^'/ •^i V jhrci'iiM-trh ^i^iilj.ihu':. |JljiIbru*i{. ilhiiMi- aomphv / i Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library http://www.archive.org/details/eikonbasilikepouOOchar Ckarle.^ by'tUe gT-ace of God Ki-n^e of erif^UndScoitand Frdxice and "^ iTeland, defend or of fine faith etc: yVatus Maif x^.cAn. Kpjo . ^yEtatis su^ip / ^ k THE POURTRAICTURE OF HIS SACRED M A ] E S TIE IN HIS SOLITUDES AND SUFFERINGS: Together with his Private Prayers ufcd in the time of his rcftraintj and delivered xo D^ J u x o n, Biftiop of London^ immediately before his death. R o M. 8. More then Conqueroury <(s*c. ^ mala pati^ ^gmm eft. M D C X L I X. '^^fhaut^ trespmjfant (s* tresexcellent Trince Ckakles^ par la grace de Dieu ^y de la grand Bretaigne^France, (f jy Irlande, Defenfeur de lafoy^ 6cc. \ C XcellentijsimuSy metuendifsimus (^po^ tentifsimm Trinceps^ CA%0 LV S^ T>eigratia'^Bex Ang\ix^Scotix,¥randxr (f HiberniXj Fidei T>efenfor^ (^c. T^He moft high, moft mighty, and mofl excellent Prince, Charles, by the grace of God King of England, Scotland^ France y and Ireknd^ Defender ofthe Faith, ^T^r. THE CONTENTS. \Ton His Majejlies calling this laH Parliament. pag. i, *z. Vpon the Earl of Straff ords death, 5 ^.Vpon his Majejlies going to the Houfe of Commons. 11 j^. Vpon the Injolencj of the T^mnults. 15 5. Vpon His Majefies pafing the ^ill for the Triennial ^Parliaments : And after fettling th'uy during the pleafureof the fvpo Houjes. z^ 6* ^pon his Majefies retirement from VVcftminfter. ^i 7. "Vpon the Qjieens departure y and ah" fence out of England. 58 8, Vpon His Majefies repul/e atHully and the fates of the Hothams. 4.5 5?. Upon the Lifting ^ andraijing Armies againjl the King. 4.5> \o. Upon their fi^ino the Kjngs Maga^ 5 ^//^^j. ^inesy Fortfy ^Nj^Jy ^^^ Militia. 6i 1 1 .Vpon the 19 . TropoJttionsJirJIJent to the I\i;^g; Md more afteri^aras. 69 u. X)pon the ^B^eUioUy and troubles in Ireland. 8} 12. ^Opon the Calling in of the Scots , and their Coming, 95 \A. Upon the Covenant. loz 15. Vponthe many lealou/tes raijedy and Scandals cajl upon the KJ^ng^ tojlirre up the Teople againjl him. 1 1^ 6. Vpon the Ordinance againjl the Com-- mon-Trayer-'^ook^ 119 7. Of the differences betypeen thelQng and the two Houfes , in point of Church^ government. 158 8. Vpon Y^hxi^gt-TreatiCy and other offc rs made bj the Kmg. i$6 ip Vpon the yariom events of the Warre-^ ViUories and Defeats, 1 6z 20. Vponthe Reformations of the Times. I JO 21. Vpon His ALye/lies Letters taken, and du I I 1 dhuhed. 178 zz. Vpon His Mojejlies leayingOxford, and2oin2 to the Scots. 1 84 22. /^^o^ ^^^ Scots deity ertng the i\ing to the Englifti ; and His Captiyity at Holmeby. 188 2^. Vfon their denying His Majefly the Attendance of His Chaplains. 195 25. Pcnitentiall Meditations and Vows in the Kings folittid^ slZ Holmehy. zo^ iSypon theJrmiesSurpriJalloftheK.ii^G at Holmeby, and the enjuing dijlra^ Bions in thetwoHouJes^ the Army ^ and the City. 209 27. TotheTrinceo/YY^lcs. 216 Meditations upon T>eath^ after the Votes of 3\(nn'-AddreJJes^ and His M a- j E s T I E s clojer imprijonmentin Ga- ris-brook. 235 A Grayer in time of Captiyity. 253 Another T ray er. 254. A. Trayer and Confefsion . i$6 ATrayerin time of imminent danger, %^y A A Cop of a Letter from the Prince. Z59 His Ma] e s t I e s Sl^eech to the Lady Eli- zabeth. ./ zdo The Lady Elizabeths relation. z6i An Epitaph. 165 The Explanation of the Frontijpiece. \ Sacred heat infpires my Soul to trie xV If Trayrs cangiVe Me what the Wanes denk, Three Crowns diftindly here in order do Prcftnt their objeds to my knowing view. Earths Crown lies humbled at my foot jdifdain^ 'TU'/u bright y hut heaVie^ and l^ithall but "Vain^ And noip by Grace a Crown of Thorns Igreet^ Sharp "ft?^ this Crown ^ but not fofharp asfipeet: This was Chrifts crown,my book upon my bord Explains my heart, My hope is in thy Word. My Starrie Crown of Glorie, laft I fee^ As full of 'Bliffe^ as of Eternitie, Now look behindhand midft moft troubled skies Behold, how clearer 1 from darkneffe rife^ And Hand unmoVd triumphant^ like a Rock, 'Gainft all the waves^^ winds tempcftuousfliock So like the ^alm^ which heavieft weights do triC;, Vutue opprejlj dothgrol? morejiraight and high.^ 'EIKn'N BASIAIKH' i. upon His Majejlies calling this laU Parliament. His laft Parliament I called, not more by others advift^ and iiecclsity of My affairs, then by My own choice ^^f and inchnation- who have alwayes thought the right way of Parliaments mofl: lafe for My Crown, and beft pleafing to My Peo- ple : And although I was not forgecfullof thole Iparks , which fome mens diftempers formerly i ftudied to kindle in Parliaments^, (which by forr bearing to convene for fomeyears, I hoped to have extinguiflied) yet refolving with My fclf to give all juft fatisfadion to modeft and fobcr de- lires, and to redrefle all publick grievances in Church and State^ I hoped (by My freedome and their moderation ) to prevent all midinderftand- ings, and mifcarriages in this : In which as I fear- ed affairs would meet with fomcpafsion and pre- judice in other men^fo I refolved they fliould find leaft ol them in My fdfj not doubting, but by the B Weight 2 Ea«v BctffjAiyji. wciglit of reafon I fhould counterpoize the over- balancings of any factions. I was indeed forry to hear, with what partiality and popular heat Eledions were carried in many placesj yet hoping that the gravity and difcretion of other Gentlemen , would allay and fix the Commons to a due temperament/guiding fome mens wel-meaning zeal by fuch rules of mode- ration, as are bcft both to preferve and rcftore the health of all States and Kingdoms ) no man was better pleafed with the convening of thisParha- menr^ then My felf. who knowing beft the large- nefle of mine own Heart toward My peoples good and juft contentment, pleafed My felf moft in that good and firm underftanding ^ which would hence grow between Me and My people. All jealoufies being laid afide, My own and My Childrens interefts gave Me many obligati- ons to feek and preferve the love and welfare of MySubjeds. Theonelytemporall bkfsing that is left to the ambition of jujft Monarchs, as their greateft honour and fafecy, next Gods protection. I cared not to lefl'en My feif in fome things of My wonted Prerogative, fince I knew I could be no lofer, if I might gain but a recompence in My Subjects affections. I intended