moderation and thanks to own, and uſe his power, who is only the true <hi>Lord of Hoſts;</hi> able when he pleaſes to repreſſe the confidence of thoſe, that fought
<pb n="156" facs="tcp:38600:82"/>
againſt Me, with ſo great advantages for power and number.</p>
               <p>From ſmall beginnings on My part he let Me ſee that I was not wholly forſaken by My peoples love, or his protection.</p>
               <p>Other times God was pleaſed to exerciſe My patience, and teach Me not to truſt in the arme of Fleſh, but in the living God.</p>
               <p>My ſins ſometimes prevailed againſt the ju<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtice of My Cauſe, and thoſe that were with Me wanted not matter and occaſion for his juſt cha<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtiſement both of them, and Me: Nor were My enemies leſſe puniſhed by that proſperity, which hardened them to continue that injuſtice by o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pen hoſtility, which was began by moſt rio<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tous and unparliamentary Tumults.</p>
               <p>There is no doubt but perſonall and private ſins may oft times over-balance the Juſtice of Publick engagements; nor doth God account every gallant Man (in the worlds eſteeme) a fit inſtrument to aſſert in the way of War a righ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>teous Cauſe; The more men are prone to arro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gate to their own skill, valour and ſtrength, the leſſe doth God ordinarily work by them for his owne glory.</p>
               <p>I am ſure the event or ſucceſſe can never ſtate the Juſtice of any Cauſe, nor the peace of mens conſcinces, nor the eternall fate of their ſoules.</p>
               <p>Thoſe with Me had (I thinke] clearly and undoubtedly, for their Juſtification the Word of God, and the Lawes of the Land, together
<pb n="157" facs="tcp:38600:82"/>
with their own Oaths; all requiring obedience to My juſt commands; but to none other under Heaven without Me, or againſt Me, in the point of raiſing Armes.</p>
               <p>Thoſe on the other ſide are forced to flie to the ſhifts of ſome pretended Fears and wild funda<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mentals of State, (as they call them) which actu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ally overthrow the preſent fabrick, both of Church and State; being ſuch imaginary Rea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſons for ſelf-defence as are moſt impertinent for thoſe men to alledge, who being My Sub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jects, were manifeſtly the firſt aſſaulters of Me and the Lawes: firſt by unſuppreſſed Tumults, after by liſted forces; The ſame allegations they uſe, wil fit any Faction that hath but power and confidence enough to ſecond with the ſword; all their demands againſt the preſent Lawes &amp; Go<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vernour; which can never be ſuch as ſome ſide or other will not find fault with, ſo as to urge what they call a Reformation of them to a Re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bellion againſt them, ſome paraſitick Preachers have dared to call thoſe martyrs, who dyed, fight<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing againſt Me, the Laws, their Oaths, and the Religion Eſtabliſhed. But ſober chriſtians know That glorious Title, can with Truth be applyed only to thoſe, who ſincerely preferred Gods Truth, and their duty in all theſe particulars be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fore their lives, and all that was dear to them in this world; who having no advantagious deſigns by any Innovation, were religiouſly ſenſible of thoſe ties to God, the church, &amp; my ſelf wch. lay
<pb n="158" facs="tcp:38600:83"/>
their Souls, both for obedience &amp; juſt aſſiſtance<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
               </p>
               <p>God could, and I doubt not but he did through his mercy, crown many of them with eternall life, whoſe lives were loſt in ſo juſt a Cauſe<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> The deſtruction of their bodies being ſanctified, as a means to ſave their ſoules.</p>
               <p>Their wounds, and temporall ruine ſerving as a gracious opportunity for their eternall health and happineſſe; while the evident approach of death did, through Gods grace, effectually diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>poſe their hearts to ſuch Humility, Faith, and Repentance, which together with the Rectitude of their preſent engagement, would fully pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pare them for a better life then that, which their enemies brutiſh and diſloyall fierceneſſe could deprive them of; or without Repentance hope to enjoy.</p>
               <p>They have often indeed, had the better againſt My ſide in the field, but never, I belive, at the Barre of Gods Tribunall, or their owne Conſci<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ences; where they are more afraid to encoun<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ter thoſe many pregnant Reaſons, both from Law, Allegiance, and all true Chriſtian grounds<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> which conflict <hi>with,</hi> and accuſe them <hi>in</hi> the<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> owne thoughts, then they oft were in a deſperate bravery to fight againſt thoſe Forces, which ſometimes God gave Me.</p>
               <p>Whoſe condition conquered, and dying, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> make no queſtion, but is infinitely more to be choſen by a ſober man, (that duely values <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> duty, his ſoule, and eternity, beyond the en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>joyments
<pb n="159" facs="tcp:38600:83"/>
of this preſent life) then the moſt tri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>umphant glory, wherein their and Mine Ene<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mies ſupervive; who can hardly avoid to be dai<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly tormented by that horrid guilt, wherwith their ſuſpicious, or now convicted Conſciences doe purſue them, eſpecially ſince they and all the world have ſeen, how falſe &amp; un-intended thoſe pretenſions were, which they firſt ſet forth, as the only plauſibl (though not juſtifiable) grounds of raiſing a War, and continuing it thus long a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt Me, and the Laws eſtabliſhed; in whoſe <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>afety and preſervation all honeſt men think the welfare of their Countrey doth conſiſt.</p>
               <p>For, and with all which, it is far more honou<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rable and comfortable to ſuffer, then to proſper in their ruine and ſubverſion.</p>
               <p>I have often prayed, that all on My ſide might joyn true piety with the ſenſe of their Loyal<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty; and be as faithfull to God and their owne ſoules, as they were to Me. That the defects of the one might not blaſt the endeavours of the other. Yet I cannot thinke, that any ſhews, or truth of piety on the other ſide were ſufficient to diſpence with, or expiate the defects of their Duty and Loyalty to Me, which have ſo preg<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nant convictions, on mens conſciences, that even profaner men are moved by the ſence of them to venture their lives for me.</p>
               <p>I never had any victory which was without My ſorrow, becauſe it was on mine owne Sub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jects, who like Abſolom, died many of them in
<pb n="160" facs="tcp:38600:84"/>
their ſin: And yet I never ſuffered any defeate, which made Me deſpair of Gods mercy and de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fence. I never deſired ſuch Victoryes, as might ſerve to conquer; but only reſtore the Laws and Libertyes of My People; which I ſaw were ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>treamly oppreſſed, together with my Rights by thoſe men, who were impatient of any juſt re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtraint.</p>
               <p>When Providence gave me, or denyed Me Victory; My deſire was neither to boaſt of My power, nor to charge God fooliſhly; who I bele<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ved at <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>aſt would make all things to work toge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther for my good.</p>
               <p>I wiſhed no greater advantages by the Warr, then to bring My Enemies to moderation, and my Freinds to peace.</p>
               <p>I was afraid of the temptation of an abſolute conqueſt, and never prayed more for victory o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver others, than over my ſelf. When the firſt was denyed; the ſecond was granted me, which God ſaw beſt for Me. The different events were but the methods of divine juſtice, by contrary winds to winnow us: That, by puniſhing ou<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> ſinnes, he might purge them from us; &amp; by de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ferring peace, he might prepare us more to priſe and better to uſe ſo great a bleſſing.</p>
               <p>My often Meſſages for Peace ſhewed, that I de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lighted not in Warre: as my former Conceſſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ns ſufficiently teſtified, how willingly I would have prevented it; and My total unpreparedneſs for it, how little I intended it.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="161" facs="tcp:38600:84"/>
The conſcience of my Innocency forbade Me to feare a Warre; but the love of my Kingdomes commanded me (if poſſible) to a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>void it.</p>
               <p>I am guilty in this Warre of nothing, but this, That I gave ſuch advantages to ſome men, by confirming their power, which they knew not to uſe with that modeſty, and grati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tude, which became their Loyalty and my con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fidence.</p>
               <p>Had I y<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ilded leſſe, I had been oppoſed leſſe; had I denied more, I had been more o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>beyed.</p>
               <p>'Tis now too late to review the occaſions of the Warre: I wiſh only a happy concluſion of ſo unhappy beginnings: The unevitable fate of our ſinnes was (no doubt) ſuch, as would no longer ſuffer the divine juſtice to be quiet: we having conquered his patience, are condemned by mutuall conquerings, to de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtroy one another: for, the moſt proſperous ſucceſſes on either ſide, impaire the welfare of the whole.</p>
               <p>Thoſe Victories are ſtill miſerable, that leave our ſinnes un-ſubdued; fluſhing our pride, and animating to continue injuries.</p>
               <p>Peace it fel<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> is not deſirable, till repentance have prepared us for it.</p>
               <p>When we fight more againſt our ſelves, and leſſe againſt God, we ſhall ceaſe fighting a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt one another; I pray God theſe may all
<pb n="162" facs="tcp:38600:85"/>
meet in our hearts, and ſo diſpoſe us to an happy concluſion of theſe Civill Warres, that I may know better to obey God, and governe my People, and they may learn better to obey both God and me.</p>
               <p>Nor do I deſire any man ſhould be further ſubject to me, then all of us may be ſubject to God.</p>
               <p>O my God, make me content to be overcome, when thou wilt have it ſo.</p>
               <p>Teach me the nobleſt victory over my ſelf, and my Enemies by patience; which was Chriſts con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>queſt, and may well become a Chriſtian King.</p>
               <p>Between both thy hands, the right ſomtimes ſup<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>porting, and the left afflicting; faſhion us to that frame of piety thou likeſt beſt.</p>
               <p>Forgive the pride that attends our proſperous, and the repinings which follow our diſaſterous e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vents; when going forth in our own ſtrength, tho<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> withdraweſt thine, and goeſt not forth with our Ar<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mies.</p>
               <p>Be thou all, when we are ſomthing, and when we are nothing; that thou mayst have the glory, when we are in a victorious, or inglorious condition.</p>
               <p>Thou O Lord knoweſt, how hard it is for me <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> ſuffer ſo much evill from my Subjects, to whom I intend nothing but good; and I cannot but ſuffer in thoſe evills which they compell me to inflict upon them; puniſhing my ſelf in their puniſhments.</p>
               <p>Since therefore both in conquering, and being
<pb n="163" facs="tcp:38600:85"/>
conquered, I am ſtill a Sufferer: I beſeech thee to give me a double portion of thy Spirit, and that mea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſure of grace, which only can be ſufficient for me.</p>
               <p>As I am moſt afflicted, ſo make me moſt refor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>med, that I may be not onely happy to ſee an end of theſe civill diſtractions, but a chief Inſtrument to reſtore and eſtabliſh a firm and bleſſed Peace to my Kingdoms.</p>
               <p>Stir up in all Parties pious ambitions to over<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>come each other with reaſon, moderation, and ſuch ſelf<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>deniall, as becomes thoſe, who conſider, that our mutuall diviſions are our common diſtractions, and the union of all is every good mans chiefeſt intereſt.</p>
               <p>If O Lord, as for the ſins of our peace, thou haſt brought upon us the miſeries of warre; ſo for the ſins of war thou ſhouldst ſee fit ſtill to deny us the bleſsing of peace, and ſo to keep us in a circulation of miſeries; yet give me thy Servant, and all loy<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>all, though afflicted Subjects, to enjoy that peace, which the world can neither give to us, nor take from us.</p>
               <p>Impute not to me the blood of my Subjects, which, with infinite unwillingneſſe and grief, hath been ſhed by me, in my just<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> and neceſſary defence, but waſh me with that precious blood, which hath been ſhed for me, by my great Peace-maker, Ieſus Chriſt who will, I trust, redeem me ſhortly out of all my troubles: For, I know the triumphing of the Wic<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ked is but ſhort, and the joy of Hypocrites is but for <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> moment.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="20" type="part">
               <pb n="164" facs="tcp:38600:86"/>
               <head>
                  <hi>20.</hi> 
                  <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>pon the Reformations of the Times.</head>
               <p>NO Glory is more to be envied than that, of due Reforming either Church or State, when deformities are ſuch, that the perturbati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on and novelty are not like to exceed the bene<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fit of Reforming.</p>
               <p>Although God ſhould not honour me ſo far, as to make me an Inſtrument of ſo good a work, yet I ſhould be glad to ſee it done.</p>
               <p>As I was well pleaſed with this Parliaments firſt intentions to reforme what the iudulgence of Times, and corruption of manners might have depraved; ſo I am ſorry to ſee, after the freedome of Parliament was by factious Tu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mults oppreſſed, how little regard was had to the good Lawes eſtabliſhed, and the Religion ſetled<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> which ought to be the firſt rule and ſtandard of reforming; with how much partia<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lity, and popular compliance the paſſions, and opinions of men have been gratified, to the detriment of the publique, and the infinite ſcandall of the Reformed Religion.</p>
               <p>What diſſolutions of all Order, and Go<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vernment, in the Church: what novelties o<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> Schiſmes, and corrupt opinions; what unde<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cencies and confuſions in ſacred adminiſtra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tions;
<pb n="165" facs="tcp:38600:86"/>
what ſacrilegious invaſions upon the Rights and Revenues of the Church; what contempt and oppreſſions of the Clergie; what injurious diminutions and perſecutings of me, have followed (as ſhowres do warme gleames) the talk of Reformation, all ſober men are Witneſſes, and, with my ſelfe, ſad Spectators hitherto.</p>
               <p>The great miſcarriage I think is, that popular clamours and fury, have been allowed the repu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tation of Zeal, and the publique ſenſe; ſo that the ſtudy to pleaſe ſome Parties hath indeed in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jured all.</p>
               <p>Freedome, moderation, and impartiality are ſure the beſt tempers of reforming Councells, and endeavours: what is acted by Factions, can<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>not but offend more, than it pleaſeth.</p>
               <p>I have offered to put all differences in Church affaires and Religion to the free con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſultation of a Synod or Convocation rightly choſen; the reſults of whoſe Counſells as they would have included the Votes of all, ſo it's like they would have given moſt ſatisfaction to all.</p>
               <p>The Aſſembly of Divines, whom the two Houſes have applied (in an unwonted way) to adviſe of Church Affaires, I diſlike not fur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther, then that they are not legally convened and choſen; nor Act in the name of all the Clergy of <hi>England;</hi> nor with freedome and impartiality can doe any thing, being limited
<pb n="166" facs="tcp:38600:87"/>
and confined, if not over-<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>wed, to do and de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>clare what they do.</p>
               <p>For I cannot think ſo many men cryed up for learning and piety, who formerly allowed the Liturgy and Government of the Church of <hi>England,</hi> as to the maine, would have ſo ſuddenly agreed quite to aboliſh both of them, (the laſt of which, they knew to be of Apo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtolicall inſtitution, at leaſt, as of Primitive and Univerſall practice) if they had been left to the liberty of their own ſuffrages, and if the influence of contrary Factions had not, by ſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cret incroachments of hopes, and feares, pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vailed upon them, to comply with ſo great and dangerous Innovations in the Church; without any regard to their own former judge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment and practice, or to the common intereſt and honour of all the Clergy, and in them of Order, Learning, and Religion againſt exam<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ples of all Ancient Churches; the Lawes in force, and my conſent; which is never to be gained againſt ſo pregnant light, as in that point ſhines on my underſtanding.</p>
               <p>For I conceive, that, where the Scripture is not ſo clear and punctuall in precepts, there the conſtant and Univerſall practice of the Church, in things not contrary to Reaſon, Faith, good Manners, or any poſitive Com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mand, is the beſt Rule that Chriſtians can fol<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>low.</p>