not onely to oblige My friends, but Mme enemies alfo: exceeding even the defines of thofe that were fadioully difcontented^if they did but preccnd to any modcft and fober fenfe. The The odium and offences which fome mens ri- gour or remifsnes in Church, and State, had con- traded upon My Government, I refolved to have expiated by fuch Laws and regulations for the future, as might not onely redtifie what was a- miile in pracStife, but fupply what was defed:ive in the conftitution : No man having a greater zeal to lee Religion fetded, Si preferved in Truth, Unity,andOrder,thenMy felf, whom it moil: concerns both in piety, and policy j as knowing, that^ No flames ot civil diffentions are more dan- gerous^ then thole which make Religious preten^^ lions the grounds of Fadlions. r refolved to reform what I fliould by free and full advice in Parliament be convinced to be a- mififej and to grant whatever my Blea(bnand Confcience told Me was fit to be defired; I wifli I had kept My felf within thefe bounds, and not fuffered My own Judgement to have been over- born in fome things, more by others importuni- ties, then their arguments ; My confidence had lelTe betrayed My felf and My Kingdomes, to thofe advantages which fome men fought for, who wanccd nothing but power and occafion to do mifchicf. But our finnes being ripe, there was no pre- venting of Gods Juftice, from reaping that glot- ry in our Calamities^ which we robb'd him of in our Profperity, B 1 F.jf 4 EtX/iv Dct(n\i)(M* p. Vor thou ( Lord ) haft made us fee ^ that ^Joluti" ens of future ^eformift^^ do not ahfayesjat'isfie thy Jti" ftice^ fior pre'Vent thy Vetigeance for former mij carriages. Ourfinnei have oyerlaidour hopes j Thou haft taught us to depend on thy mercies to forgive^ not on our purpofe to amend. When thou haft Vindicated thy glory by thy judgements^ and kft ftyewed us holi? unfafe it is to ojfend thee, upon prcjumptiofts afterguards to pleafe thee ; Then I truft thy mercies will reUore thofe blefsings to us fi^hich "Jbe haVe fomuch ahujed^ as to force thee to deprive us of them* For "Want of timely repentance of our finnes^ Thou gtyesi us cauje to repent of thofe ^medies we too late apply ^ Jet I do not repent of My calling this taft ^arliamenty hcauje, Lord^ I did it wh an upr'i^ot intention^ to Thy glory ^ and My peoples good* The mijerics which haVe enfuedupon Me and My Kingdoms y are the jusl ejfeEls of thy dfpleafure upon us; and may he yet (through thy mercy) preparatives of us to future blefsings^ and better hearts to enjoy them* Lord, though thou haft deprived us of mmy former comforts^ yet grant Me and My people the benefit of our afftictions^ and thy chaUtfements^ that thy rod as to ell as thy ftajf may comfort us : Thenftyall ^e dare to account them thejtrokes not of an Enemy ^ but a Father : li>hen thougiVeft us thofe humble ajjeciions^ thatmeafure of pa- tience in repentance ^^ which becomes thy children-^ 1 ftjall haVe no caufe to repent the mijmes this Parliament hath ' .... UQafi^ cccaftonedj fifhen by them thou haft brought Me and My People ^ unfetgnedly to repent ofthejlnnes "^e have com^ muted. Thy Grace is infinitely better mth our fuffering^ j[hen cur Teace could be "^ith our Jinnes. thou SoVer eigne Goodmjje and Wifdome^lpho oVer-^ rulejl all our Counfels, oVer-rule alfo all our hearts-^ That the "Si^orfe things wejujjer by thy fujlice^ the better ^e may be by thy Mercy. As our Jinnes haVe turned our Antidotes into ^oyfon^ fo let thy Grace turn our Toyfons into Antidotes. As the fins of our Teace difpofed us to tins unhappy War,folet this War prepare us for thy hlffd Teace, That although 1 have but trouhlefome i^ingdoms here^ jet I may attain to that Kingdom ofTeace tn My hearty and in thy Heaven ^ ^hich Chrift hath purchafed^ and thou wilt pVe to thy Servant ( though a [inner ) for my Saviours Jake^ Amen^ 2. Vpon the Earl of Str affords death: I Looked upon my Lord oi Strafford^ as a Gen- tleman^ whofe great abilities raiglic make a Prince rather afraid ^ then afliamed to employ hinij in the greateft affairs of State. For thofc were prone to create in him great confidence of undertakings , and this was like enough to betray hirn to great errours, and many enemies : Whereof he could not but contrad B 3 good 6 Ei>Cav BotcrtAjx^. good ftore , while moving in fo high a fphear, and with fo vigorous a kiftre , he muft needs (as the Sun) raile many envious exhalations^ which condenfed by a popular odium , were capable to c^ft a cloud upon the brighteft merit and inte- grity. Though I cannot in my judgement approve all he did, driven (it may be) by the necefsities of timeSj and the temper of that people , more then led by his own difpolition to any hcighth and ri- gour of actions : yet I could never be convinced of any fuch criminoufnefle in him, as willingly to expofe his life to the ftroke of Juftice, and ma- lice of his enemies. I never met with a more unhappy conjun- d:ure of affairs , then in the bulineflc of that un- fortunate Earl: when between my own unfatisfi- cdneflTe in Confcience , and a necefsity (as fome told me) oi fatisfying the importunities of fome people . I was perfwaded by thofe , that I think wiflied me well, to choofe rather what was fafe, then what feemed juft. preferring the outward peace of my Kingdoms with men, before that in* ward exadtncffe of Confcience before God. And indeed I am fo farre from excufing or de- nying that complyance on My part (for plenary confent it was not) to his deftrudion , whom in my Judgement I thought not , by any clear LaW;,guiicy of death: That I never bare any touch of of Confcicnce with grea:er regret : which as a figne of my repentance , I have often with for- row confeflcd both to God and men, as an ad of fo finfull frailty, that it difcovered more a fear of Man, thenofGod; whofe name and place on earth no man is worthy to bear, who will avoid inconveniences of State , by ads of To high inju- ftice , as no publick convenience can expiate or compenfate. I fee it a bad exchange to wound a mans own Confcience, thereby to falve State foreS; to calm the ftorms of popular difcontents , by ftirring up a tempeft in a mans own bofome. Nor hath Gods Juftice failed in the event and fad confequences, to fhew the world the Fallacy of that Maxime, defter oneinanpenjh^ (though un- juflly) then the people he difpleafed^ or deftroyed^ For, In all hkclyhood, I could never have fuffcred, with my People, greater calamities, (yet with greater comfort) had I yindkitcd Strajfords iniic- cency, at leaft by denying to figne that deftrudivc Bill, according to that Juftice, which My Con- fcience fuggefted to Me, then I have done fince I gratified Ibme mens unthankful! importunities with fo cruell a favour. And I have obierved, that thofe, who counfclled Me to figne that Bill, have been fo farre from receivmg the rewards ot fuch ingratiatings with the people , that no men have been harafied and crulhed more then they : H^ B 4 oael' onely harii been leaft vexed by them , who coutC felled me not to con(enc againft the vote of My own Conlcience ; I hope God hach forgiven Me and them, the finfuU raflincife of that bufinefle. To which beinj^ in My foulfo fully confcious, thofe Judgements God hath pleaftd to fend upon Me, are fo much the more wel-come, as a means (I hope) which his mercy hath landified fo to Mc^ as to ruake Me repent of that unjuft Adt^for fo it was to Me) and for the future to teach Me, That the bed rule of policy is to prefcrre the do- ing of Jufticc, before all enjoyments . and the peace of ray Confcicnce before the prcfervation of My Kingdoms, Nor hath any thing more fortified My refb- lutions againft all thole violent importunities, which fince have fought to gain a like conftnc from Me to A(5ts, wherein my Confcience is un- fatisficd , then the fharp touches I have had for what parted Mc^in My Lord ofStraffonis bufines. Nut that I lefolved to have employed him in my affairs againft the advife of my Parliament, but I would not have had any hand in his death, of whule guiltkfnefle I was better aflured , then any man living could be. Nor were the Crimes objedcd againft him fo clear, as after a long and fair hearing to give con- vincing fativfidion to the Major part of both Houfcs- efpccially that of theLords^ of whom fcarce fcarcc a third part were prefent , when the Bill paffed that Houfe : And for the Houfc of Com- rnons, many Gentlemen^ difpofcd enough to di- minilli My Lord of Strajfords greatnelTc and power, yet unfatisfied of his guilt in Law, durft not condemn him to die: who for their integrity in their Votes, were by Porting their Names^, ex- pofcd to the popular calumny, hatred and fury, which grew then fo exorbitant in their clamours for juHtce , (that is, to have both My feU and the two Houfes Vote^ and do as they would have us) that many ('tis thought) were rather terrified to concurre with the condemning party, then latis- fied that of right they ought fo to do. And that after Ad: vacating the Authority of the precedent , for future imitation, fufficiently tells the world, that fome remorfe touched even his moft implacable enemies , as knowing he had very hard meafure , and fuch as they would be very loth lliould be repeated to themfelves. This tendernefle and regret I find in my foul, for having had any hand (and that very unwil- lingly God knows) in fheddingone mans bloud unjuftly y (though under the colour and forma- lities of Juftice^ and pretences of avoyding pub- lick mifchiefs) which may (I hope) be fome evi- dence before God and Man^ to all Poflerity , that I am farre from bearing juftly the vaft load and guilt of all that bloud whi<.li hath been (hed in this this unhappy Warrc; which fome men will needs charge on Me ^ to eale their own fouls- who am, and ever fhall be ^ more afraid to takeaway any mans lifecinjuftly, then to lofe my own. Sut thoUy God of infinite mercies , forgive me that aH offinfull compliance y l^hich bath greater aggrayatu ons upon Me then any man. Since I had not the leafi tem^ ptation of enVy^or malice againH him , and by my place Jhouldj at leapfo farre, kiVe been apreferVer of him , O/S to have denied my confent to his deflruclion, Lor d^l acknowledge my tranfgrefsion^ and myflnne is eyer before me. 3eli'Ver me from hloud-guiltineffe^ Gody thou God of myfahation ^ and my tongue fh all ftng of thy righte- oufneffe. ^gainfl thee have J finned y and done this eVtl in thy fght'^ for thou fan? ejl the contradiElion bef^een my heart and my hand, let caH me not al^ayfrom thy prefeticey purge me Ti>ith the blond of my Redeemer ^ and I fmll be clean j ti?afl? me l^ith that precious ejfufiOHyhiter thenfnou?, Teach me to learn ^ghteoujneffe by thy Judgements ^ And to fee my frailty in thyjuftice: "ivhile I was perfli?aded by J]?edding one mans blond to prevent after- troubles y thou haflfor that, among other fins , brought upon meyand upon my }\ingdomSy great, long^ and heaVy troubles. Make me to preferrejuflicey ivhich is thy will , before all contrary clamours , which are but the difcoVeries of mans injurious ^vilL It Eixwy B cto-j Ai/W) . II Jt is too much that they have once overcome me^ to pk'.ife them by difpleaftng thee: neyerfujjer me for any reajon of State , to go cigainU my ^afon of Confcience^ which is highly to finne again^ thee ^ the God of ^ajon^ and Judge of our Confciences. What ever Lord^ thou feeH fit to deprive me of, yet reft ore unto me the joy of thy SaH'ation^ and eVer uphold me ivith thy free Spirit-^ Ti^hichfuhjecls my Kb/// to none, hut thy light of ^a [on y luftice ^ and ^Ugion , ii^/^ic/; J}n?ies in my Soul: for Thou defireft Truth in the inward parts y and integrity in the outlt>ard exprefsions. Lord hear the voice of thy So72s , and my Saviours Cloudy Iphichf peaks better things, make me , and my People ^ to hear the Voice of loy and Gladnejfe^ that the hones tithich thou haft broken j may rejoyce in thyfalva^ tion. 3. Vpon his Majejlies going to the Houje of Commons. MY going to the Houfc of Commons to de. mand Jufticc upon the five Members, was an a6t, which My enemies loded with all the ob- loquies and exafperacions they could. It filled indifferent men with great jealouHes and fears- yea, and many of My friends rcfentcd it as a motion rifing rather from Pafsion then Reafon^ and not guided with fuch difcretion^ as the touchinefle of thofe times required. But 12 Ei'x/(Jv BctfflADU}. But thefe men knew not the juft motives, and pregnant grounds^ with which I thought My ielf fo furniflicd, that there needed nothing to fuch evidence, as I could have produced againfl: thofc I charged/ave onely a free and legal Triall^ which was all I defired. ' Nor had I any temptation of difpleafure, or revenge againfl: thofe mens perfons, further then I had difcovered