               <p>I was willing to grant, or reſtore to Preſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bytery,
<pb n="167" facs="tcp:38600:87"/>
what with reaſon or diſcretion it can pretend to, in a conjuncture with Epiſcopacy; but for that wholly to invade the Power, and by the Sword to arrogate, and quite abrogate the Authority of that Ancient Order, I think neither juſt, as to Epiſcopacy, nor ſafe for Preſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bytery; nor yet any way convenient for this Church or State.</p>
               <p>A due reformation had eaſily followed mo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>derate Counſells; and (ſuch I believe) as would have given more content, even to the moſt of thoſe Divines, who have been led on with much Gravity and Formality, to carry on o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther mens deſignes: which, no doubt, many of them by this time diſcover, though they dare not but ſmother their fruſtrations, and diſcon<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tents.</p>
               <p>The ſpecious and popular titles, of Chriſts Government; Throne, Scepter, and King<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dome (which certainly is not divided, nor hath two faces, as their Parties now have, at leaſt) alſo the noiſe of a through Reformation, theſe may as eaſily be fixed on new modells, as faire colours may be put to ill-favoured fi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gures.</p>
               <p>The breaking of Church-windowes, which Time had ſufficiently defaced; pulling downe of Croſſes, which were but civill, not Religi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ous marks; defacing of the Monuments, and Inſcriptions of the Dead, which ſerved but to put Poſterity in mind, to thank God, for that
<pb n="168" facs="tcp:38600:88"/>
clearer light, wherein they live; The leaving of all Miniſters to their liberties, and private abilities, in the Publike ſervice of God, where no Chriſtian can tell to what he may ſay <hi>Amen;</hi> nor what adventure he may make, of ſeeming, at leaſt, to conſent to the Errours, Blaſphemies, and ridiculous Undecencies, which bold and ignorant men liſt to vent in their Prayers, Preaching, and other offices; The ſetting forth alſo of old Catechiſmes, and Confeſſions of Faith new dreſt, importing as much, as if there had been no ſound or cleare Doctrine of Faith in this Church, before ſome foure or five yeares conſultation had matured their thoughts, touching their firſt Principles of Religion.</p>
               <p>All theſe, and the like are the effects of po<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pular, ſpecious, and deceitfull Reformations, (that they might not ſeem to have nothing to doe) and may give ſome ſhort flaſhes of con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tent to the Vulgar, (who are taken with no<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>velties, as Children with Babies, very much, but not very long) But all this amounts not to, nor can in Juſtice merit the glory of the Churches thorow Reformation; ſince they leave all things more deformed, diſorderly, and diſcontented, then when they began in point of Piety, Morality, Charity, and good Order.</p>
               <p>Nor can they eaſil<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> recompenſe or remedy the inconveniences and miſchiefs, which they
<pb n="169" facs="tcp:38600:88"/>
have purchaſed ſo dearly, and which have, and ever will neceſſarily enſue, till due remedies be applied.</p>
               <p>I wiſh they would, at laſt, make it their Unanimous work, to doe Gods work, and not their owne: Had Religion been firſt conſide<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>red (as it merited) much trouble might have been prevented.</p>
               <p>But ſome men thought, that the Government of this Church and State, fixed by ſo many Lawes, and long Cuſtomes, would not run into their new moulds, till they had firſt mel<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ted it in the fire of a Civill Warre; by the ad<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vantages of which they reſolved, if they pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vailed, to make my ſelfe and all my Subjects fall down, and worſhip the Images they ſhould forme and ſet up: If there had been as much of Chriſts Spirit, for meekneſſe, wiſdome, and charity, in mens hearts, as there was of his Name uſed in the pretenſions, to reforme all to Chriſts Rule, it would certainly have obtained more of Gods bleſſing, and produ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ced more of Chriſts Glory, the Churches good, the Honour of Religion, and the Unity of Chri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtians.</p>
               <p>Publique Reformers had need firſt Act in private, and practice that on their owne hearts, which they purpoſe to trie on others; for De<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>formities within, will ſoon betray the pretenders of publike Reformations, to ſuch private deſigns as muſt needs hinder the publike good.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="170" facs="tcp:38600:89"/>
I am ſure the right Methods of Reforming the Church cannot conſiſt with that of pertur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bing the Civill State; nor can Religion be juſtly advanced by depreſſing Loyalty, which is one of the chiefeſt Ingredients, and Ornaments of true Religion; for, next to <hi>fear God,</hi> is, <hi>Honour the King.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>I doubt not but Chriſts Kingdome may be ſet up without pulling downe Mine; nor will any men in impartiall times appear good Chri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtians, that approve not themſelves good Sub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jects.</p>
               <p>Chriſts Government will confirm Mine, not overthrow it; ſince as I own mine from him, ſo I deſire to rule for his Glory, and his Churches good.</p>
               <p>Had ſome men truly intended Chriſt's Go<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vernment, or knew what it meant in their hearts, they could never have been ſo ill-governed in in their words, and actions, both againſt me and one another.</p>
               <p>As good ends cannot juſtifie evill meanes, ſo nor will evill beginnings ever bring forth good concluſions; unleſſe God, by a miracle of Mercy, create Light out of Darkneſſe, order out of our confuſions, and peace out of our paſſions.</p>
               <p>Thou, O Lord, who onely canſt give us beauty for aſhes, and Truth for Hypocriſie; ſuffer us not to be miſerably deluded with Phariſaicall waſh<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ings,
<pb n="171" facs="tcp:38600:89"/>
inſtead of Chriſtian reformings.</p>
               <p>Our greateſt deformities are within, make us the ſevereſt Cenſurers, and first Reformers of our own ſoules.</p>
               <p>That we may in clearneſſe of judgment, and up<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rightneſſe of heart be means to reform what is in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>deed amiſſe in Church and State.</p>
               <p>Create in us clean hearts, O Lord, and renew right ſpirits within us; that we may do all by thy directions, to thy glory, and with thy bleſſing.</p>
               <p>Pity the deformities, which ſome raſh and cruell Reformers have brought upon this Church and State: Quench the fires which Factions have kind<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>led, under the pretence of Reforming.</p>
               <p>As thou haſt ſhewed the world by their diviſions and confuſions what is the pravity of ſome mens in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tentions, and weakneſſe of their judgments, ſo bring <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>s at laſt more refined out of theſe fires by the me<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>thods of Chriſtian and charitable Reformations, wherein nothing of ambition, revenge, covetouſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe, or ſrcriledge, may have any influence upon their co<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>nſells, whom thy providence in juſt and lawfull wayes ſhall entruſt with ſo great, good, and now moſt neceſſary work: that I and my People may be ſo blest with inward piety, as may beſt teach us how to uſe the bleſſing of outward peace.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="21" type="part">
               <pb n="172" facs="tcp:38600:90"/>
               <head>
                  <hi>21.</hi> 
                  <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>pon his Majeſties Letters ta<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ken and divulged.</head>
               <p>THe taking of my Letters was an op<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>portunity, which as the malice of mine enemies could hardly have expected; ſo they knew not how with honour and civility to uſe it; Nor doe I think, with ſober and worthy minds, any thing in them could tend ſo much to my reproach, as the odi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ous divulging of them did to the infamy of the Divulgers: the greateſt experiments of ver<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tue and nobleneſſe being diſcovered in the grea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>teſt advantages againſt an enemy, and the grea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>teſt obligations being thoſe, which are put upon us by them, from whom we could leaſt have expected them.</p>
               <p>And ſuch I ſhould have eſteemed the concea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ling of My Papers; The freedome and ſecreſie of which, commands a civility from all men, not wholly barbarous; nor is there any thing more inhumane than to expoſe them to pub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lique view.</p>
               <p>Yet ſince providence will have it ſo, I am content ſo much of My heart (which I ſtudy to approve to Gods omniſcience) ſhould be diſcovered to the world, without any of thoſe dreſſes, or popular captations, which ſome
<pb n="173" facs="tcp:38600:90"/>
men uſe in their Speeches, and Expreſſes; I wiſh my Subjects had yet a clearer ſight into my moſt retired thoughts.</p>
               <p>Where they might diſcover, how they are divided between the love and care I have, not more to preſerve my owne Rights, than to procure their peace and happineſſe, and that ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>treme griefe to ſee them both deceived and de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtroyed.</p>
               <p>Nor can any mens malice be gratified fur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther by my Letters, than to ſee my conſtancie to my VVife, the Lawes, and Religion. Bees will gather Honey where the Spider ſucks Poi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſon.</p>
               <p>That I endeavour to avoid the preſſures of my Enemies, by all fair and juſt correſponden<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cies, no man can blame, who loves me, or the Common-wealth; ſince my Subjects can hardly be happy if I be miſerable, or enjoy their peace and liberties while I am oppreſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed.</p>
               <p>The world may ſee how ſoon mens deſigne, like <hi>Abſoloms,</hi> is by enormous actions to wi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>den differences, and exaſperate all ſides to ſuch diſtances, as may make all reconciliation deſpe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rate.</p>
               <p>Yet I thank God I can not only with patience bear this, as other indignities: but with Charity forgive them.</p>
               <p>The integrity of my intentions is not jealous of any injury, My expreſſions can doe them;
<pb n="174" facs="tcp:38600:91"/>
for although the confidence of privacy may admit greater freedome in writing ſuch Let<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ters, which may be liable to envious excepti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons; yet the Innocency of my chief purpoſes cannot be ſo obtained, or miſ-interpreted by them, as not to let all men ſee, that I wiſh nothing more than an happy compoſure of dif<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ferences with Juſtice and Honour, not more to my own, then my Peoples content, who have any ſparks of Love or Loyalty left in them: who, by thoſe my Letters may be convinced, that I can both mind and act my owne, and My Kingdomes Affaires, ſo as becomes a Prince; which mine enemies have alwaies been very loath ſhould be believed of me, as if I were wholly confined to the Dictates and Directions of others; whom they pleaſe to brand with the names of Evill Counſel<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lours.</p>
               <p>It's probable ſome men will now look upon me as my owne Counſellour, and having none elſe to quarrell with under that notion, they will hereafter confine their anger to my ſelfe: Although I know they are very unwilling I ſhould enjoy the liberty of my own Thoughts, or follow the light of my owne Conſcience, which they labour to bring into an abſolute captivity to themſelves; not allowing me to think their Counſells to be other then good for me, which have ſo long maintained a Warre a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt me.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="175" facs="tcp:38600:91"/>
The Victory they obtained that day, when my Letters became their prize, had been e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nough to have ſatiated the moſt ambitious thirſt of popular glory among the Vulgar; with whom proſperity gaines the greateſt eſteem and applauſe, as adverſity expoſeth to their greateſt ſlighting and diſ-reſpect: As if good fortu<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>e were alwaies the ſhadow of Ver<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tue and Juſtice, and did not oftner attend viti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ous and injurious actions, as to this world.</p>
               <p>But I ſee no ſecular advantages ſeem ſuffici<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ent to that cauſe, which began with Tumults, and depends chiefly upon the reputation with the Vulgar.</p>
               <p>They think no Victories ſo effectuall to their deſignes as thoſe: that moſt rout and waſte my Credit with my People; in whoſe hearts they ſeek by all meanes to ſmother and extinguiſh all ſparks of Love, Reſpect and Loyalty to me, that they may never kindle againe, ſo as to recover mine, the Lawes, and the Kingdomes Liberties, which ſome men ſeek to overthrow: The taking away of my Credit is but a neceſſary preparation to the taking away of my life, and my Kingdomes; Firſt I muſt ſeem neither fit to live, nor wor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>thy to Reigne; By exquiſite methods of cun<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ning and cruelty, I muſt be compelled, firſt to follow the Funeralls of my Honour, and then be deſtroyed: But I know Gods un-er<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ring and impartiall juſtice can, and will over<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rule
<pb n="176" facs="tcp:38600:92"/>
the moſt perverſe wills and deſignes of men; He is able, and (I hope) will turn even the worſt of mine enemies thoughts and actions to my good.</p>
               <p>Nor doe I think, that by the ſurprize of my Letters, I have loſt any more than ſo many Papers: How much they have loſt of that re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>putation, for Civility and Humanity which ought to be pay'd to all men, and moſt becomes ſuch as pretend to Religion) beſides that of reſpect and Honour, which they owe to their KING, preſent, and after-times will judge. And I cannot think that their owne conſciences are ſo ſtupid, as not to inflict upon them ſome ſecret impreſſions of that ſhame and diſhonour, which attends all unworthy actions, have they never ſo much of publique flattery, and popular countenance.</p>
               <p>I am ſure they can never expect the divine approbation of ſuch indecent actions, if they doe but remember how God bleſt the modeſt reſpect and fil<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>all tenderneſſe, which <hi>Noahs</hi> Sons bare to their Father; nor did his open in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>firmity juſtifie <hi>Chams</hi> impudency, or exempt him from that curſe of being <hi>Servant of Ser<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vants;</hi> which curſe muſt needs be on them who ſeek by diſhonourable actions to pleaſe the Vul<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gar; and confirme, by ignoble acts, their depen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dance upon the People.</p>
               <p>Nor can their malicious intentions be ever either excuſable, or proſperous, who thought
<pb n="177" facs="tcp:38600:92"/>
by this meanes to expoſe me to the higheſt re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>proach and contempt of My People; forget<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ting that duty of modeſt concealment, which they owed to the Father of their Country, in caſe they had diſovered any reall uncomeli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe; which, I thank God, they did not; who can, and, I believe, hath made me more reſpe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cted in the hearts of many (as he did <hi>David)</hi> to whom they thought, by publiſhing my pri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vate Letters, to have rendred me as a vile Perſon, not fit to be truſted or conſidered, under any notion of Majeſty.</p>
               <p>But thou, ô Lord, whoſe wiſe and all-diſpoſing providence, ordereth the greateſt contingences of humane affairs; make me to ſee the conſtancy of thy mercies to me, in the greateſt advantages thou ſee<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>meſt to give the malice of my Enemies againſt me.</p>
               <p>As thou didſt blast the counſell of <hi>Achitophel,</hi> 
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>urning it to <hi>Davids</hi> good, and his own ruine; ſo ſo canst thou defeat their deſigne, who intended, by publiſhing my private Letters, nothing elſe, but to under me more odious &amp; contemptible to my People.</p>
               <p>I muſt firſt appeale to thy Omniſcience, who canſt witneſſe with my integrity, how unjust and <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>alſe thoſe ſcandalous miſconstructions are, which <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>y Enemies endeavour by thoſe Papers of mine to <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>epreſent to the world.</p>
               <p>Make the evill they imagined, and diſplea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="2 letters">
                     <desc>••</desc>
                  </gap>r<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> they intended thereby againſt me, ſo to <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> on their owne heads, that they may be a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſhamed,
<pb n="178" facs="tcp:38600:93"/>
and covered with their owne confuſion, as with a cloake.</p>
               <p>Thou ſeest how mine Enemies uſe all means to cloud mine Honor, to pervert my purpoſes, and to ſlander the footſteps of thine Annointed.</p>
               <p>But give me an heart content to be diſhonoured for thy ſake, and thy Churches good.</p>
               <p>Fix in me a purpoſe to honour thee, and then I know thou wilt honour me, either by reſtoring to me the injoyment of that Power and Majeſty, which thou haſt ſuffered ſome men to ſeeke to deprive me of, or by beſtowing on me that crowne of Chriſtian patience, which knowes how to ſerve thee in honour, or diſhonour, in good report or evill.</p>
               <p>Thou, O Lord, art the fountain of goodneſſe, and honour; thou art colathed with excellent Majeſty; make me to partake of thy excellency for wiſdome, juſtice, and mercy, and I ſhall not want that degree of Honour and Majeſty, which becomes the Place in which thou haſt ſet me; who art the lifter up of my head and my ſalvation.</p>