thole ( as I thought) unlawfull corrclpondencies they had ufed, 3c engagements they had made, to embroil My Kingdoms: of all which I miffed but little to have produced wri- tings under fome mens own hands, who were the chief contrivers of the following Innovations. Providence would not have it fo, yet I wanted not fuch probabilities as were fufficient to raifc jealoufies in any Kings heart, who is not wholly ftupid and negle<5tive of the publick pcace^which to preferve by calling in quefliion half a dozen men, in a fair and legall way (which God knows was all ray defigne) could have amounted to no worfe effed:, had it fucceedcd, then cither to do Me, and My Kingdome right, in cafe they had been found guilty j or elie to have cleared their Innocency , and removed My fufpicionsj which as they were not railed out of any maUce, fo nei- ther were they in reafon to be fmothered. What flames oi" difcontentthisfpark (though I fought by all Ipeedy and pofsible means to quench quench it) foon kindkd, all the world is witnes: The afperfion which fome men caft upon that action, as if I had defigned by force to aflault the Houfe of Commons , and invade their privi- ledge^ is fo falfe^that as God bcft knows, I had noluch mtent 5 fo none that attended Me could juftly gather from any thing I then faid, or did, the leaft intimation of any fuch thoughts- That I went attended with fome Gentlemen, as it was no unwonted thing for the Majefty and fafery of a King fo to be attended, elpecially in diicontented times • fo were my followers at that time fliort of My ordinary Guard , and no way proportionable to hazard a tumultu- ary conflid:. Nor were they more feared at my coming , then I was unafllired of not having Ibme affronts caft upon Me , if I had none with Me to preferve a reverence to me : For ma- ny people had (at that time) learned to think thofe hard thoughts , which they have fince a- boundantly vented againft Me, both by words and deeds. The (umme of that bufinefle was this s Thofe men and their adherents were then looked upon by the affr ghted vulgar , as greater protedours of their Laws and Liberties,then my Self, and fo Worthier of their protection. I leave them toGod,and their own Confciences, who if guilty of evil machinations- no prefent irapuni- 14 EiVfi)y Bcto-iA/JCM. ^^ ty, or popular vindications of them will be fub- terfuge fufficient to reicue them from thofe exa<5i: Tribunals. To which , in the obftru6tions of Juftice a- mong men, wemuft religioufly appeal, as being an argument to us Chriftians of chat after un-a, voidable judgement, which fhall re-judge what among men is but corruptly decided,or not at all. I endeavored to have prevented^ if God had feen fie, thofe future commotions, which I fore, law, would in all likelihood follow fome mens adivity (if not rcfl:rained)and fo now hath done, to the undoing of many thoulands- the more is the pity. But to over-aw the freedome of the Hou(es,or to weaken their juft Authority by any violent im- pre(sions upon them, was not at all my defigne: I thought I had fo much Juftice and Reafon on my fide, as fhould not have needed fo rough afsi- ftanccj and I was refolved rather to bear the re- pulfe with patience, then to ufc fuch hazardous extremities, 'But thou, Lonly art my loitnejse in heayen, and in viy Heart : If I have purpojed any violence or opprefsion againfl the Innocent: or if there were any fuch ^ickednes in my thoughts : Then let the enemy ptrfecute myfoid^and trend my lift to the ground J and lay mine Honour in the dufl, 'Thou Eaiif Bc6(riAi)Ul. 1 5 Thou thatfeefi not as man feeth, but lookeji beyond all popular appearances y fearching the heart, and trying the reins, and bringing to light the hidden things of dark- nejfeyP?ew thyfelf. Let not my afjliElims be eUeemed {as ^ith "^ife and godly 7nen they cannot be) any argument of myjlnne^ in that matter: more then their impunity among good men is any fur^ token of their Innocency. But forgive them wherein they have done amiffe^ though they are not punip?ed for it in this fiporld. Save thy ferV ant from the privy corif piracies ^and open violence of bloudy and unreafonahle men^ according to the uprightnef^e of my hearty and the innocency of my hands in this matter. ^lead my caufe^ and maintain my right ^ thou that ftttefi in the Throne^ judging rightly ^ that thy ferVant may ever re]oyce in thyfalvation. 4. Upon the Injolencj of the Tumults. I Never thought any thing (except our finnes) more ominoufly prefaging all thcfe mifchicfs, which have followed^ then thole Tumults in London and Weftminfler^ foon after the convening of this Parhament j which were not like a ftorm at Sea, (which yet wants not its terrour) but like an Earth-quakCp fliaking the very foundations of allj then which nothing in the world hath more ofhorrou*. ^= As \6 Cjhm DtLffiMm* As it is one of the moft convincing Arguments that there is a God, while his power Ices bounds to the raging of the Sea- fo 'tis no leffe, that he re- ftrainsthe madncfle of the peoj^le. Nor doth any thing portend more Gods difplealureagainft^l Nation, then when he fufFers the confluence and clamours of the vulgar, to pafTe all boundaries of Laws, and reverence to Authority. Which thofe Tumults did to fo high degrees of Infolence, that they fpared n( >t to invade the Honour and Freedome of the two Houfes, me- nacing, reproching, fhaking, yea, and aflaulting fbme Members of both Houfes , as they fancied, or difliked them : Nor did they forbear moft rude and unfeemly deportments both in contem- ptuous words and actions , to my Self and my Court* Nor was this a fhortfitortwooffliaking, as an ague , but a quotidian feaver, alwaies encrea- fing to higher inflammations , ittipatient of any mitigation, reftraint, or remifsion. Firft, they niuft be a guard againft thofe fears, which fome men feared themlelves and others withall J when indeed nothing was more to be feared and leffe to be ufed by wife men, then thole tumultuary confluxes of mean and rude people, who arc taught firft: to petiiion, then to protect, then to di(5tate , aad laft to command and overaw the Parliaments All All obftrudlons in Parliament (chatis,all free- dome of differing in Votes, and debating mat- ters with reafon and candour } muft be taken a. way with thcfe Tumults : By thelc muft the Houfcs be purged^ and all rotten Members ( as they pleafed to count them) call out : By thef. the obftinacie of men relblved to difcharge their Confciences muft be fubdued ; by thefe all fa- ^iouSjlcditious, and fchifmacicall propofalls 2- gainft Government Ecclefiafticall or Civil, muft be backed and abetted, till they prevailed. Generally, who ever had moft mind to bring forth confufion and mine upon Church 8c Scate, ufed the midwifery of thofe Tumults-whofe riot and impatience was fuch , that they would not ftay the ripening and lca(bn of Counfels, or fair produdion of A(fts in the order, gravitie, and de- liberateneffe befitting a Parliamentibut ripped up with barbarous crucltie^, and forcibly cut out ab- ortive Votes, fuch as their Inviters and Incoura* gers moft fancied. Yea^ fo enormous and deteftible were their outrages, tliat no fober man could be without an infinite fliamc and iorrow, to fee them fo tolera- ted and connived at by fome,- countenanced, io- couraged,and applauded by others. What good man had not rather want any thing he moft defired, for the publick good^, then obtain it by fuch uaUwfull and irreligioa • C uieans" But mens pafsions and Gods directions ftldome agree j violent defignes and motions muft have fucable engines : fiich as too much attend their own ends, feidome confine them felves to Gods means. Force muft crowd in what Reafon will not lead. Who were the chief Demagogues and Patrons of Tumults^ to fend for them, to flatter and em- bolden them, to direct and tune their clamorous importunities, fome men yet living are too con- fcious to pretend ignorance: God in his due time will let theie fee, thatthofe were no fit means to be ufed for attaining his ends. But, as k is no ftrange thing for the Sea to rage, when ftrong winds blow upon itjfo nei- ther for Multitudes to become infolent , when they have men of fome reputation for parts and piecie to fee them on. That which made their rudenefle moft formi- dable, was, that many complaints being made, and Meifages fent by My Self and fome of both Houles- yet no order for rcdrefle could be obtain- ed v^ith any vigour and efficacie, proportionable to the malignitie of that now far.lpread difeale, and predominant mifchief. Such was fome mens ftupiditic, that they fear- ed no inconvenience . Others petulancie , thac ihey joyed to fee their betters fliaraefully outraged and abukd, while they knew their onely fecuri- "1 tic confifted in vulgar flatterie : So infenfible were they of Mine, or the two Houfes common fafetie and Honours. Nor could ever any order be obtained impar- tially to examinejCenfure, and punifh the known Bouceieus , and impudent Incendiaries ^ who boafled of the influence they had and ufed, to convoke thofeTumuks as their advantages fer- ved. Yea, fome(who fliould have been wifer Scater . men) owned them as friends, commending their Courage, Zeal , and Induftiy . which to fober men could leem no better then that of the de- vil, who gQes about feeking Iphoui he may deceive and devour e* ^. I confeflc;, when I found fuch a deafntfle, thar no Declaration from the Bifhops, who were firft fouly infolenced and affaultedjuoryet from other Lords and Gentlemen of Honour . nor yet from My Self, could take place, for the due repref- jQon of thefe Turauksj and fecuring not onely Our freedome in Parliament , but Our very Pcrfons in the flreets • I thought My Self not bound by My prelence , to provoke them to higher boldneffe and contempts 5 I hoped by! My with-drawing to give time, both for the ebbing of their tumuicuous fune , and others regaining foaie degrees of modeftie and fober fenfc C t Soirc 20 EiV«» B*ffiAi)ai. Some may interpret it as an effeft of PufiUani- mitie in any man, for popular terrours to de(crt his publick ftation. But I think it a hardincfle beyond true valour, for a wife man to fet himfelf againft the breaking in of a Sea- which to refift^ at prefentj threatens imminent danger, but to withdraw, gives it fpace to fpend its furie , and gains a fitter time to repair the breach. Certainly a Gallant man had rather fight to great difad- vantages for number and place in the field, in an orderly way, then skuffle with an undilciplined rabble. Some fufpcded and affirmed that I meditated a War, ( when I went from WIntehall onely to redeem My Perfon and Confcience from vio- lence ) God knows I did not then think of a War. ISlor will any prudent man conceive that I would by fo many former, and fome after A<5ts, have fo much weakncd My Self, if I had purpo- ied to engage in a War, which to decline by all means, I denied My Self in fo many particulars : Tis evident I had then no Armic to flie unto, for protedion, or vindication. Who can blame Me, or any other, for a with- drawing our felves from the daily baitings of the Tumults, not knowing whether their furie and difcontent might not flie fo high, as to worric i^nd tearthofe in pieces, whom as yet they but f laicd with in their paws ? God who is My ~ " ft)le fole Judge, is My WicncflTe in Heaven, that I never had any thoughts of going from My Hou(e at Wlntehdl^ if I could have had but any reafonable fair Quarter 5 1 was refolved to bear much, and did foj but I did not think My Self bound to proftitutc the Maieftie of My Place and Perfon, the fafety of My Wife ^nd Children, to thofe, who are prone to infult moll, when they have objeds and opportunity moft capable of their rudenefle and petulancy. But this bufineffe of the Tumults ( whereof fome have given already an account to God^ o-' thers yet living know themftlves defperately guil- tie) time and the guilt of many hath fo fmother- ed up, and buried, that I think it beft to leave it as it is : Onely I believe the juft Avenger of all difor- ders^ will m time make thofe men,and that City, fee their finne in the glaflc of their puniflimenr. 