               <p>Lord, by thy grace, lead me to thy Glory, which is both true and eternall.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="22" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>22.</hi> Vpon His Majeſties leaving <hi>Oxford,</hi> and going to the <hi>Scots.</hi>
               </head>
               <p>ALthough God hath given Me three Kingdomes, yet in theſe he hath no<gap reason="illegible: in gutter" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> now left me any place, where I may wit<gap reason="illegible: in gutter" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>
                  <pb n="179" facs="tcp:38600:93"/>
Safety and Honour reſt my Head: Shewing me that himſelfe is the fafeſt Refuge, and the ſtron<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>geſt Tower of defence, in which I may put my Truſt.</p>
               <p>In theſe extremities, I look not to man ſo much as to God; He will have it thus; that I may wholly caſt my ſelf, and my now diſtreſſed affaires upon his mercy, who hath both hearts and hands of all men in his diſpoſe.</p>
               <p>What providence denies to Force, it may grant to Prudence: Neceſſity is now my Counſellour, and commands me to ſtudy my ſafety by a diſguiſed withdrawing from my chiefeſt ſtrength, and adventuring upon their Loyalty, who firſt began my Troubles. Happily God may make them a means honourably to compoſe them.</p>
               <p>This my confidence of Them, may diſ-arme and overcome them; my rendring my Perſon to them, may engage their affections to me, who have oft profeſſed, <hi>They <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                        <desc>•</desc>
                     </gap>ought not againſt me, but for me.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>I muſt now reſolve the riddle of their Loy<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>alty; and give them opportunity to let the world ſee, they mean not what they do, but what they ſay.</p>
               <p>Yet muſt God be my chiefeſt Guard; and My Conſcience both My Counſellour and My Comforter: Though I put my Body into their hands, yet I ſhall reſerve my Soule to God, and my ſelfe; nor ſhall any neceſſity
<pb n="180" facs="tcp:38600:94"/>
compell me, to deſert mine Honour, or ſwerve from my Judgement.</p>
               <p>What they ſought to take by force, ſhall now be given them in ſuch a way of unuſuall confidence of them, as may make them aſhamed not to be really ſuch, as they ought, and pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>feſſed to be.</p>
               <p>God ſees it not enough to deprive me of all Military power to defend my ſelf; but to put me upon uſing their power, who ſeem to fight a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt me, yet ought in duty to defend me.</p>
               <p>So various are all humane affaires, and ſo neceſſitous may the ſtate of Princes be, that their greateſt danger may be in their ſuppoſed ſafety, and their ſafety in their ſuppoſed dan<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ger.</p>
               <p>I muſt now leave thoſe, that have adhered to me, and apply to thoſe that have oppoſed me; this method of Peace may be more proſperous, than that of Warre, both to ſtop the effuſion of bloud, and to cloſe thoſe wounds already made: and in it I am no leſſe ſolicitous for My Friends ſafety, than mine owne; chuſing to venture my ſelfe upon further hazards, ra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther then expoſe their reſolute Loyalty to all extremities.</p>
               <p>It is ſome skill in play to know when a game is loſt; better fairly to give over, than to conteſt in vaine.</p>
               <p>I muſt now ſtudy to re-inforce my judge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment, and fortifie my mind with Reaſon and
<pb n="181" facs="tcp:38600:94"/>
Religion; that I may not ſeem to offer up my Soules liberty, or make my Conſcience their Captive; who ought at firſt to have uſed argu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ments, not Armes, to have perſwaded my con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſent to their new demands.</p>
               <p>I thank God, no ſucceſſe darkens or diſguiſes Truth to me; and I ſhall no leſſe conforme my words to my inward dictates now, than if they had been as the words of a KING ought to be among loyall Subjects, <hi>full of power.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>Reaſon is the divineſt power. I ſhall never think my ſelfe weakned while I may make full and free uſe of that. No eclipſe of outward for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tune ſhall rob me of that light; what God hath denied of outward ſtrength, his grace, I hope, will ſupply with inward reſolutions; not mo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>roſely to deny, what is fit to be granted; but not to grant any thing, which Reaſon and Religion bids me deny.</p>
               <p>I ſhall never think my ſelf, leſſe than my ſelf, while I am able thus to preſerve the Integrity of my Conſcience, the onely Jewell now left me, which is worth keeping.</p>
               <p>O thou Soveraigne of our Soules, the onely Commander of our Conſciences; though I know not what to do, yet mine eyes are toward thee: To the protection of thy mercy I ſtill commend my ſelf.</p>
               <p>As thou haſt preſerved me in the day of Bat<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>taile, ſo thou canſt ſtill ſhew me thy ſtrength in my weakneſſe.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="182" facs="tcp:38600:95"/>
Be thou unto me in my d<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>rkeſt night, a pillar of fire, to enlighten and direct me; in the day of my hotteſt affliction, be alſo a pillar of cloud to over<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſhadow and protect me; be to me, both a Sun and a Shield.</p>
               <p>Thou knoweſt, that it is not any perverſeneſſe of will, but juſt perſwaſions of Honor, Reaſon, and Re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ligion, which have made me thus far to hazard my Perſon, Peace, and Safety, againſt thoſe, that by force have ſought to wreſt them from Mee.</p>
               <p>Suffer not my juſt reſolutions to abate with my outward Forces; let a good conſcience alwayes ac<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>company me, in my ſolitude and deſertions.</p>
               <p>Suffer me not to betray the powers of Reaſon, and that fortreſſe of my ſoule, which I am intruſted to keep for thee.</p>
               <p>Lead me in the paths of thy righteouſneſſe, and ſhew me thy ſalvation.</p>
               <p>Make my wayes to pleaſe thee, and then thou wilt make mine Enemies to be at peace with me.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="23" type="part">
               <pb n="183" facs="tcp:38600:95"/>
               <head>
                  <hi>23.</hi> Vpon the <hi>Scots</hi> delivering the <hi>KING</hi> to the <hi>Engliſh;</hi> and his Captivity at <hi>Holmeby.</hi>
               </head>
               <p>YEt may I juſtifie thoſe <hi>Scots</hi> to all the world in this, that they have not de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceived me; for I never truſted to them further, than to men: If I am ſold by them, I am onely ſorry they ſhould doe it; and that my price ſhould be ſo much above my Savi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ours.</p>
               <p>Theſe are but further Eſſaies, which God will have me make of mans uncertainty, the more to fix me on himſelfe; who never faileth them that truſt in him; Though the Reeds of <hi>Aegypt</hi> break under the hand of him that leanes on them, yet the Rock of <hi>Iſrael</hi> will be an ever<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>laſting ſtay and defence.</p>
               <p>Gods providence commands me to rerire from all to himſelf, that in him I may enjoy my ſelfe, which I loſe, while I let out my hopes to others.</p>
               <p>The ſolitude and captivity, to which I am now reduced, gives me leiſure enough to ſtudy the worlds vanity, and inconſtancy</p>
               <p>God ſees 'tis fit to deprive me of Wife, Chil<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dren, Army, Friends, and Freedom, that I may be wholly his, who alone is all.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="184" facs="tcp:38600:96"/>
I care not much to be reckoned among the Unfortunate, if I be not in the black Liſt of ir<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>religious, and ſacrilegious Princes.</p>
               <p>No Reſtraint ſhall enſnare my ſoul in ſinne, nor gaine that of me, which may make my Ene<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mies more inſolent, my Friends aſhamed, or my Name accurſed.</p>
               <p>They have no great cauſe to triumph, that they have got my Perſon into their power; ſince my Soule is ſtill my owne: nor ſhall they ever gaine my Conſent againſt my Conſci<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ence.</p>
               <p>What they call obſtinacy, I know God accounts honeſt conſtancy; from which Rea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſon and Religion, as well as Honour, forbid me to recede.</p>
               <p>'Tis evident now, that it was not evill Coun<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſellours with me, but a good Conſcience in me, which hath been fought againſt; nor did they ever intend to bring mee to my Parliament, till they had brought my mind to their obedi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ence.</p>
               <p>Should I grant what ſome men deſire, I ſhould be ſuch as they wiſh me, not more a King, and far leſſe both Man and Chriſtian.</p>
               <p>What Tumults and Armies could not ob<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tain, neither ſhall Reſtraint; which though it have as little of ſafety to a Prince, yet it hath not more of danger.</p>
               <p>The feare of men ſhall never be my ſnare; nor ſhall the love of any liberty entangle my
<pb n="185" facs="tcp:38600:96"/>
ſoule: Better others betray me than my ſelfe; and that the price of my liberty ſhould be my Conſcience: the greateſt injuries my Enemies ſeek to inflict upon me, cannot be without my own conſent.</p>
               <p>While I can deny with Reaſon, I ſhall defeat the greateſt impreſſions of their malice, who neither know how to uſe worthily, what I have already granted; nor what to require more of me but this, That I would ſeem willing to help them to deſtroy my ſelfe and mine.</p>
               <p>Although they ſhould deſtroy me, yet they ſhall have no cauſe to deſpiſe me.</p>
               <p>Neither liberty nor life are ſo dear to me, as the peace of my Conſcience, the Honour of my Crownes; and the welfare of my People; which my word may injure more than any Warre can doe; while I gratifie a few to op<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>preſſe all.</p>
               <p>The Lawes will, by Gods bleſſing, revive, with the love and Loyalty of my Subjects; if I bury them not by my Conſent, and cover them in that grave of diſhonour and injuſtice, which ſome mens violence hath digged for them.</p>
               <p>If my Captivity or Death muſt be the price of their redemption, I grudge not to pay it.</p>
               <p>No condition can make a King miſerable, which carries not with it, his Souls, his Peoples and Poſterities thraldome.</p>
               <p>After-times may ſee, what the blindneſſe of
<pb n="186" facs="tcp:38600:97"/>
this Age will not; and God may at length ſhew my Subjects, that I chuſe rather to ſuffer for them, than with them; happily, I might re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>deem my ſelf to ſome ſhew of liberty, if I would conſent to enſlave them: I had rather hazard the ruine of one King, than to confirm many Tyrants over them; from whom I pray God deliver them, what ever becomes of me, whoſe ſolitude hath not left me alone.</p>
               <p>For thou O God, infinitely good, and great, art with me, whoſe preſence is better than life; and whoſe ſervice is perfect freedome.</p>
               <p>Own me for thy ſervant, and I ſhall never have cauſe to complain for want of that liberty, which be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>comes a Man, a Chriſtian, and a King.</p>
               <p>Bleſſe me ſtill with Reaſon as a Man; with Religi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on, as a Christian; and with conſtancy in justice, as a King.</p>
               <p>Though thou ſuffereſt me to be ſtript of all out<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ward ornaments, yet preſerve me ever in thoſe en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>joyments, wherein I may injoy thy ſelf; and which cannot be taken from me againſt my will.</p>
               <p>Let no fire of affliction boile over my paſsion to any impatience, or ſordid fears.</p>
               <p>There be many ſay of me, There is no help for me: doe thou lift up the light of thy countenance upon me, and I ſhall neither want ſafety, liberty, nor majeſty.</p>
               <p>Give me that meaſure of patience and conſtancy, which my condition now requires.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="187" facs="tcp:38600:97"/>
My ſtrength is ſcattered, my expectation from men defeated, my Perſon restrained; ô be not thou far from me, leſt my Enemies prevaile too much a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainst me.</p>
               <p>I am become a wonder and a ſcorne to many: ô <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>e thou my Helper and Defender.</p>
               <p>Shew ſome token upon me for good, that they <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>hat hate me may be aſhamed, becauſe thou Lord haſt <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>olpen and comforted me: eſtabliſh me with thy free Spirit, that I may do, and ſuffer thy will, as thou <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ouldst have me.</p>
               <p>Be mercifull to me, ô Lord, for my ſoule truſteth in thee: yea and in the ſhadow of thy wings will <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> make my refuge untill theſe calamities be over<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="2 letters">
                     <desc>••</desc>
                  </gap>ſt.</p>
               <p>Ariſe to deliver me, make no long tarrying, ô <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>y God. Though thou killeſt me, yet will I trust in thy mercy, and my Saviours merit.</p>
               <p>I know that my Redeemer liveth; though thou leadeſt me through the vale and ſhadow of death, yet ſhall I fear none ill.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="24" type="part">
               <head>
                  <hi>24.</hi> Vpon their denying His Ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jesty the Attendance of His Chap<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>laines.</head>
               <p>VVHen Providence was pleaſed to deprive Me of all other Civill comforts and ſecular Attendants, I thought
<pb n="188" facs="tcp:38600:98"/>
the abſcence of them all might beſt be ſuppli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ed by the attendance of ſome of my Chaplains; whom for their Function I reverence, and for their Fidelity I have cauſe to love. By their learning, piety, and prayers, I hoped to be either better enabled to ſuſtaine the want of all other enjoyments, or better fitted for the recovery and uſe of them in Gods good time: ſo reaping by their pious help a ſpirituall harveſt of grace amidſt the thornes, and after the plow<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ings of temporall croſſes.</p>
               <p>The truth is, I never needed or deſired more the ſervice and aſſiſtance of men judiciouſly pi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ous, and ſoberly devout.</p>
               <p>The ſolitude they have confined me unto, adds the Wilderneſſe to my temptations; for, the company they obtrude upon me, is more ſad than any ſolitude can be.</p>
               <p>If I had asked my Revenues, my Power of the <hi>Militia,</hi> or any one of my Kingdomes, it had been no wonder to have been denied in thoſe things, where the evill policy of men forbids all juſt reſtitution, leſt they ſhould confeſſe an injurious uſurpation: But to deny me the Ghoſtly comfort of my Chaplaines, ſeemes a greater rigour and barbarity, then is ever uſed by Chriſtians to the meaneſt Priſo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ners, and greateſt Malefactors; whom though the juſtice of the Law deprive of worldly com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>forts, yet the mercy of Religion allows them the benefit of their Clergy; as not aiming at
<pb n="189" facs="tcp:38600:98"/>
once to deſtroy their Bodies, and to damn their Soules.</p>
               <p>But my Agony muſt not be relieved with the preſence of any one good Angell; for <gap reason="illegible: in gutter" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>wich I account a Learned, Godly, and diſcreet Divine: and ſuch I would have all Mine to be.</p>
               <p>They that envy my being a King, are loath I <gap reason="illegible: in gutter" extent="2 letters">
                     <desc>••</desc>
                  </gap>ould be a Chriſtian; while they ſeek to de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible: in gutter" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>rive me of all things elſe, They are afraid I <gap reason="illegible: in gutter" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>hould ſave my ſoule.</p>
               <p>Other ſenſe Charity it ſelfe can hardly pick out of thoſe many harſh Repulſes I received, as to that requeſt ſo often made for the attendance of ſome of my Chaplaines.</p>
               <p>I have ſometime thought the Unchriſtian<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible: in gutter" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>eſſe of thoſe denialls might ariſe from a diſplea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſure ſome men had to ſee me prefer my own Di<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>uines before their Miniſters: whom though I <gap reason="illegible: in gutter" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>uſpect for that worth and piety which may be in them; yet I cannot think them ſo proper for <gap reason="illegible: in gutter" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ny preſent Comforters or Phyſitians; who have (ſome of them at leaſt) had ſo great an influence <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>n occaſioning theſe calamities, and inflicting theſe wounds upon me.</p>
               <p>Nor are the ſobereſt of them ſo apt for that devotionall compliance, and juncture of hearts, which I deſire to bear in thoſe holy Offices, to be performed with me, and for me; ſince their judgements ſtanding at a diſtance from me, or in jealouſie of me, or in oppoſition a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt
<pb n="190" facs="tcp:38600:99"/>
me, their Spirits cannot ſo harmoniouſly accord with mine, or mine with theirs, either in Prayer, or other holy duties, as is meet, and moſt comfortable, whoſe golden Rule, and bond of Perfection conſiſts in that of mutuall Love and Charity.</p>
               <p>Some remedies are worſe then the diſeaſe, and ſome Comforters more miſerable then miſery it ſelfe; when, like <hi>Jobs</hi> friends, they ſeek not to fortifie ones mind with patience; but perſwade a man, by betraying his own Innocency, to deſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pair of Gods mercy; and, by juſtifying their in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>juries, to ſtrengthen the hands, and harden the hearts of inſolent Enemies.</p>
               <p>I am ſo much a friend to all Church-men, that have any thing in them beſeeming that ſacred Function, that I have hazarded My owne Intereſts, chiefly upon Conſcience and Conſtancy to maintaine their Rights; whom the more I looked upon as Orphans, and un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>der the ſacrilegious eyes of many cruell and rapacious Reformers; ſo I thought it my duty the more to appeare as a Father, and a Patron for them and the Church. Although I am ve<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ry unhandſomly requited by ſome of them; who may live to repent no leſſe for my ſuffe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rings, than their owne ungratefull errours, and that injurious contempt and meanneſſe, which they have brought upon their Calling and Perſons.</p>