'Tis more then an even-lay that they may one day fee themfelves puniflied by that v\ray they of- fended. f Had this Parliament , as it was in its firft Ele- ction and Conftitution, fate full and free, the Members of both Houies being left to their freedome of Voting, as in all realbn,honour,arul Religion ;, they fhould have been 5 I doubt not buc things would have been fo carried^ as would hav^ given no lefle content to all good men , then they wiflied or expected. C 3 For, 22 Ei'jtiy Bc(,(7iAj)CM. For, I was refolved to hear reafon in all things, and to confent to it fo farre as I could compre- hend it : but as Swine are to Gardens and order- ly PlantationSjfo are Tumults to ParliamentSjand Plebeian concourfcs to publick Councels^ turning all into diforders and fordid confufions. I am prone fometimes to think. That had I called this Parliament to any other place in England (^ as I might opportunely enough have done) the fad confequences in all likelihood, With Gods blefsing, might have been prevented. A Parhament would have been welcome in any placej no place afforded fuch confluence of vari- ous and vitious humours , as that where it was unhappily convened. But we muft leave all to God, who orders our diforders , and magnifies his wifdome moft, when our follies and miferies are mofl: dilcovered. hut thou^ Lordy art My refuge and defence^ to thee hnayfafelyfUe, ivho ruleji the raging of the Sea , and the madncjje of the People. The Jioudsy Lord^ the flouds are come in upon me, and are ready to o'Verllphehn me. I look upon my Jins^ and thejhis of My people ^ {which are the tumults of our fouls agamfl Theefi LordJ as the yifl caufe of thefe popular inundations Ti?hich thou per -^ mitteji to overhear all the banks ofloyaltie., modefHejiali?Sy Jujltce^ and ^'ligion. • • " Silt (But thou that gather eift the Heaters into one pUce^md madeft the drie land to appear^ and after didjl af^li^age thefloud yt^hich dro'i^ned the world, by theTi^ordof thy po'ii?er ^ Rebuke thoje boajls of the people^ and deliver Me from the rudenej^e andftriVmgs of the multitude, ^Fiore^ ive ht fetch thee^ unto us^ thefreedome of our Councels and Parliaments-^ make us unpafsionately to fee the light of ^afon and ^Itgion^ and imthall order, and graVitie to follow it^ as it becomes Men a~nd Chriftians^fo JJ?all "^e prafe thy TSlame^ 'ti?ho art the God of order and counfel What man cannot^ or^ill not reprejfe, thy omnipotent ^uHice can and li?ilL Lord ^ give them that are yet living, a timely fenfe and forroiv for their great finne ^ whom thou kml^efl guilty of raiftng or not fupprefsing thofe dij orders : Let fhame here^ and mtfujjermg hereafter be their pn- nijJnnent. Set bounds to our pafsion by ^afon^ to our errours by Truth, to ourjedition by Lalos duely executed^ and to our fchifmes by Charity, that Ti^e may be^ as thy Jerufalem^ a City at unity in itfelf This grant y My God ^ in thy good time ^ for Jef us Chriftsfahj Amen. C 4 5. Upo 24 hltcaf DoLaiXiXM • 5. Vpon Hts Maje/lies pajsing the IBill for the TrienniallTarfiaments: Jnd af- ter Je tiling thuy during thepleajureofthe tw Houfes. THat the world might be fully confirmed in My purpoles ac firft^ to contribute, what in Juftice, RcafoHjHonour^ and Confcience I could, to the Happie fuccelTe of this Parliament/ which had in Me no other defigne^but the General good of My Kingdoms:) I wilHngly paffedthe Bill for Triennial! Parliaments: which, as gentle and feafonablc Phyfick, might ( if well applied) pre- vent any diftempers from getting any head or prevailing 5 e(pecially^ if the remedie proved not difeafe beyond all remedie. I conceived, this Parliament would find work with convenieiit reccflcs for the firft three ycars^ But I did not imagine that fome men would thereby have occafioned more work then they found to do, by undoing fo much as they found well done to their hands. Such is fome mens a6tivitic% that they will needs make work rather then want it^ and chooie to be doing amifle, ra- ther then do nothinj^. When that firft Adl feemed too fcantic to ia- tisfis fome mens fears, and compafle publick affairs,. I was ptrfwadcd to grant that Bill of of Sitting during the pleafure of the Houfes, which amounted in iome nrscns fen(e to as much as the perpetuating this Parliament. By this Ad: of highcft confidence , I hoped for ever to fliut out^ and lock the doore upon all prefent Jealou- fies^ and future miftakcs : I confefle^ I did not thereby intend to fhut My felf out of doors , as fbme men have now requited me. TruC;, it was an A6t unparalleld by any of My PredecefTours^ yet cannot in reafon admit of any woric interpretation then this ^ of an extreme confidence I had , that My Subjects would not make ill ufc of an Ad:, by which I declared Co much to truft them, as to deny my felf in fo high a point of my Prerogative. For good Subjects will never think it juft or fit that my condition (hould be W'or(c by my better- ing theirs : Nor indeed would it have been fo in the events, if (bme men had known as well with moderation to ufe, as with carneftneffe to defirc advantages of doing good or evil. A continuall Parliament (I thought) would but keep the Common^weal in tune, byprefcrv;ng Laws in their due execution and vigour, wherein My intercft lies more then any mans , lince by thofe Laws, My Rights as a King^ would be pre. ferved no lefle then my Subjecls j which is all I defired. More then the Law gives me I would not have^& lefic the meaneft Subjcd lliould not. Some Some C as I have heard ) gave it out ^ that I foon repented me of that fettling Ad : and ma- j ny would needs perfwade me ^ I had caule fo to do 5 but I could not eafily nor fuddenly fufped: fuch ingratitude in men of Honours^ That the more I granted them , the lefle I fliould have, and enjoy with them. I flill counted My (elf un- diminiflhed by My largeft concefsions , if by them I might gain and confirm the love of My People. Of which, I do not yet defpair , but that God will fiill blefle Me with increaft of itj when Men fliall have more leifiire, and leffe prejudice^ that fo with unpalsionate reprefentations they may refle(5l upon thole, ( as I think ) not more princely then friendly contributions , which I granted towards the perpetuating of their hap- pineiTe, who are now onely miferable inthis^ That fome mens ambition will not give them leave to enjoy what I intended for their good. Nor do I doubtj but that in Gods due time^the loyall and cleared affections of My people, will ftrive to return fuch retributions of Honour, and love to Me , or My poflericie, as may fully com- penfate both thea(5ts of My confidence and My luffering for tl^eni . which (God knows) have been neither few nor I mall , nor fiiortj occafion- ed chiefly by a perf^vafion I had , that I could not grant toj much, or diftiu-l too iitcle, to Men, ^ that that being profefledly My Subjeds , pretended fingttlar pictie, and religious ftridnefle. The injurie of all injuries is, That which feme men will needs load nnie withall ; as if I w?ie a wilfuU and refolved Occafioner of My own and My Subjects miferies- while (as they confident- ly, but (God knows) falfely divulge) I repining at the ertabiiflimcnt of this Parhament, endea- voured by force and open hoftiiitie to undo what by my Royall aflent I had done. Sure it had ar- gued a very fhort fight of things^ and extreme fa- tuitie of n"ind in Me ^ fo farre to bind My own hands at their requefl: ;, if I had iliortly meant to have ufed a Sword againfl: them. God knows, though I had then afenle of injuries, yet not fuch, as to think them worth vmdicating by a Warrc: I was not then compelled , as fince , to injure My felf by their not ufing favours , with the fame candour wherewith they were confer- red. The Tumults indeed threacned to abufe all' Adts of Grace , and turn them into wan- tonneffe ; but I thought at length their own fears ^ whofe black arts firft raifed up thofe tur- bulent Spirits, would force them to conjure them down again. Nor if I had juftly refented any indignities put upon me, or others, w.is I then in any capa- citic to have taken juft revenge in an hoilile and Wsrlike way upon thole, whom i knew io well 2© EjTCav BctffiAjx^. well fortified in the love of the meaner (brtofthc people ^ that I could not have given my enemies greater , and more dcfired advantages againft me , then by fo unprincely inconftancy, to have aflaulted them with Arms, thereby to fcatter them, whom but lately I had folemnly fettled by an A6t of Parliament. God knows , I longed for nothing more then that My feif and My Subjects might quietly en- joy the fruits of My many conde(cendings. It had been a cour(e full of finne , as well as of hazard and diflionour, for me to go about the cutting up ofthat by the Sword, which I had fo lately planted , fo much (as I thought ) to My Subjeds content, and Mine own too, in all pro- babilitie : If fome men had not feared where no fear was , whofe fecuritie confifted in fea- ring others. I thank God, I know fo well the finceritic and uprightneOe of My own heart, in pafsingthat great Bill , which exceeded the very thoughts of former times j That although I may feem lefle a Politician to men, yet I need no fecretdifti nati- ons or evafions before God. Nor had I any re- lervadons in My own Soul, when I pafled it- nor repencings afcer , till I law that my letting Ibme men go up to the Pinnicle of the Temple, was a tempcatio.i to them to call me down head- long. Conckidirg, Concluding , that without a miracle, Monar. chyitfelf, together with me, could not but be dafiied in pieces , by luch a precipitious fall as they intended. Whom God in mcrcie forgive, and make them fee atlength^That as many king- domes as the Devil fhcwed oar Saviour and the glory of them , (if they could be at once enjoyed by them) are not worth the gaining, by waies of finfuU ingratitude, and diflionour, which ha* zards a Soul worth more Worlds then this hath Kingdomes. But God hath hitherto preftrvcd Me , and made Me to fee , That it is no ftrange thing for men, left to their own pafsioqs, either to do much evil themftlves , or abufe the overmuch goodnelTe of others, whereof an ungrateful! Surfetis the moft delperate and incurable diftaft. I cannot fay properly that I repent of that AcSk, fince I have no reflections upon it as a finne of my will , though an errour of too charitable a judgement : onely I am forric other mens eies fhould be evil , becaufe mine were good. To thee^ (0 my God) do I Jlill appeal , yi>h^e alldif- cenmg fuUicefees through all the difgutjes o f mens pre- tenjionsy and deceitfull darknejses of their hearts. Thou^aVeH me a heart to grant much to My Subjefis; and tiow I need a heart fitted to fuffer much from fomc of them. Thy 50 Ehich often raije the greatefi Sufferers to be the mofl glorious Saints* 6. Vpon his Majejlies retirement from VVcftminfter. With what unwillingneflTe I withdrew from Wejlminfler^ let them judge, who, unprovided of tackling and viduall, are forced to Sea by a ftormj yet better do lb, then venture fplitting or finking on a Lee fliore. Iftayed at Whitehall ^ till I was driven away by fhatYse more then fear, to lee the barbarous rudeneffe of thole Tumults, who refolved they would take the boldnefle to demand any things and not leave either My felf, or the Members of Parliament the libcrtie of our Reafon, and Gon- Icience to denic them any thing. Nor was this intolerable opprefsion My cafe alone, ( though chiefly Mine: ) For the Lords and Commons might be content to be overvo. ted by the major part of their Houfes, when they had ufed each their own freedoms Whofe agreeing Votes were not by any Law or reafon concluiive to My Judgement 5 nor can they include, or carrie with them My conftnt, whom they reprefent not in any kind 5 Nor aiai 71 Elxiv DetffL\iyjl, am I further bound to agree with the Votes of both Houfes , then I fee them agree with the will of God , with My juft Rights , as a King, and thegenerall good of My People. I fee, that as many men^, they are feldomc of one mind,- and I may oft fee that the major part of them are not in the right, I had formerly declared to Ibbcr and mode- rate minds , how defirous I was to give all juft content, when I agreed to Co many Bills, which had been enough to fecure and facisfie all : If fome mens Hydropick infatiableneffe had not learned to thirft the more, by how much more they drank ; whom no fountain of Royall bountie was able to overcome ; fo refolved they ieemed, either utterly to exhauft it, or barbaroufl ly to obftruc5t it. Sure it ceafes to be Counfell, when not Reafon is ufed , as to men , toperfwa.de ; but force and terrour as to beafts, to drive and compell men to aflent to whatever tumultuarie patrones»fliall projed:. He deiervcs to be a flave without picie, or redemption , that is content to have the ratio- nall fovereigntie of his Soul , and libertie of his will and words fo captivated. Nor do I think My Kingdomes fo confider- able, as to preferve them with the forfeiture of that freedome , which cannot be denied Me as a King, begaufc it belongs to Me as a man , and a Chriftianj Chriftiari; owning the dicftatcs of none but God to be above Me, as obliging Me to confent. Bet- ter for Mc to die enjoying thislEmpire of My Soul_, which fubje6ts Mc onely to God^ fo farre as by Reafbn or Religion he directs Me^ then hve with the Tide of a King, if it fhould carry fuch a vaflalage with