               <p>I pity all of them, I deſpiſe none: onely I
<pb n="191" facs="tcp:38600:99"/>
thought I might have leave to make choice of ſome for my ſpeciall Attendants, who were beſt approved in my judgement, and moſt ſutable to my affection. For, I held it better to ſeem undevout, and to heare no mens pray<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ers, than to be forced, or ſeem to comply with thoſe Petitions, to which the heart cannot con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſent, nor the tongue ſay <hi>Amen,</hi> without contra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dicting a mans own underſtanding, or belying his own ſoule.</p>
               <p>In Devotions, I love neither profane bold<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe, nor pious non-ſenſe; but ſuch an humble and judicious gravity, as ſhewes the Speaker to be at once conſiderate of Gods Majeſty, the Churches honour, and his owne Vile<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe; both knowing what things God allows him to ask, and in what manner it becomes a Sinner to ſupplicate the divine Mercy for him<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſelf, and others.</p>
               <p>I am equally ſcandalized with all prayers, that ſound either imperiouſly, or rudely, and paſſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>onately; as either wanting humility to God, or charity to men, or reſpect to the duty.</p>
               <p>I confeſſe I am better pleaſed, as with ſtu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>died and premeditated Sermons, ſo with ſuch publique Formes of Prayers, as are fitted to the Churches and every Chriſtians daily and com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mon neceſſities; becauſe I am by them better aſſured, what I may joyne my heart unto, than I can be of any mans extemporary ſufficien<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cy; which as I doe not wholly exclude from
<pb n="192" facs="tcp:38600:100"/>
publique occaſions, ſo I allow its juſt liberty and uſe in private and devout retirements; where neither the ſolemnity of the duty, nor the modeſt regard to others, doe require ſo great exactneſſe as to the outward manner of performance. Though the light of underſtan<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ding, and the fervency of affection, I hold the maine and moſt neceſſary requiſites both in conſtant, and occaſionall, ſolitary, and ſociall Devotions.</p>
               <p>So that I muſt needs ſeem to all equall minds with as much Reaſon to prefer the ſervice of my own Chaplains before that of their Miniſters, as I do the Liturgy before their Directory.</p>
               <p>In the one, I have been alwaies educated and exerciſed; In the other, I am not yet Cate<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>chized, nor acquainted; And if I were, yet ſhould I not by that, as by any certaine rule and Canon of devotion be able to follow or find out the indirect extravagances of moſt of thoſe men, who highly cry up that as a piece of rare compoſure and uſe; which is already as much deſpiſed and diſuſed by many of them, as the Common-Prayer ſometimes was by thoſe men; a great part of whoſe piety hung upon that popular pin of railing againſt, and contemning the Government, and Liturgy of this Church. But, I had rather be condemned to the woe of <hi>Vae ſoli,</hi> than to that of <hi>Vae vobis Hypocritis,</hi> by ſeeming to pray what I do not ap<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>prove.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="193" facs="tcp:38600:100"/>
It may be, I am eſteemed by my Denyers ſuffi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cient of My ſelf to diſcharge My duty to God as a Prieſt, though not to Men as a Prince.</p>
               <p>Indeed, I think both Offices, Regall and Sacer<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dotall, might will become the ſame Perſon; as anciently they were under one name, and the u<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nited rights of primogeniture: Nor could I fol<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>low better preſidents, if I were able<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> than thoſe <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>wo eminent Kings, David, and Solomon; not more famous for their Scepters and Crownes, than one was for devout Pſalmes and Prayers; the other for his divine Parables and Preaching: whence one merited and aſſumed the name of a Prophet, the other of a Preacher. Titles indeed of greater Honour, where rightly placed, than a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny of thoſe the Roman Emperours affected from the Nations they ſubdued: it being infi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nitely more glorious to convert Souls to Gods Church by the Word, than to conquer men to a ſubjection by the Sword.</p>
               <p>Yet ſince the order of Gods wiſdome &amp; pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vidence hath, for the moſt part, alwayes diſtin<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>guiſhed the gifts and offices of Kings, of Prieſts, of Princes and Preachers; both in the Jewiſh &amp; Chriſtian Churches; I am ſorry to find My ſelf reduced to the neceſsity of being both, or enjoy<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing neither.</p>
               <p>For ſuch as ſeek to deprive Me of Kingly pow<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>er and Soveraignty, would no leſſe enforce Me <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>o live many Months without all Prayers, Sacra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ments, and Sermons, unleſſe I become My owne Chaplain.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="194" facs="tcp:38600:101"/>
As I owe the Clergy the protection of a Chri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtian KING, ſo I deſire to enjoy from them the benefit of their gifts and prayers<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> which I looke upon as more prevalent than My own, or other mens, by how much they flow from minds more enlightned, &amp; affections leſſe diſtracted, than thoſe which are uncombred with ſecular affairs, beſides, I think a greater bleſſing and acceptable<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe attends thoſe duties, which are rightly per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>formed, as proper to, &amp; within the limits of that calling to which God and the Church have ſpe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cially deſigned and conſecrated ſome men: and however, as to that Spirituall Government, by which the devout Sonl is <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ubject to Chriſt, and through his merits daily offers it ſelf and its ſer<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vices to God, every private believer is a King &amp; Preiſt, inveſted with tbe honour of a Royall Prieſthood; yet, as to Eccleſiaſticall order, and the outward polity of the Church, I think con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fuſion in Religion will as certainly follow eve<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ry mans turning Prieſt or Preacher, as it will in the State, where every one affects to rule as King.</p>
               <p>I was always bred to more modeſt, and I think, more pious principles: the conſciouſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe to My Spirituall defects makes me more prize &amp; deſire thoſe pious aſſiſtances, which holy and good Miniſters, either Biſhops or Preſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>byters, may afford Me; eſpecially in theſe ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tremities, to w<hi rend="sup">ch</hi> God hath bin pleaſed to ſuffer ſome of my Subjects to reduce me; ſo as to leave
<pb n="195" facs="tcp:38600:101"/>
them nothing more, but My life to take from me, and to leave me nothing to deſire, which I thought might leſſe provoke their jealouſie and offence to deny Me, than this of having ſome means afforded Me for My Soules comfort and ſupport.</p>
               <p>To which end I made choice of men, as no way (that I know) ſcandalous, ſo every way eminent for their learning and piety, no leſſe than for their Loyalty: nor can I imagine any exceptions to be made againſt them, but only this, that they may ſeem too able and too wel affected toward me and My ſervice.</p>
               <p>But this is not the firſt ſervice (as I count it the beſt) in which they have forced Me to ſerve My ſelf, though I muſt confeſſe I bear with more greif and impatience the want of My Chaplains, than of any other My Servants<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> and next (if not beyond in ſome things) to the being ſequeſtred from my Wife and Children; ſince from theſe indeed more of humane and temporary affecti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons, but from thoſe more of heavenly and eter<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nall improvements may be expected.</p>
               <p>My comfort is, that, in the inforced (not neg<g ref="char:EOLunhyphen"/>lected) want of ordinary means, God is wont to afford extraordinary ſupplies of his gifts and graces.</p>
               <p>If his Spirit will teach me &amp; help My infirmi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ties in prayer, reading and meditation (as I hope he will) I ſhall need no other, either Orator or Inſtructer.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="196" facs="tcp:38600:102"/>
To Thee therefore, O my God, doe I direct my now ſolitary prayers; what I want of others help, ſupply with the more immediate aſſiſtances of thy Spirit, which alone can both enlighten My darkneſſ, and quicken My dulneſſe.</p>
               <p>O thou Sun of righteouſneſſe, thou ſacred Foun<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>taine of heavenly light and heat, at once cleare and warme my heart, both by inſtructing of me, and in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>terceding for me: In thee is all fulneſſe: from thee all-ſufficiency: By thee is all acceptance. Thou art company enough, and comfort enough: Thou art my King, be alſo my Prophet and my Prieſt. Rule me, teach me, pray in me, for me; and be thou ever with me.</p>
               <p>The ſingle wreſtlings of <hi>Jacob</hi> prevailed with thee, in that ſacred Duell, when he had none to ſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cond him but thy ſelfe; who didſt aſſiſt him with power to overcome thee, &amp; by a welcome violence to wreſt a bleſſing from thee.</p>
               <p>O look on me thy Servant, in infinite mercy, whom thou didst once bleſſe with the ioynt and ſociated Devotions of others, whoſe fervencie might inflame the coldneſſe of my affections towards thee; when we went to, or met in thy Houſe with the voice of I<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>y and gladneſſe, worſhiping thee in the unity of ſpi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rits, and with bond of Peace.</p>
               <p>O forgive the neglect, and not improving of thoſe happy opportunities.</p>
               <p>It is now thy pleaſure that I ſhould be as a Pe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lican in the wilderneſſe, as a Sparrow on the Houſe top, and as a coale ſcattered from all thoſe pious
<pb n="197" facs="tcp:38600:102"/>
glowings, and devout reflections, which might beſt <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>indle, preſerve, and encreaſe the holy fire of thy graces on the Altar of my heart, whence the ſa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>crifice of prayers, and incenſe of praiſes, might be duly offered up to thee.</p>
               <p>Yet O thou that breakeſt not the bruized Reed, nor quencheſt the ſmoaking Flax, do not deſpiſe the weakneſſe of my prayers, nor the ſmotherings <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>f my ſoul in this uncomfortable loneneſſ; to which I am conſtrained by ſome mens uncharitable deni<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>lls of thoſe helps, which I much want, and no leſſe deſire. O let the hardnes of their hearts occaſion the ſoftnings of mine to thee, and for Them. Let their hatred kindle my love, let their unreaſonable de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="2 letters">
                     <desc>••</desc>
                  </gap>alls of my Religious deſires the more excite my prayers to thee. Let their inexorahle deafneſſe en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cline thine eare to me; who art a God eaſie to be <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ntreated; thine eare is not heavy, that it cannot, nor thy heart hard, that it will not heare; nor thy <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>and ſhortned, that it cannot help M<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> thy deſolate Suppliant.</p>
               <p>Thou permitteſt men to deprive me of thoſe out<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ard means, which thou haſt appointed in thy Church, but they cannot debarre me from the com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>union of that inward grace, which thou alone <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>reatheſt into humble hearts.</p>
               <p>O make m<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> ſuch, and thou wilt teach me; thou <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ilt hear me, thou wilt help me: The broken and <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="2 letters">
                     <desc>••</desc>
                  </gap>ntrite heart I know thou wilt not deſpiſe.</p>
               <p>Thou, O Lord canſt a<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> once make me thy Temple, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>hy Prieſt, thy ſacrifice, and thine Altar; while
<pb n="198" facs="tcp:38600:103"/>
from an humble heart I (alone) daily offer up in holy meditations, fervent prayers, and unfeigned tears my ſelf to thee: who prepareſt me for thee, dwel<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>le s<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> in me, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ad acceptest of me.</p>
               <p>Thou, O Lord, didſt cauſe by ſecret ſupplyes &amp; mi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>raculous infuſions, that the handful of meal in the veſſell ſhould not ſpend, nor the little oyl in the cruiſe fail the Widow during the time of drought and dearth.</p>
               <p>O look on my ſoul, which as a Widow is now deſo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>late and forſaken: let not thoſe ſaving truths I have formerly learned now fail my memory; nor the ſweet effuſions of thy Spirit, which I have ſometime felt, now be wanting to wy heart in this famine of ordi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nary and wholſome food for the refreſhing of My Soul.</p>
               <p>Which yet I had rather chuſe than to feed fom thoſe hands who mingle my bread with aſhes, and my wine with gall; rather torme nting than tea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ching me; whoſe mou<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>hs are proner to bitter reproa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ches of me, <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>hen to hearty prayers for me.</p>
               <p>Thou knowest, O Lord of truth, how oft they wreſt thy holy Scriptures to my deſtruction, (which<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> are clear for their ſubiection, and my preſervation) O let it not be to their damnation.</p>
               <p>Thou knoweſt how ſome men (under colour of long prayrs) have ſought to devour the houſes of their Brethren, their King, and their God. O Let not thoſe mens balms break my head, nor their Cordialls oppreſſe my heart, I will evermore pray againſt their wickedneſſe.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="299" facs="tcp:38600:103"/>
From the poyſon under their tongues, from the ſnares of their lips, from the fire, and the ſwords of their words ever deliver Me, O Lord and all thoſe Loyall and Religious hearts, who deſire and delight in the proſperity of my ſoule, and who ſeek by their prayers to relieve this ſadneſſe and ſolitude of thy ſervant, O my King and my God.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="25" type="part">
               <head>25. Penitentiall Meditations and Vowes in the <hi>Kings</hi> ſolitude at <hi>Holmeby.</hi>
               </head>
               <p>GIve eare to my words O Lord, conſider my Me<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ditations, aud hearken to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for unto thee will I pray.</p>
               <p>I ſaid in my haſt I am caſt out of the ſight of thine eyes; nevertheleſſe thou heareſt the voice of my ſupplication, when I cry unto thee.</p>
               <p>If thou Lord ſhouldſt be extream to mark what is don amiſſe, who can abide it? But there is mercy with thee, that thou mayeſt be feared; therefore ſhall ſinners fly unto thee.</p>
               <p>I acknowledge my ſius before thee which have the aggravation of my condition; the eminency of my place adding weight to my offence.</p>
               <p>Forgive, I beſeech thee, my Perſonall, and my Peoples ſinnes; which are ſo far mine, as I have not improved the power thou gaveſt me, to thy glory, and my Subiects good: Thou haſt now
<pb n="200" facs="tcp:38600:104"/>
brought Me from the glory and freedom of a King, to be a Priſoner to my oun Subiects: Justly, O Lord, as to thy over-ruling hand, becauſe in many things I have rebelled against thee.</p>
               <p>Though Thou haſt restrained my Perſon, yet en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>large my heart to Thee, &amp; thy grace towards Me.</p>
               <p>I come far ſhort of <hi>Davids</hi> piety; yet ſince I may equall <hi>Davids</hi> afflictions, give Me alſo the com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>forts and the ſure mercies of <hi>David.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>Let the penitent ſenſe I have of my ſins, be an evi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dence to me, that thou haſt pardoned them.</p>
               <p>Let not the Evils, which I and my Kingdomes have ſuffered, ſeem little unto thee; though thou haſt no<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap> puniſhed us according to our ſins.</p>
               <p>Turn thee [O Lord] unto Me; have mercy upon Me, for I am deſolate and afflicted.</p>
               <p>The ſorrows of my heart are enlarged; O bring thou me out of my troubles.</p>
               <p>Haſt thou forgotten to be gracious, and ſhut up thy loving kindneſſe in diſpleaſure?</p>
               <p>O Remember thy compaſsions of old, and thy lo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vi<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>g kindneſſe, which have been for many Genera<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tions.</p>
               <p>I had utterly fainted, if I had not believed to ſee thy goodnes in the land of the living.</p>
               <p>Let not the ſins of our proſperity deprive us of the benefit of thy afflictions.</p>
               <p>Let this fiery tryall conſume the droſs, which in long peace and plenty we had contracted.</p>
               <p>Though thou continuest miſeryes, yet withdraw not thy grace; what is wanting of proſperity make up <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>n patience and repentance.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="201" facs="tcp:38600:104"/>
And if thy anger be not to be yet turned away, but thy <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>and of iuſtice most be ſtretched out ſtill; Let it, I beſeech thee, be againſt me, and my Fathers houſe; as for theſe ſheep, what have they done?</p>
               <p>Let my ſufferings ſatiate the malice of Mine, and thy Churches Enemies.</p>
               <p>But let their cruelty never exceed the meaſure of my charity.</p>
               <p>Baniſh from me all thoughts of Revenge, that I may not loſe the reward, nor thou the glory of my pa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tience.</p>
               <p>As thou giveſt me a heart to forgive them, ſo I beſeech thee doe thou fergive what they have done a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt thee and me.</p>
               <p>And now, O Lord, as thou haſt given me an heart to pray unto thee; ſo hear and accept this Vow, which I make before thee.</p>
               <p>If thou wilt in mercy remember me, and My Kingdoms; In continuing the light of thy Goſpell, and ſetling thy true Religion among us.</p>
               <p>In reſtoring to us the benefit of the Laws and the due execution of <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="3 letters">
                     <desc>•••</desc>
                  </gap>tice.</p>
               <p>In ſuppreſsing the many Schiſms in Church, and Factions in State.</p>
               <p>If thou wilt reſtore me and mine to the anci<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>nt Rights and glory of my Predeceſſours.</p>
               <p>If thou wilt turne the hearts of My people to thy ſelf in Piety, to me in Loyalty, and to one another in Charity.</p>
               <p>If thou wilt quench the flames, and withdraw the fewell of theſe Civill Wars.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="202" facs="tcp:38600:105"/>
If thou wilt bleſs us with the freedom of publique Counſels, and deliver the Honour of Parliaments from the inſolency of the Vulgar.</p>
               <p>If thou wilt keep me from the great offence of enacting any thing againſt my Conſcience; and eſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pecially from conſenting to ſacrilegious rapines, &amp; ſpoilings of thy Church.</p>
               <p>If Thou wilt reſtore Me to a capacity to gloref<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>e Thee in doing good, both to the Church and State.</p>
               <p>Then ſhall my ſoule praiſe thee, and magnifie thy name before my People.</p>
               <p>Then ſhall thy glory be dearer to me then my Crownes; and the advancement of true Religi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on both in purity and power be My chiefeſt care.</p>
               <p>Then will I rule my People with iuſtice, and my Kingdomes with equity.</p>
               <p>To thy more immediate hand ſhall I ever owne as the rightfull ſucceſſion, ſo the mercifull reſtau<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ration of My Kingdomes, and the glory of them.</p>
               <p>If thou wilt bring Me again with peace, ſafety, &amp; honour, to my chiefeſt City, and my Parliament.</p>
               <p>If thou wilt againe put the Sword of Iuſtice into my hands to puniſh and protect.</p>
               <p>Then will I make all the world to ſee, and my ve<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ry Enemics to enioy the benefit of this Vow and re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſolution of Chriſtian Charity, which I now make unto thee O Lord.</p>
               <p>As I do freely pardon for Chriſt's ſake thoſe that have offended me in any kind; ſo my hand ſhall never be againſt any man to revenge what
<pb n="203" facs="tcp:38600:105"/>
is paſt, in regard of any particular iniury done to me.<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
               </p>
               <p>We have been mutually pnniſhed in our unnatu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rall diviſions; for thy ſake, O Lord, &amp; for the love of my Redeemer, have I purpoſed this in my heart That I will uſe all means in tbe wayes of amne<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ly, and indempnity, which may most fully remove all fears, and bury all iealouſies in forgetfulneſſe.</p>
               <p>Let thy mercies be toward me and mine, as my reſolutions of Truth and Peace are toward my People.</p>
               <p>Hear my prayer, O<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> Lord, which goeth not out of fayned lips.</p>
               <p>Bleſsed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer; nor taken his mercy from Me.</p>
               <p>O my ſoule, commit thy way to the Lord, truſt in him, and he ſhall bring it to paſſe.</p>
               <p>But if thou wilt not reſtore me and mine, what am I that I ſhould charge thee fooliſhly?</p>
               <p>Thou, O Lord, hast given, and thou haſt taken, Bleſſed be thy name.</p>
               <p>May my people and thy Church be happy, if not by me, yet without me.</p>
            </div>
            <div n="26" type="part">
               <pb n="204" facs="tcp:38600:106"/>
               <head>
                  <hi>26<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
                  </hi> 
                  <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>pon the Armies Surpriſall of of the <hi>King</hi> at <hi>Holmeby,</hi> and the enſuing deſtractions in the two Houſes, the Army, and the City.</head>
               <p>VVHat part God will have Me now to act or ſuffer in this new and ſtrange ſcene of affaires, I am not much ſolicitous; ſince little practiſe will ſerve that man, who onely ſeeks to repreſent a part of honeſty and honour.</p>
               <p>This ſurprize of Me tells the world, that a KING cannot be ſo low, but He is conſider<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>able; adding weight to that Party where he ap<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>peares.</p>
               <p>This motion, like others of the Times, ſeemes excentrique and irregular, yet not well to be reſiſted or quieted: Better ſwim down ſuch a ſtream, than in vaine to ſtrive againſt it.</p>
               <p>Theſe are but the ſtruglings of thoſe twins, which lately one womb encloſed, the younger ſtriving to prevaile againſt the elder; what the Presbyterians have hunted after, the Indepen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dents now ſeek to catch for themſelves.</p>
               <p>So impoſſible is it for lines to be drawn from
<pb n="205" facs="tcp:38600:106"/>
the center, and not to divide from each other; ſo much the wider, by how much they go far<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther from the point of union.</p>
               <p>That the Builders of <hi>Babell</hi> ſhould from di<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>viſion fall to confuſion, is no wonder; but for thoſe that pretend to build <hi>Ieruſalem,</hi> to divide their Tongues and hands, is but an ill <hi>omen;</hi> and ſounds too like the fury of thoſe Zealots, whoſe inteſtine bitterneſſe and diviſions were the grea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>teſt occaſion of the laſt fatall deſtruction of that City.</p>
               <p>Well may I change my Keepers and Priſon, but not my captive condition<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> onely with this hope of bettering, that thoſe, who are ſo much profeſſed Patrons for the Peoples Liberties, can<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>not be utterly againſt the Liberty of their <hi>King;</hi> what they demand for their own Conſciences, they cannot in Reaſon deny to Mine.</p>
               <p>In this they ſeem more ingenuous, than the Presbyterian rigour, who, ſometimes complai<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ning of exacting their conformity to laws, are become the greateſt Exactors of other mens ſubmiſſion to their novell injunctions, before they are ſtamped with the Authotity of Lawes, which they cannot well have without my con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſent.</p>
               <p>'Tis a great argument, that the Indepen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dents think themſelves manumitted, from their Rivals ſervice, in that they carry on a buſineſſe of ſuch conſequence, as the aſſuming My Per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſon into the Armies cuſtody, without any
<pb n="206" facs="tcp:38600:107"/>
Commiſsion, but that of their own wil and pow<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>er. Such, as will thus adventure on a King, muſt not bethought over-modeſt, or timerous to carry on any deſigne they have a mind to.</p>
               <p>'Their next motion menaces, and ſcares both the two Houſes and the City: which, ſoon after acting over again that former part of tumultua<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ry motions (never queſtioned, puniſhed, or re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pented) muſt now ſuffer for both; aud ſee their former ſin in the glaſſe of the preſeut terrours and diſtractions.</p>
               <p>No man is ſo blind as not to ſee herein the hand of divine Iuſtice; they, that by Tumults firſt occaſioned the raiſing of Arms, muſt now be chaſtened by their own Army for new Tu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mults.</p>
               <p>So hardly can men be content with one ſinne, but adde ſin to ſin, till the later puniſh the for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mer; ſuch as were content to ſee Me, and many Members of both Houſes, driven away by the firſt unſuppreſſed Tumults, are now forced to fly to an Army, to defend themſelves againſt them.</p>
               <p>But who can unfold the riddle of ſome mens juſtice? the Members of both houſes who at firſt withdrew, (as my ſelfe was forced to doe) from the rudeneſſe of the Tumults, were counted de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſertors, and outed of their Places in Parliament.</p>
               <p>Such as ſtayed then, and enjoyed the benefit of the Tumults, were aſſerted for the only Parlia<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment-men:
<pb n="207" facs="tcp:38600:107"/>
now the Flyers from, and Forſa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>kers of their Places, carry the Parliamentary power along with them; complain highly againſt the tumults, &amp; vindicate themſelves by an Army: ſuch as remained and kept their ſtations, are loo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ked upon as Abbettors of tumultuary inſolen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cies, and Betrayers of the Freedom and Honour of Parliament.</p>
               <p>Thus is Power above all Rule, Order, &amp; Law<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> where men look more to preſent Advantages then their conſciences, and the unchangeable rules of Juſtice; while they are Judges of others, they are forced to condemn themſelves.</p>
               <p>Now the plea againſt Tumults hold good, the Authors and Abettors of them are guilty of prodigious inſolencies; when as before, they were counted as Friends and neceſſary Aſſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtants.</p>
               <p>I ſee Vengeance purſues and overtakes (as the Mice and Rats are ſaid to have done the Biſhop in <hi>Germany)</hi> them that thought to have eſcaped and fortified themſelves moſt impregnably a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gainſt it, both by their multitude and compli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ance.</p>
               <p>Whom the Laws cannot, God will puniſh, by their own crimes and hands.</p>
               <p>I cannot but obſerve this divine Juſtice, yet with ſorrow and pity; for, I alwayes wiſhed ſo well to Parliament and City, that I was ſorry to ſee them do, or ſuffer, any thing unworthy
<pb n="208" facs="tcp:38600:108"/>
ſuch great and conſiderable bodies in this King<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dome.</p>
               <p>I was glad to ſee them onely ſcared and hum<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bled, not broken by that ſhaking: I never had ſo ill a thought of thoſe Cities as to deſpaire of their Loyalty to Me; which miſtakes might e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>clipſe, but I never believed malice had quite put out.</p>
               <p>I pray God the ſtorm be yet wholly paſſed o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver them; upon whom I look, as Chriſt did ſometime over <hi>Ieruſalem,</hi> as objects of My pray<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ers and teares, with compaſſionate griefe, fore<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſeeing thoſe ſeverer ſcatterings which will cer<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tainly befall ſuch as wantonly refuſe to be ga<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>thered to their duty: fatall blindneſſe frequent<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly attending and puniſhing wilfull, ſo that men ſhall not be able at laſt to prevent their ſorrows, who would not timely repent of their ſin; nor ſhall they be ſuffered to enjoy the comforts, who ſecurely neglect the councels belonging to their peace. They will find that Brethren in ini<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>quity are not far from becomming inſolent e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nemies, there being nothing harder then to keep ill men long in one mind.</p>
               <p>Nor is it poſſible to gaine a faire period for thoſe notions which go rather in a round and circle of fanſie, than in a right line of reaſon tending to the Law, the onely center of publique conſiſtency; whither I pray God at laſt bring all ſides.</p>
               <p>Which will eaſily be done, when we ſhall
<pb n="209" facs="tcp:38600:108"/>
fully ſee how much more happy we are, to be ſubject to the known Laws, then to the various wills of any men, ſeem they never ſo plauſible at firſt.</p>
               <p>Vulgar compliance with any illegall and ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>travagant waies, like violent motions in nature, ſoon grows weary of it ſelfe, and ends in a re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fractory ſullenneſſe: Peoples rebounds are oft in their faces, who firſt put them upon thoſe violent ſtrokes.</p>
               <p>For the Army (which is ſo far excuſable, as they act according to Souldiers principles, and intereſts, demanding Pay and Indempnity) I think it neceſſary, in order to the publike peace that they ſhould be ſatisfied, as far as is juſt; no man being more prone to conſider them then My ſelfe <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>though they have fought againſt Me, yet I cannot but ſo far eſteem that valour and gallantry they have ſometime ſhewed, as to wiſh I may never want ſuch men to maintaine My Selfe, My Laws, and My Kingdoms, in ſuch a peace, as wherein they may enjoy their ſhare and proportion as much as any men.</p>
               <p>But thou, O Lord, who art perfect Vnity in a ſa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cred Trinity, in mercy behold thoſe, whom thy Iuſtice hath divided.</p>
               <p>Deliver me from the ſtrivings of My People, and make Me to ſee how much they need My Prayers and pity, who agreed to fight againſt Me; and <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 word">
                     <desc>〈◊〉</desc>
                  </gap> are now ready to fight againſt one another;
<pb n="210" facs="tcp:38600:109"/>
to the continuance of My Kingdomes diſtra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctions.</p>
               <p>Diſcover to all ſides the wayes of peace, from which they have ſwarved: which conſists not in the divi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ded wills of Parties, but in the point and due obſer<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vation of the Lawes.</p>
               <p>Make Me willing to go whither thou wilt lead Me by thy providence; and be thou ever with Me that I may ſee thy constancy in the worlds variety and changes,</p>
               <p>Make me even ſuch as thou wouldſt have Me, that I may at laſt enioy that ſafety and tranquility which thou alone canſt give Me.</p>
               <p>Divert, J pray thee, O Lord, thy heavy wrath iuſtly hanging over thoſe populous Cityes, whoſe plenty is prone to adde fewell to their luxury, their wealth to make them wanton, their multitudes tempting them to ſecurity, and their ſecurity expoſing them to unexpected miſeries.</p>
               <p>Give them eyes to ſee, hearts to conſider, wills to embrace, and courage to act thoſe things which belong to thy glory and the publique peace, leſt their calamity come upon them as an armed man.</p>
               <p>Theach them, That they cannot want enemies who abound in ſinne, nor ſhall they be long un-diſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>armed and un-deſtroyed, who, with a high hand per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſiſting to <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ight; gainſt thee &amp; the clear convicti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons of their own conſciences, fight more againſt them<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſelves, than ever they did againſt Me.</p>
               <p>Their ſinnes expoſing them to thy Iuſtice, their riches too thers injuryes, their number to Tumults, and their Tumults to confuſion.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="211" facs="tcp:38600:109"/>
Though they have with much forwardneſſe helped to destroy Me, yet let not my fall be their ruine.</p>
               <p>Let Me not ſo much conſider, either what they have done, or I have ſuffered, (chiefly at firſt by them) as to forget to imitate My crucified Redee<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mer, to plead their ignorance for their pardon; and in my dying extremities to pray to thee O Fa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther to forgive them, for they know not what they did.</p>
               <p>The teares they have denied me in my ſaddeſt condition, give them grace to beſtow upon them<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſelves who the leſſe they were for me, the more cauſe they have to weep for themſelves.</p>
               <p>O let not my bloud be upon them and their Chil<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dren, whom the fraud and faction of ſome, not the malice of all, have excited to crucifie Me.</p>
               <p>But thou O Lord, canst and wilt (as thou diſt my Redeemer) both exalt and perfect me by my ſuf<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ferings, which have more in them of thy mercy then of mans cruelty, or thy owne Iuſtice.</p>
            </div>
            <div type="illustration">
               <pb facs="tcp:38600:110"/>
               <p>
                  <figure>
                     <figDesc>portrait of Charles I</figDesc>
                     <p>Natus May 29 An<hi rend="sup">o</hi> 1630 AEtatis.</p>
                     <p>
                        <gap reason="illegible: indecipherable" extent="1 letter">
                           <desc>•</desc>
                        </gap>
                     </p>
                  </figure>
               </p>
            </div>
            <div n="27" type="part">
               <pb n="213" facs="tcp:38600:110"/>
               <head>
                  <hi>27<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
                  </hi> To the Prince of <hi>VVales,</hi>
               </head>
               <p>SOn, if theſe Papers, with ſome others, wherein I have ſet down the private refle<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctions of My Conſcience, and My moſt impartiall thoughts, touching the cheif paſſages, which hath been moſt remarkable, or diſputed in My late troubles, come to your hands, to whom they are chiefly deſigned; they may be ſo far uſefull to you, as to ſtate your judgement a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>right in what hath paſſed; whereof a pious is the beſt uſe can be made; and they may alſo give you ſome directions, how to remedy the preſent di<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtempers, and prevent (if God will) the like for time to come.</p>
               <p>It is ſome kind of deceiving and leſſening the injury of my long reſtraint, when I find My lei<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſure &amp; ſolitude have produced ſomething wor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>thy of My ſelf, and uſefull to you; That neither you, nor any other, may hereafter meaſure My Cauſe by the Succeſſe; nor My Judgement of things, by My misfortunes; which I count the greater by far, becauſe they have ſo farr lighted upon you, and ſome others, whom I have moſt cauſe to love, as well as My ſelf<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> and of whoſe unmerited ſufferings I have a greater ſenſe, then of Mine own.</p>
               <p>But this advantage of wiſdome you have a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bove other Princes; that you have begunne and now ſpent ſome years of diſcretion, in the
<pb facs="tcp:38600:111"/>
experience of troubles, and exerciſe of patience, wherein Piety, and all Vertues, both Morall and Politicall, are commonly better planted to a thriving (as Trees ſet in Winter) then in the warmth and ſerenity of times; or amidſt thoſe delights, which uſually attend Princes Courts in times of peace and plenty; which are prone, either to root up all plants of true Vertue and Honour; or to be contented only with ſome leaves, and withering formalities of them, with<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>out any reall fruits, ſuch as tend to the Publick good; for which Princes ſhould alwayes re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>member they are borne, and by providence de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſigned.</p>
               <p>The evidence of which different education the holy VVrit affords us in the contemplation of <hi>David</hi> and <hi>Rehoboham:</hi> The one prepared, by many afflictions, for a flouriſhing Kingdome; the other unſoftned by the unparalel'd proſpe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rity of <hi>Solomons</hi> Court: and ſo corrupted to the great diminution, both for Peace, Honour, and Kingdome, by thoſe flatteries, which are as unſeparable from proſperous Princes, as Flies are from fruit in Summer; whom adverſity, like could weather, drives away.</p>
               <p>I had rather you ſhould be <hi>Charles Le Bon,</hi> then <hi>le Grand,</hi> good, then great; I hope God hath deſigned you to both, having ſo early put you into that exerciſe of his Graces, and Gifts beſtowed upon you, which may beſt weed out all vicious inclinations, and diſpoſe
<pb facs="tcp:38600:111"/>
you to thoſe Princely endowments, &amp; employ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ments, which will moſt gain the love, and intend the welfare of thoſe, over whom God ſhall place you.</p>
               <p>With God I would have you begin and end, who is King of Kings; the Soveraign diſpoſer of the Kingdomes of the world, who pulleſt down one, and ſetteth up another.</p>
               <p>The beſt Government, &amp; higheſt Sove raign<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty you can attain to, is, to be ſubject to him, that the Scepter of his Word and Spirit may rule in your heart.</p>
               <p>The true glory of Princes conſiſts in advancing Gods glory in the maintenance of true Religion and the Churches good; Alſo in the diſpenſati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on of civill Power, with Juſtice and Honour to the publike Peace.</p>
               <p>Piety will make you proſperous; at leaſt it wil keep you from being miſerable; nor is he much a loſer, that looſeth all, yet ſaveth his own Soul at laſt.</p>
               <p>To which center of true Happineſſe God, I truſt, hath and will graciouſly direct all theſe black lines of Affliction, which he hath bin plea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed to draw on Me, and by which he hath (I hope) drawn me nearer to himſelf. You have already taſted of that cup, whereof I have libe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rally drank; which I look upon as Gods phiſick, having that in healthfulneſſe, which it wants in pleaſure. Above all I would have you, as I hope you are already, well-grounded &amp; ſetled in your
<pb n="216" facs="tcp:38600:112"/>
Religion: The beſt profeſſion of which I have ever eſteemed that of the Church of <hi>England,</hi> in which you have been educated, yet I would have your own Iudgement and Reaſon now ſeal to that ſacred bond which education hath written, that it may be judiciouſly your owne Religion, and not other mens cuſtome or tradi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tion, which you profeſſe.</p>
               <p>In this I charge you to perſevere, as com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ming neareſt to Gods VVord for Doctrine, and to the primitive examples for Government, with ſoms little amendment, which I have o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>therwhere expreſſed, and often offered, though in vaine. Your fixation in matters of Religion will not be more neceſſary for your ſoule, then your Kingdoms peace, when God ſhall bring you to them.</p>
               <p>For I have obſerved, that the Divell of Rebel<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lion doth commonly turne himſelfe into an Angell of Reformation; and the old Serpent can pretend new Lights: When ſome mens Conſciences accuſe them for Sedition and Fa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ction, they ſtop its mouth with the name and noiſe of Religion; when Piety pleads for peace and patience, they cry out Zeale.</p>
               <p>So that, unleſſe in this point You be well ſettled, you ſhall never want temptations to de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtroy you and yours, under pretenſions of for<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ming matters of Religion; for that ſeemes, even to worſt men, as the beſt and moſt auſpicious beginning of their worſt deſignes.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="217" facs="tcp:38600:112"/>
VVhere, beſides the Novelty which is taking enough with the Vulgar, every one hath an af<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fection, by ſeeming forward to an outward Re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>formation of Religion, to be thought zealous<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> hoping to cover thoſe irreligious deformities whereto they are conſcious, by ſeverity of cen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſuring other mens opinions or actions.</p>
               <p>Take heed of abetting any Factions: or apply<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing to any publick diſcriminations in matters of Religion, contrary to what is in your judge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment, and the Church well ſetled; your partiall adhering, as head, to any one ſide gaines you not ſo great advantages in ſome mens hearts (who are prone to be of their Kings Religion) as it loſeth you in others; who think themſelves, and their profeſſion firſt deſpiſed, then perſecuted by you: Take ſuch a courſe as may either with calmneſſe and charity quite remove the ſeeming differences and offences by impartiality, or ſo order affairs in point of Power, that you ſhall not need to feare or flatter any Faction. For if ever you ſtand in need of them, or muſt ſtand to their curteſie, you are undone: The Serpent will devour the Dove: you may never expect leſſe of loyalty, juſtice, or humanity, than from thoſe, who engage into religious Rebellion; Their intereſt is alwaies made Gods; under the colours of Piety, ambitious policies march, not only with greateſt ſecurity, but applauſe, as to the populacy; you may heare from them <hi>Iacob's</hi> voyce, but you ſhall feel they have <hi>Eſau's</hi> hands.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb facs="tcp:38600:113"/>
Nothing ſeemed leſſe conſiderable then the Presbyterian Faction in <hi>England,</hi> for many yeeres; ſo compliant they were to publique or<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>der: nor indeed was their party great either in Church, or State, as to mens judgments: But as ſoon as diſcontents drave men into Sidings (as ill humors fall to the diſſaffected part, which cauſes inflamations) ſo did all, at firſt, who affe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cted any novelties, adhere to that Side, as the the moſt remarkable and ſpecious note of diffe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rence (then) in point of Religion,</p>
               <p>All the leſſer Factions at firſt were officious Servants to Presbytery their great Maſters: till time and military ſucceſſe, diſcovering to each their peculiar advantages, invited them to part ſtakes; and, leaving the joynt ſtock of uni<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>form Religion, pretended each to drive for their Party the trade of profits &amp; preferments, to the breaking and undoing not only of the Church, and State, but even of Presbytery it Selfe, which ſeemed and hoped at firſt to have ingro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed all.</p>
               <p>Let nothing ſeem little or deſpicable to you in matters which concern Religion &amp; the chur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ches peace, ſo as to neglect a ſpeedy refor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ming an effectuall ſuppreſſing Errours and Schiſms; which ſeem at firſt but as a hand bredth, by ſeditious Spirits, as by ſtrong winds, are ſoon made to cover and darken the whole Heaven.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="219" facs="tcp:38600:113"/>
VVhen you have done juſtice to God, your owne ſoule and his Church, in the profeſſion and preſervation both of truth and unity in Re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ligion: the next maine hinge on which your proſperity will depend, and move, is, that of civil Juſtice, wherein the ſetled Lawes of theſe Kingdomes, to which you are rightly Heire, are the moſt excellent rules you can governe by; which by an admirable temperament give very much to Subjects induſtry, liberty, and happineſſe; and yet reſerve enough to the Ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jeſty and prerogative of any King, who ownes his People as Subjects, not as Slaves; whoſe ſubjection, as it preſerves their property, peace, and ſafety, ſo it will never diminiſh your rights, nor their ingenuous Liberties; which conſiſts in the enjoyment of the fruits of their induſtry, and the benefit of thoſe Lawes to which themſelves have conſented.</p>
               <p>Never charge your head with ſuch a Crown, as, ſhall by its heavineſſe oppreſſe the whole bo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dy the weakneſſe of whoſe parts cannot returne any things of ſtrength, honour, or ſafety, to the head, but a neceſſary debiliatation and ru<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ine.</p>
               <p>Your Prerogative is beſt ſhewed and exerciſed in remitting, rather then exacting the rigor of the Lawes; there being nothing worſe than le<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gall Tyranny.</p>
               <p>In theſe two points, the preſervation of eſta<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bliſhed Religion and Lawes, I may (without
<pb n="220" facs="tcp:38600:114"/>
vanity) turn the reproach of My ſufferings, as to the worlds cenſure, into the honour of a kind of Martyrdome, as to the teſtimony of my own Conſcience; The Troublers of My Kingdomes have nothing elſe to object againſt Me but this, That I preferre Religion and Laws eſtabliſhed before thoſe alterations they propounded.</p>
               <p>And ſo indeed I doe, and ever ſhall, till I am convinced by better Arguments, then what hi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>therto hath been chiefly uſed towards Me, Tu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mults, Armies, and Priſons.</p>
               <p>I cannot yet learne that leſſon, nor I hope e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver will you, That it is ſafe for a King to gra<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tifie any Faction with the perturbation of the Laws, in which is wrapt up the publick Intereſt, and the good of the Community.</p>
               <p>How God will deal with Me, as to the removal of theſe preſſures, and indignities, which his juſtice, by the very unjuſt hands of ſome of My Subjects, hath been pleaſed to lay upon Me, I cannot tell: nor am I much ſolicitous what wrong I ſuffer from men, while I retaine in My foule, what I beleive is right before God.</p>
               <p>I have offered all for Reformation and Safe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty, that in Reaſon, Honour, and Conſcience I can; reſerving only what I cannot conſent un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>to, without an irreparable injury to My owne Soule, the Church, and My People, and to You alſo, as the next and undoubted Heire of My Kingdoms.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="221" facs="tcp:38600:114"/>
To which if the divine Providence, to whom no difficulties are inſuperable, ſhall in his due time after My deceaſe bring you, as I hope he will; My counſell and charge to You, is; That You ſeriouſly conſider the former, reall, or ob<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>jected miſcarriages, which might occaſion My troubles, that you may avoid them.</p>
               <p>Never repoſe ſo much upon any mans ſingle councell, fidelity, and diſcretion, in managing affairs of the firſt magnitude, (that is, matters of Religion and Juſtice) as to create in Your ſelfe, or others, a diffidence of Your own judgement, which is likely to be alwayes more conſtant and impartiall to the intereſts of your Crowne and Kingdom then any mans.</p>
               <p>Next, beware of exaſperating any Factions by the croſneſſe, and aſperity of ſome mens paſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſions, humours, and private opinions; imployed by You, grounded onely upon the differences in leſſer matters, which are but the skirts &amp; ſub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>b<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>rbs of religion.</p>
               <p>Wherein a charitable connivence and Chriſti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>an toleration often diſſipates their ſtrength, who<g ref="char:cmbAbbrStroke">̄</g> rougher oppoſition fortifies; and puts the deſpi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed and oppreſſed Party, into ſuch Combinati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons, as may moſt enable them to get a full re<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>venge on thoſe they count their Perſecutors; who are commonly aſſiſted by that vulgar com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>miſeration, which attends al, that are ſaid to ſuf<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fer under the notion of Religon.</p>
               <p>Provided, the differences amount not to an
<pb n="222" facs="tcp:38600:115"/>
inſolent oppoſition of Laws, and Government, or Religion eſtabliſhed, as to the eſſentials of them; ſuch motions and minings are intolle<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rable.</p>
               <p>Alwaies keep up ſolid piety, and thoſe funda<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mentall Truths (which mend both hearts; and lives of men) with impartiall favour and juſtice.</p>
               <p>Take heed that outward circumſtances and formalities of Religion devour not all, or the beſt encouragements of learning, induſtry, and piety; but with an equall eye, and impartiall hand, diſtribute favours and rewards to all men, as you find them for their reall goodneſſe both in abilities and fidelity worthy and capable of them.</p>
               <p>This will be ſure to gaine You the hearts of the beſt, and the moſt too; who, though they be not good themſelves, yet are glad to ſee the ſe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>verer wayes of virtue at any time ſweetned by temporall rewards.</p>
               <p>I have, you ſee, conflicted with different and oppoſite Factions, (for ſo I muſt needs call and count all thoſe, that Act not in any con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>formity to the Lawes eſtabliſhed, in Church and State) no ſooner have they by force ſub<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dued what they counted their Common Ene<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>my, (that is, all thoſe that have adheered to the Lawes, and to Mee) and are ſecured from that fear, but they are divided to ſo high a rivar<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly, as ſets them more at defiance againſt each o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther, than againſt their firſt Antagoniſts.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="223" facs="tcp:38600:115"/>
Time will diſſipate all factions when once the rough horns of private mens covetous and am<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bitious deſignes ſhall diſcover themſelves; which were at firſt wrapt up and hidden under the ſoft and ſmooth pretenſions of Religion, Reformati<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on, and Liberty: As the Wolfe is not leſſe cru<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ell, ſo he will be more juſtly hated, when he ſhall appear no better than a Wolf under Sheeps cloathing.</p>
               <p>But, as for the ſeduced Train of the Vulgar, who in their ſimplicity follow thoſe diſgui<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſes, My charge and councel to You, is, That as You need no palliations for any deſignes, (as o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther men,) ſo that you ſtudy really to exceed (in true and conſtant demonſtrations of goodneſſe, piety, and virtue, towards the People) even all thoſe men, that make the greateſt noiſe &amp; oſten<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tations of Religion, ſo You ſhall neither fear a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny detection, (as they doe, who have but the face and mask of goodneſſe) nor ſhall You fruſtrate the juſt expectations of Your People; who can<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>not in reaſon promiſe themſelves ſo much good from any ſubjects noveltis, as from the vertuous conſtancy of their King.</p>
               <p>VVhen theſe mountains of congealed fa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctions ſhall by the ſunſhine of Gods mercy, and the ſplendour of your virtues be thawed and diſſipated; and the abuſed Vulgar ſhall have learned, that none are greater Op<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>preſſours of their Eſtates, Liberties, and
<pb n="224" facs="tcp:38600:116"/>
Conſciences, than thoſe men, that entitle them<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſelves, The Patrons and Vindicators of them, onely to uſurp power over them; Let then no paſſion betray You to any ſtudy of revenge up<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on thoſe, whoſe own ſinne and folly will ſuffi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ciently puniſh them in due time.</p>
               <p>But as ſoon as the forked arrow of factious e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mulations is drawn out, uſe all princely arts, and clemency, to heal the wounds; that the ſmart of the cure may not equall the angniſh of the hurt.</p>
               <p>I have offered Acts of Indempnity, and Obli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vion, to ſo great a latitude, as may include all, that can but ſuſpect themſelves to be any way obnoxious to the Laws; and which might ſerve to exclude all future Jealouſies and ſecurities.</p>
               <p>I would have You alwayes propenſe to the ſame way; when ever it ſhall be deſired and accepted, let it be granted, not only as an Act of State-policy and neceſſity, but of Chriſtian cha<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rity and choice.</p>
               <p>It is all I have now left Me, a power to forgive thoſe, that have deprived Me of all; and, I thank God, I have a heart to do it; and joy as much in this grace, which God hath given Me, as in all My former enjoyments; for this is a greater ar<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>gument of Gods love to Me, than any proſperi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty can be.</p>
               <p>Be confident (as I am) that the moſt of all ſides who have don amiſſe, have don ſo, not out of malice, but miſ-information, or miſ-appre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>henſion of things.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="225" facs="tcp:38600:116"/>
None will be more loyall and faithfull to Me and you, than thoſe Subjects, who ſenſible of their Errours, and our injuries, will feel in their own Soules moſt vehement motives to repen<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tance; and earneſt deſires to make ſome repa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rations for their former defects.</p>
               <p>As Your quality ſets You beyond any Duell with any Subject; ſo the Nobleneſſe of Your mind muſt raiſe you above the meditating any revenge, or executing Your anger upon the ma<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ny.</p>
               <p>The more conſcious You ſhall be to Your own merits, upon your People, the more prone You will be to expect all love and loyalty from them; and to inflict no puniſhment upon them for former miſcarriages: You will have more inward complacency in pardoing one, than in puniſhing a thouſand.</p>
               <p>This I write to you, not deſpairing of Gods mercy, &amp; My Subjects affections towards you; both which, I hope, you wil ſtudy to deſerve; yet we cannot merit of God, but by his own mercy.</p>
               <p>If God ſhall ſee fit to reſtore Me, and You af<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ter Me, to thoſe enjoyments, which the Lawes have aſſigned to Us, and no Subjects, without an high degree of guilt and ſinne can deveſt us of; then may I have better opportunity, when I ſhal be ſo happy to ſee you in peace, to let you more fully underſtand the things that belong to Gods glory, your own honour, and the king<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>doms peace.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="226" facs="tcp:38600:117"/>
But, if You never ſee My face againe, and God will have Me buried in ſuch a barbarous Impriſonment and obſcurity, (which the per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fecting ſome mens deſignes require) wherein few hearts that love me are permitted to ex<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>change a word, or a look with Me; I do require &amp; entreat You as Your Father, and Your <hi>King,</hi> that You never ſuffer Your heart to receive the leaſt check againſt, or diſaffection from the true Religion eſtabliſhed in the Church of <hi>England.</hi>
               </p>
               <p>I tell You, I have tried it, and after much ſearch, and many diſputes, have concluded it to be the beſt in the world; not only in the Com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>munity, as Chriſtian, but alſo in the ſpeciall no<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tion, as Reformed; keeping the middle way be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tween the pomp of ſuperſtitious Tyranny, and the meanneſſe of fantaſtique Anarchy.</p>
               <p>Not but that (the draught being excellent as to the maine, both for Doctrine and Govern<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment, in the Church of <hi>England)</hi> ſome lines, as in very good figures, may happily need ſome ſweetning, or polliſhing; which might here have eaſily been done by a ſafe and gentle hand; if ſome mens precipitancy had not violently de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>manded ſuch rude Alterations, as would have quite deſtroyed all the beauty and proportions of the whole.</p>
               <p>The ſcandall of the late troubles, which ſome may object, and urge to you againſt the Proteſtant Religion eſtabliſhed in <hi>England,</hi> is eaſily Anſwered to them, or Your owne
<pb n="227" facs="tcp:38600:117"/>
thoughts in this, That ſcarce any one who hath been a Beginner, or an active proſecutor of this late VVarre againſt the Church, the Lawes, and Me, either was, or is a true Lover, Embracer, or Practiſer of the Proteſtant Religion, eſtabliſhed in <hi>England:</hi> which neither give ſuch rules, nor ever before ſet ſuch examples.</p>
               <p>'Tis true, ſome heretofore had the boldneſſe to preſent threatning Petitions to their Princes and Parliaments, which others of the ſame Facti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on (but of worſe Spirits) have now put in execu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tion: but let not counterfeit and diſorderly zeal abate Your value and eſteem of true piety; both of them are to be <hi>known by their fruits;</hi> the ſweet<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe of the Vine &amp; Fig-tree is not to be deſpi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſed, though the Brambles &amp; Thorns ſhould pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tend to bear Figs and Grapes thereby to rule o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver the Trees<g ref="char:punc">▪</g>
               </p>
               <p>Nor would I have You to entertaine any aver<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſation or diſlike of Parliaments; which, in their right conſtitution with Freedome and Honour, will never injure or diminiſh Your greatneſſe, but will rather be as interchangings of love, loy<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>alty, and confidence, between a Prince and His People.</p>
               <p>Nor would the events of this blacke Parlia<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ment have been other then ſuch (however much biaſſed by Factions in the Elections) if it had heen preſerved from the inſolencyes of popular dictates, and tumultuary impreſſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons: The ſad effects of which will, no doubt
<pb n="228" facs="tcp:38600:118"/>
make all Parliaments after this more cautious to preſerve that Freedome, and Honour, which belongs to ſuch Aſſemblies (when once they have fully ſhaken off this yoke of Vulgar en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>croachment) ſince the publique intereſt con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſiſts in the mutuall and common good both of Prince and People.</p>
               <p>Nothing can be more happy for all, than in faire, grave, and Honourable waies to contribute their Counſels in Common, enacting all things by publique conſent; without tyranny or Tu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mults. We muſt not ſtarve our ſelves, becauſe ſome men have ſurfeited of wholſome food.</p>
               <p>And if neither I, nor You, be ever reſtored to Our Rights, but God, in his ſevereſt juſtice, will puniſh My Subjects with continuance in their ſinne, and ſuffer them to be deluded with the proſperity of their wickedneſſe; I hope God will give Me, and You, that grace, which, will teach and enable Vs, to want, as well as to weare a Crowne; which is not worth taking up, or enjoying upon ſordid, diſhonourable, and irreligious terms.</p>
               <p>Keep you to true principles of piety, virtue, and honour, you ſhall never want a King<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dom.</p>
               <p>A principall point of your honour will con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſiſt in your deferring all reſpect, love, and protection to your Mother, My Wife; who hath many waies deſerved well of Me, and chiefly in this, that (having beene a meanes to
<pb n="229" facs="tcp:38600:118"/>
bleſſe Me with ſo many hopefull Children; all which, with their Mother, I recommend to your love, and care) She hath been content with in<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>comparable magnanimity and patience to ſuf<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>fer both for, and with Me; and you.</p>
               <p>My prayer to God Almighty, is, (what ever becomes of Me, who am, I thank God, wrapt up and fortified in My owne Innocency, and his grace) that he would be pleaſed to make you an Anchor, or Harbour rather, to theſe toſſed and weather-beaten Kingdomes; a Repairer by your wiſdome, Iuſtice, piety, and valour, of what the folly and wickedneſſe of ſome m<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>n have ſo farre ruined, as to leave nothing entire in Church or State; to the Crowne, the Nobili<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ty, the Clergy, or the Commons; either as to Lawes, Liberties, Eſtates, Order, Honour, Con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſcience, or Lives.</p>
               <p>When they have deſtroyed Me, (for I know not how farre <hi>God</hi> may permit the malice and cruelty of My Enemies to proceed, and ſuch ap<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>prehenſions ſome mens words and actions have already given Me) as I doubt not but My bloud will crie aloud for vengeance to heaven; ſo I beſeech God not to poure out his wrath upon the generality of the people, who have either deſerted Me, or engaged againſt Me, through the artifice and hypocriſie of their Leaders; whoſe inward horrour will be their firſt Tor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>menter, nor will they eſcape exemplary judge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ments.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="230" facs="tcp:38600:119"/>
For thoſe that loved Me, I pray God, they may have no miſſe of Me, when I am gone; ſo much I wiſh and hope, that all good Subjects may be ſatisfyed with the bleſſings of Your preſence &amp; virtues.</p>
               <p>For thoſe that repent of any defects, in their duty toward Me, as I freely forgive them in the word of a Chriſtian King, ſo I beleive You will find them truly zealous, to repay with intereſt that Loyalty and love to you, which was due to Me.</p>
               <p>In ſumme, what good I intended, do you per<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>forme; when God ſhall give You power: much good I have offered, more I purpoſed to church and State, if times had been capable of it.</p>
               <p>The deception will ſoon vaniſh, and the Vi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>zards will fall off apace; This maske of Religion on the face of Rebellion (for ſo it now plainly appears, ſince My reſtraint and cruell uſage, that they fought not for Me, as was pretended) will not long ſerve to hide ſome mens deformi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ties.</p>
               <p>Happy times I hope attend you; wherein Your Subjects (by their miſeries) will have learned, That Religion to their God, and Loyalty to their King, cannot be parted without both their ſin &amp; their infelicity</p>
               <p>And if God bleſſe You, and eſtabliſh your Kingdomes in righteouſneſſe, your Soule in true Religion, and your honour in the love of God and your People.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="231" facs="tcp:38600:119"/>
And if God will have diſloyalty perfected by My deſtruction; let My memory ever, with My name, live in You; as of your Father, that loves you: and once a KING of three flouriſhing Kingdomes; whom God thought fit to honour, not only with the Scepter and government of them, but alſo with the ſuffering many indigni<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ties, and an untimely death for them<g ref="char:punc">▪</g> while I ſtudied to preſerve the rights of the Church, the power of the Lawes, the honour of My Crown, the priviledge of Parliaments, the liberties of My People, and My owne Conſcience; which, I thank <hi>God,</hi> is dearer to Me than a thouſand Kingdomes.</p>
               <p>I know <hi>God</hi> can, I hope he yet will, reſtore Me to My Rights: I cannot deſpaire either of his mercy, or of My Peoples love and pity.</p>
               <p>At worſt, I truſt I ſhall but go before you to a better Kingdome, which <hi>God</hi> hath prepared for Me, and Me for it, through My Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, to whoſe mercies I commend you and all mine.</p>
               <trailer>Farewell, till we meet, if not on Earth, yet in Heaven.</trailer>
            </div>
            <div type="part">
               <pb n="232" facs="tcp:38600:120"/>
               <head>Meditations upon Death, after the <g ref="char:V">Ʋ</g>otes of Non-Addreſſes, and His Maieſties Cloſer Jmpriſonment in <hi>Carisbrooke</hi>-Caſtle.</head>
               <p>AS I have leiſure enough, ſo I have cauſe more than enough, to meditate upon, &amp; prepare for My Death: for, I know, there are but few ſteps between the Priſons and grave of Princes.</p>
               <p>It is Gods indulgence, which gives Me the ſpace; but Mans cruelty, that gives Me the ſad occaſions for theſe thoughts.</p>
               <p>For, beſides the common burden of mortality, which lies upon Me, as a Man; I now bear the heavy load of other mens ambitions, fears, jea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>louſies, and cruell paſſions, whoſe envy or en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mity againſt Me makes their owne lives ſeem deadly to them, while I enjoy any part of Mine.</p>
               <p>I thank God, My proſperity made Me not wholly a Stranger to the contemplations of mortality:</p>
               <p>Thoſe are never unſeaſonable, ſince this is al<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>wayes uncertain: Death being an eclipſe, which oft happineth as well in clear, as cloudy dayes.</p>
               <p>But My now long and ſharp adverſity hath ſo
<pb n="233" facs="tcp:38600:120"/>
reconciled in Me thoſe naturall Antipathies be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>tween Life and Death, which are in all men, that I thank God, the common terrours of it are di<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſpelled; and the ſpeciall horour of it, as to My particular, much allayed: for, although my death at preſent may juſtly be repreſented to Me with all thoſe terrible aggravations, which the policy of cruel and implacable enemies can put upon it, (affaires being drawne to the very dregs of malice) yet I bleſſe God, I can look up<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on all thoſe ſtings, as unpoyſonous, though ſharp; ſince My Redeemer hath eith er pulled them out, or given Me the Antidote of his death againſt them, which, as to the immaturity, un<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>juſtice, ſhame ſcorn, and cruelty of it, excee<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ded what ever I can fear.</p>
               <p>Indeed, I never did find ſo much the life of Religion, the feaſt of a good Conſcience, and the brazen wall of a judicious integrity and con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtancy, as ſince I came to theſe cloſer conflicts with the thoughts of Death.</p>
               <p>I am not ſo old, as to be weary of life; nor (I hope) ſo bad, as to be either afraid to dye, or aſhamed to live: true, I am ſo afflicted, as might make Me ſometime even deſire to die; if I did not conſider, that it is the greateſt glory of chri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtians life to dye daily, in conquering by a live<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly faith, and patient hopes of a better life, thoſe partiall and quotidian deaths, which kills us (as it were) by peicemeales and make us o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver-live our own FATES; while we are
<pb n="234" facs="tcp:38600:121"/>
deprived of health, honour, liberty, power, credit, ſafety, or eſtate; &amp; thoſe other comforts of dea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>reſt relations, which are as the life of our lives.</p>
               <p>Though, as a KING, I think My ſelfe to live in nothing temporall ſo much as in the love and good-will of My People; for which, as I have ſuffered many deaths, ſo I hope I am not in that point as yet wholly dead: notwithſtanding, My Enemies have uſed all the poyſon of falſity and violence of hoſtility to deſtroy, firſt the love and Loyalty, which is in My Subjects; and then all that content of life in Me, which from theſe I chiefly enjoyed.</p>
               <p>Indeed, they have left Me but little of life, and only the husk and ſhell (as it were) which their further malice and cruelty can take from Me; having bereaved Me of all thoſe worldly com<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>forts, for which life it ſelfe ſeems deſirable to men. But, O My Soule! think not that life too long, or tedious, wherein God gives thee any op<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>portunities, if not to doe, yet to ſuffer with ſuch Chriſtian patience and magnanimity in a good Cauſe, a sare the greateſt honour of our lives, and the beſt improvement of our deaths.</p>
               <p>I know, that in point of true Chriſtian va<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lour, it argues puſillanimity to deſire to die out of wearineſſe of life; and a want of that hero<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ick greatneſſe of ſpirit which becomes a Chri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtian in the patient and generous ſuſtai<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ning thoſe afflictions, which as ſhaddows neceſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſarily attend us, while we are in this body;
<pb n="235" facs="tcp:38600:121"/>
and which are leſſened or enlarged as the Sun of our proſperity moves higher or lower: whoſe totall abſence is beſt recompenſed with the dew of Heaven.</p>
               <p>The aſſaults of affliction may be terrible; like <hi>Sampſon's</hi> Lyon, but they yeeld much ſweetneſſe to thoſe, that dare to encounter and overcome them; who know how to overlive the witherings of their Gourds without diſcontent or peeviſh<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe, while they may yet converſe with God.</p>
               <p>That I muſt dye as a man, is certain; that I may dye a King, by the hands of My own Subjects, a violent, ſodain &amp; barbarous death; in the ſtrength of my years, in the midſt of My Kingdoms; My Friends and loving Subjects being helples Spe<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ctators; My Enemies inſolent Revilers and Tri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>umphers over me; living, dying, &amp; dead, is ſo pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bable in humane reaſon; that God hath taught me not to hope otherwiſe as to mans cruelty; however, I deſpair not of Gods infinite marcy.</p>
               <p>I know my life is the object of the Devils &amp; wicked mens malice; but yet under Gods ſole cuſtody and diſpoſall: Whom I do not think to flatter for longer life by ſeeming prepared to dye, but I humbly deſire to depend upon him, and to ſubmit to his will both in Life and death, in what order ſoever he is pleaſed to lay them out to me. I confeſſe it is not eaſie for me to contend with thoſe many horrors of death, wherewith God ſuffers me to be tempted; which are equally horrid, either in the ſudden<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſſe
<pb n="236" facs="tcp:38600:122"/>
of a barbarous Aſſaſination; or in thoſe greater formalities, whereby my Enemies (be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing more ſolemnly cruell) will, it may be, ſeek to add (as thoſe did who Crucified Chriſt) the mockery of Juſtice, to the cruelty of malice: That I may be deſtroyed, as with greater pomp and artifice, ſo with les pitty, it wil be but a ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceſſary pollicy to make my death appeare as an act of Juſtice, don by Subjects upon their So<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>veraigne, who know that no Law of God or Man inveſts them with any power of Judica<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ture without me, much leſſe againſt me: and who, being ſworn, and bound by all that is ſa<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cred before God and Man, to endeavour my preſervation, muſt pretend Juſtice to cover their perjury.</p>
               <p>It is, indeed, a ſad fate for any man to have his Enemies to be Accuſers, Parties, and Judges; but moſt deſperate, when this is acted by the inſo<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lence of Subjects againſt their Soveraigne; wherein thoſe, who have had the chiefeſt hand, and are moſt guilty of contriving the publike Troubles, muſt by ſhedding my blood ſeem to waſh their owne hands of that inno<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cent bloud whereof they are now moſt evident<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ly guilty before God and Man; and I beleive in their own Conſciences too, while they car<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ried on unreaſonable Demands; Firſt by Tu<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>mults, after by Armies. Nothing makes meane ſpirits more towardly-cruel in managing their uſurped power againſt their lawfull Su<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>periours
<pb n="237" facs="tcp:38600:122"/>
than this, the <hi>Guilt of their uniuſt Uſur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pation:</hi> notwithſtanding thoſe ſpecious and po<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>pular pretenſions of Juſtice againſt Delin<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>quents applyed only to diſguize at firſt the mon<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtrouſneſſe of their deſigns, who deſpaired, indeed, of poſſeſſing the power and profits of the Vineyeard, till the heire whoſe right it is, be caſt out and ſlaine.</p>
               <p>With them my greateſt fault muſt be, that I would not either deſtroy My ſelfe with the Church and State by my Word, or not ſuffer them to do it unreſiſted by the Sword; whoſe covetous ambition no Conceſsions of Mine could ever yet either ſatisfie, or abate.</p>
               <p>Nor is likely they will ever think, that King<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dome of brambles which ſome men ſeek to e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rect (at once, weak, ſharp, and fruitleſſe, either to <hi>God</hi> or Man) is like to thriue till watred with the Royal bloud of thoſe, whoſe right the Kingdom is. Wel, Gods will be don, I doubt not but my In<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nocency will find him both my protectour, and my Advocate who is my only Iudge, whom I owne as King of Kings, not onely for the emi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nency of his power and Majeſty above them; but alſo for that ſingular care and protection, which he hath over them: who knows them to be expoſed to as many dangers (being the grea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>teſt Patrons of Law, Juſtice, Order, &amp; Religion on earth) as there be either men or Devills; which love confuſion.</p>
               <p>Nor will he ſuffer thoſe Men long to proſ<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſper
<pb n="238" facs="tcp:38600:123"/>
in their <hi>Babel,</hi> who build it with the bones, and cement it with the bloud of their Kings.</p>
               <p>I am confident they will find Avengers of my death amongſt themſelves: the injuries I have ſuſteined from them ſhall be firſt puniſhed by them, who agreed in nothing ſo much as in op<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>poſing Me.</p>
               <p>Their impatience to bear the loud cry of My bloud, ſhall make them thinke no way better to expiate it, than by ſhedd ing theirs, who, with them, moſt thirſted after Mine.</p>
               <p>The ſad confuſions following my deſtruction, are already preſaged and confirmed to Me by thoſe I have lived to ſee ſince My troubles; in which God alone (who only could) hath many wayes pleaded my cauſe; not ſuffering them to go unpuin ſhed, whoſe confederacy in ſin was their only ſecurity; who have cauſe to fear that God wil both further divide, and by mutual ven<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>geance, afterwards deſtroy them,</p>
               <p>My greateſt conqueſt of Death is from the po<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>wer and love of Chriſt, who hath ſwallow'd up death in the Victory of his Reſurrection, and the glory of his Aſcention.</p>
               <p>My next comfort is, that he gives me not onely the honour to imitate his example in ſuffering for righteouſneſſe ſake, (though ob<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſcured by the fouleſt charges of Tyranny and injuſtice) but alſo, that charity, which is the nobleſt revenge upon, and victory over My
<pb n="239" facs="tcp:38600:123"/>
Deſtroyers: By which, I thank God, I can both forgive them, &amp; pray for them, that God would not impute My bloud to them further then to convince them, what need they have of Chriſts bloud to waſh their ſoules from the guilt of ſhedding Mine.</p>
               <p>At preſent, the will of My Enemies ſeems to be their only rule, their power the meaſure, and their ſucceſſe the Exactor, of what they pleaſe to call Juſtice; while they flatter them<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſelves with the fancy of their owne ſafety by my danger, and the ſecurity of their lives and deſignes by My Death: forgetting, that as the greateſt temptations to ſinne are wrapped up in ſeeming proſperities, ſo the ſevereſt venge<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ance of God are then moſt accompliſhed, when men are ſuffered to compleat their wicked pur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>poſes. I bleſſe God, I pray not ſo much, that this bitter cup of a violent death may paſſe from Me, as that of his warth may paſſe from all thoſe whoſe hands, by deſerting Me, are ſprinkled, or by acting and conſenting to My death, are em<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>brued with My bloud.</p>
               <p>The will of <hi>God</hi> hath confined, and concluded Mine; I ſhall have the pleaſure of dying, with<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>out any pleaſure of deſired vengeance.</p>
               <p>This I think becomes a Chriſtian toward his Enemies, and a King toward his ſubjects.</p>
               <p>They cannot deprive Me of more than I am content to loſe, when God ſees fit by their hands to take it from me; whoſe mercy, I be<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lieve,
<pb n="240" facs="tcp:38600:124"/>
will more then infinitely recompence what ever by mans injuſtice, he is pleaſed to de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>prive me of.</p>
               <p>The glory attending my death will farre ſur<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>paſſe all I could enjoy, or conceive in life.</p>
               <p>I ſhall not want the heavy and envyed Crownes of this world, when my God hath mercifully Crowned and Conſummated his graces with Glory, and exchanged the ſhadows of my earthly Kingdomes among men, for the ſubſtance of that Heavenly Kingdom with him<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſelfe.</p>
               <p>For the cenſures of the world; I know the ſharpe and neceſſary tyranny of my Deſtroy<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ers will ſufficiently confute the calumnies of tyranny againſt me; I am perſwaded I am hap<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>py in the judicious love of the ableſt and beſt of my Subjects, who doe not onely pity and pray for me, but would be content even to dye with me, or for me.</p>
               <p>Theſe know how to excuſe my failings; as a man, and yet to retaine and pay their duty to me as their King; there being no religious ne<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceſſity binding any Subjects by pretending to puniſh, infinitely to exceede, the faults and er<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rours of their Princes; eſpecially there, where more then ſufficient ſatisfaction hath been made to the publike; the enjoyment of which, private ambitions have hitherto fruſtrated.</p>
               <p>Others, I beleive, of ſofter tempers, and leſſe advantaged by my ruine, doe already feel ſharp
<pb n="241" facs="tcp:38600:124"/>
convictions, and ſome remorſe in their conſci<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ences: where they cannot but ſee the proporti<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ons of their evill dealings againſt me in the meaſure of Gods retaliations upon them who cannot hope long to enjoy their owne thumbs and toes, having under pretence of paring others nails, bin ſo cruell as to cut off their chiefeſt ſtrength.</p>
               <p>The puniſhment of the more inſolent and ob<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſtinat may be like that of <hi>Korah</hi> and his compli<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ces (at once mutining againſt both Prince and Prieſt) in ſuch a method of divine juſtice, as is not ordinary; the earth of the loweſt and mea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>neſt people opening upon them, and ſwallow<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ing them up in a juſt diſdain of their ill-gotten and worſe-uſed Authority: upon whoſe ſup<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>port and ſtrength they cheifly depended for their building and eſtabliſhing their deſignes againſt me, the Church and State.</p>
               <p>My chiefeſt comfort in death conſiſts in My peace, which I truſt, is made with God; before whoſe exact tribunall I ſhal not fear to appear, as to the Cauſe ſo long diſputed by the ſword, between me and my cauſleſſe Enemies, where I doubt not but his righteous judgment wll con<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ute their fallacy, who from worldly ſucceſſe <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>rather like Sophiſters, than ſound Chriſtians) <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>raw thoſe popular concluſions for Gods ap<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>robation of their actions; whoſe wiſe provi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>
                  <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>ence (we know) oft permits many events which <gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>s revealed word (the only clear, ſafe and fixed
<pb n="242" facs="tcp:38600:125"/>
rule of good actions &amp; good conſciences) in no ſort approves.</p>
               <p>I am confident the Juſtice of My Cauſe, and clearneſſe of my conſcience before God and to<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ward my people wil carry me as much above them in Gods deciſion, as their ſucceſſes have lifted them above me in the vulgar opinion who conſider not, that many times thoſe underta<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>kings of men are lifted up to heaven in the pro<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ſperity and applauſe of the world, whoſe riſe is from Hell, as to the injuriouſneſſe and oppreſſi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>on of the deſigne. The proſperous winds which oft fill the ſayles of Pyrates, doth not juſtifie their piracy and rapine.</p>
               <p>I look upon it with infinite more content and quiet of Soule, to have been worſted in my en<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>forced conteſtation for, and Vindication of the Laws of the Land, the freedome and honour of Parliaments; the rights of My Crown, the juſt liberty of My Subjects, and the true Chriſtian Religion in its Doctrine, Government and due encouragements, then if I had, with the grea<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>teſt advantages of ſucceſſe, overborn them all, as ſome men have now evidently done, whate<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ver deſignes they at firſt pretended.</p>
               <p>The prayers and patience of my Freinds and loving Subjects will contribute much to the ſweetning of this bitter cup, which I doubt not but I ſhall more cheerefuly take and drink as from Gods hand (if it muſt be ſo) than they can
<pb n="243" facs="tcp:38600:125"/>
give it me, whoſe hands are unjuſtly and barba<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rouſly lifted up againſt me.</p>
               <p>And as to the laſt event, I may ſeeme to owe more to my Enemies, than my Freinds; while thoſe will put a period to the finnes and ſor<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rows attending this miſerable life wherewith theſe deſire, I might ſtill contend.</p>
               <p>I ſhall be more then Conquerour through Chriſt enabling me: for whome I have hither<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>to ſuffered: as he is the Authour of Truth, Order, and Peace; for all which I have beene forced to contend againſt Errour, Faction and confuſion.</p>
               <p>If I muſt ſuffer a violent death with my Savi<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>our; it is but mortality crowned with martyr<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>dome: where the debt of death, which I owe for ſinne to nature, ſhall be raiſed, as a gift of faith and patience offered to God.</p>
               <p>Which I humbly beſeech him mercifully to accept; and although Death be the wages of my owne ſinne, as from God, and the effect of o<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ther ſinnes, as men, both againſt God and me; yet as I hope my owne ſinnes are ſo remitted, that they ſhall be no ingredients to imbitter the cup of my death, ſo I deſire God to pardon their ſinnes, who are moſt guilty of my deſtruction.</p>
               <p>The Trophees of my charity will be more glorious and durable over them, than their ill<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>managed victories over me.</p>
               <p>Though their ſin be proſperous, yet they had need to be penitent, that they may be pardoned:
<pb n="244" facs="tcp:38600:126"/>
Both which, I pray God they may obtaine: that my temporall Death unjuſtly inflicted by them, may not be revenged by Gods juſt inflicting e<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ternall death upon them: for I look upon the temporall deſtruction of the greateſt King, as far leſſe deprecable, than the eternall damnation of the meaneſt Subject.</p>
               <p>Nor do I wiſh other, than the ſafe bringing of the ſhip to ſhore, when they have caſt me over<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>board; though it be very ſtrange, that Marri<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ners can find no other means to appeaſe the ſtorme, themſelves have raiſed, but by drowning their Pilot.</p>
               <p>I thank <hi>God,</hi> my Enemies cruelty cannot pre<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vent my preparation; whoſe malice in this I ſhall defeat, that they ſhall not have the ſatis<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>faction to have deſtroyed my Soule with my Body; of whoſe ſalvation, while ſome of them have themſelves ſeemed, and taught others to deſpaire, they have only diſcover'd this, that they do not much deſire it.</p>
               <p>VVhoſe uncharitable and cruell Reſtraints, denying me even the aſſiſtance of any of my Chaplains, hath rather enlarged, than any way obſtructed my acceſſe to the Throne of Heaven.</p>
               <p>Where thou dwelleſt, O King of Kings; who filleſt Heaven and Earth, who art the fountain of eter<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>nall life, in whom is no ſhadow of death.</p>
               <p>Thou O God, art both the iuſt Afflicter of Death upon ns, and the mercifull Saviour of us in it, and from it.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="245" facs="tcp:38600:126"/>
Yea, it is better for us to be dead to our ſelves and live in thee, than by living in our ſelves to be deprived of thee.</p>
               <p>O make the many bitter agravations of my death as a Man, and a King, the opportunities and ad<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>vantages of thy ſpeciall graces and comforts in my Soule, as a Chriſtian.</p>
               <p>If thou Lord wilt be with me, I ſhall neither fear nor feel any evill, though I walk through the valey of the ſhadow of death.</p>
               <p>To contend with death is the work of a weak and mortall man; to overcome it is the grace of thee a<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>lone, who art the Almighty and immortal God.</p>
               <p>O My Saviour, who knoweſt what it is to dye with Me, as a Man; make Me to know what it is to paſs through death to life with thee My God.</p>
               <p>Though I dye, yet I know, that thou my Redeemer liveſt for ever: though thou ſlayeſt Me, yet thou haſt incouraged me to truſt in thee for eternal life.</p>
               <p>O withdraw not thy favour from me, which is bet<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ter than life.</p>
               <p>O be not farre from me, for I know not how neer a violent and cruel death is to Me.</p>
               <p>As thy Omniſcience, O God, diſcovers; ſo thy Omnipotence can defeat the deſignes of thoſe who have, or ſhall conſpire my deſtruction.</p>
               <p>O ſhew me thy goodneſſe of thy will, through the wickedneſſe of theirs.</p>
               <p>Thou giveſt me leave as a man to pray, that this cup may paſſe from me; but thou haſt taught Me as a Chriſtian by the example of Chriſt to adde, not my will, but thine be done.</p>
               <p>
                  <pb n="246" facs="tcp:38600:127"/>
Yea Lord, let our wills be one, by wholy reſolving mine into thine: let not the deſire of life in me be ſo great, as that of doing or ſuffering thy will in either life or death.</p>
               <p>As I believe thou haſt forgiven all the errors of my life, ſo I hope thou wilt ſave me from the ter<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>rours of my death.</p>
               <p>Make me content to leave the worlds nothing, that I may come really to enioy all in thee, who haſt made Chriſt unto me in life, gaine, and in death, advantage.</p>
               <p>Though my deſtroyers forget their duty to thee and me, yet do not thou, O Lord, forget to be mer<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cifull to them.</p>
               <p>For, what profit is there in my bloud, or in their gaining my Kingdoms, if they loſe their own Souls?</p>
               <p>Such as have not only reſiſted my iuſt Power, but wholy uſurped and turned it againſt my ſelfe, though they may deſerve, yet let them not receive to themſelvs damnation.</p>
               <p>Thou madeſt thy Son a Saviou to many that Cru<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cified Him, while at once he ſuffered violently by them, and yet willingly for them.</p>
               <p>O let the voice of his hloud be heard for My murtherers, louder than the cry of mine againſt them.</p>
               <p>Prepare them for thy mercy by due convictions of their ſinne, and let them not at once deceive and damme their owne Soules by fallacio<gap reason="illegible" resp="#APEX" extent="1 letter">
                     <desc>•</desc>
                  </gap>s pretentions of Iuſtice in deſtroying me, while the conſcience of their uniuſt uſurpation of power againſt me, chiefly
<pb facs="tcp:38600:127"/>
tempts them to uſe all extremities againſt me.</p>
               <p>O Lord, thou knoweſt I have found their mer<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>cies to me as very falſe, ſo very cruell, who preten<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ding to preſerve me, have meditated nothing but my ruine.</p>
               <p>O deal not with them as bloud-thirſty and de<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>ceitfull men, but overcome their cruelty with thy compaſſion and my charity.</p>
               <p>And when thou makest inquiſition for My bloud, O ſprinkle their polluted, yet penitent Souls with the bloud of thy Sonne, that thy deſtroying Angell may paſſe over them.</p>
               <p>Though they think my Kingdoms on earth too little to entertaine at once both them and me, yet let the capacious Kingdome of thy infinite mercy at laſt receive both me and my enemies.</p>
               <p>When being reconciled to thee in the bloud of the ſame Redeemer, we ſhall live farre above theſe am<g ref="char:EOLhyphen"/>bitious deſires, which beget ſuch mortall enmities.</p>
               <p>When their hands ſhall be heavieſt, and cruelleſt upon me, O let me fall into the arms of thy tender and eternall mercies.</p>
               <p>That what is cut off of my life in this miſerable moment: may be repaiedin thy ever, bleſſed eternity.</p>
               <p>Lord, let thy Servant depart in peace, for my eyes have ſeen thy ſalvation.</p>
               <epigraph>
                  <q>Vota dabunt, quae bella negârunt.</q>
               </epigraph>
            </div>
            <trailer>FINIS.</trailer>
         </div>
      </body>
   </text>
</TEI>