it , as not to fuffer Me to ufe My Reafonand Conlciencc, in which I declare as a King^ to like or diflike, So far am I from thinking the Majeftie of the Crown of England to be bound by any Corona- tion Oath, in a blind and brutifli formalicie, to confent to what ever its fubje^t in Parliament fliall require, as forae men will needs inferrc , while denying Me any power of a Negative voice as King, they are not afliamed to feek to depri v^- Me of the hberty of uling My Reafon with a ^ood Confcience, which th«:iiiclves,and all the Commons or England enjoy proportionable to their influence on the publickj vvho would take it very ill to be urged, not to denie whatever My Self, as King, or the Houfe of Peers with Me fliQuld, not fo much defire, as enjoyn them to paflc, I think My Oach /uUy difcharged in that point by My Governing onely by fuch Laws^ as My people with the Houfe of Peers have chofcn^ and My Self have confented to. I fliall never think My Self confcientiouily tied to go as oft again ft My confcience , as I fliould confent to ii^-*" D fuch EiVwW/ Btto-iAtx^* Tuch new Propofalls, which My Reafon^ in Ju- fticc, Honour, and Religion bids Me denic. Yet fo tender 1 fee forae men are of their being fubjed to Aibitraiy Government, ( that is, the L ;w of anothers will^ to which themfelves give noconfent) that they care net with how much diOicnour and abfurditie, they make their King ^be onelyman, thatmuft be fubjcd: to the will of ethers : without having power left him; to uie his own reafon^ either in Perlbn, or by any Reprefentation. And if My diffentings at any time were ( as feme have fulpe(5led, and uncharitably avowed) out of errour, opinion ^ adiveneffc , weakneffe, or wilfulncfic, and what they call obftinacy in Me (which not true judgement of things , but fome vehement prejudice or pafsion hath fixed on My mind ^ ) Jbt can no man think it other then the Badge and Method of llavery, by favage rudenefle, and importunate obtrufions of vio- lence, to have the mift of his Errour and Pafsi- on difpelled, which is a fhadow of Reafon, and muft ferve thofe that are deftitutc of the lub- ft.mce. Sure that man cannot be blameabic to God or Man , who Iciioully endeavours to fee the bed reafon of things, and faithfully follows what he takes for Reafon: The uprightneffc of his intentions, will excufe the pofsible failings <■' his underllanding. If a Pilotat Sea cannot fee fee the Pole-ftarre, it can be no fauk in him to fleer his courie by fuch ftarres as do beft appear to him. It argues rather thofe men to be confci- oiis of their defeats of Reafon, and convincing Arguments^ who call in the aisiftance of mere force, to carry on the weakneffe of their Coun- cels and Propofalls. I may, in the Truth and up- rightnefle of My hearty proteft before God and Meuj that I never wilfully oppofed^or denied any thing that was in a fair way^ after full and free debates propounded to Me by the two Houfes^ further then I thought in good reafon , I might and was bound to do. Nordidany thing ever pleafe Me more_, then when my Judgement lo concurred with theirs that I might with good Confcience confenc to chem: yea, in many things where not abibbne and morall necclsity of Reafon_, but tempora- ry convenience on point of Honour was to be confidered- I chofe rather to deny My Self, then them : as preferring that which they thought n( - ccffaiy for My Peoples good, before what [ faw but convenient for My Self. For I can be content to recede much from My own interefts, and PerfonallFJghts, of which I conceive My Self to be Mafter-but in what con- cerneth Truth, Juftice, the Rights of the Churchy and My Crown, together with the general! good of My Kingdoms- ( all which i am bound D 1 CO i6 EiVav BctffjXix/H. to prefei've as much as morally lies in Me :) here I am, and ever (hall be fixt and refoluce^ nor fhall any Man gain my conlent to that^ wherein My heart give^My tongue or hand the lie^ nor will I be brought to affira^ that to men, which in My confcience I denied before God. I will rather chcofe to wear a Crown of Thorns with my Sa- viour, then to exchange that of Gold ( which is due to Me ) for one of Lead, whole embafed ilexiblenefle fhall be forced to bend^ and comply to the various and oft contrary dictates of any Fa- d:ions^ when in ficad of Reafon, and Publick concernments , they obtrude nothing but what makes for the interefl: of parties, and flows from the partialities ot private wills and pafsions. I know no rcfolutions more worthy a- Chrifti- an King, then to prcferre His Confcience belore his Kingdoms. my Godyprefer'Ve thyferVant in this Native y Ra- tionally and %^ligioiis freedome ; For this I belieVe is thy iDill , that Tt?e [J?otdd maintain : mho though thou doe ft jujUy require uSy tofuhmit our under ft andings and ti^tlls to thine . ivhoft yi?iJdome and goodnejfe can neither errej, nor milgnide us-^ and Jofarre to denie our carnall reajon , in order to thy [acred My/tcries and cojnmands^ that T^e J];ould helieVe and obey rather then, dtfpute them '^ yet doejtthou cxptcl from us^ onely fuch a rea- jonabk jerVice of thec^ as not to do any thing for thee azainfh €3 Et'x/iv Bct,o-iA<5W}Vi X7 againjl our confcicnces: and as to the dejtres of men^ en* joyneft us to trie all things hy the touch-flone of ^afon and Lat^s^ '^hich are the rules of CiVd Juftke y and to declare our confents to that onely which our judgements approve. Thou knowesl, Lord, how u?it^illi?iz I yt>as to de* fert that place ^ in which thou haflfet me^ and whereto the affairs of my Kingdoms at prefent did all me^ My People can l^itnejfe ho^ far I ha'Ve been content for their good, to deny my J elf ^ in ^hat thou hajl fubjecl" edtomydifpofall. let not the withankfull importunities ^ and tumultu- arienjiolenceoffome mens immoderate demands^ eVer betray Me to that degenerous and unmanly flaverie , l^hich jl?ould makeMe ftren^tlnn them hy My confent in thofe things jl^hich I think in My Confcience to be againjl thy glory, the good of my Subjects ^ and the difcharge of my o'^ndutie to ^^afonand JuiTice- Make me li^illing to fujfer the greateU indignities and injuries they prejfe upon Me, rather then commit the leaf Jin againfl my Confcience. Let the jufl liberties of My people be (as well th-y may) preferred in fair and equall wayes , l^ithout the jlayery of my jouL Thou that haft inVefed me by thyfiVours^ in the powm er of a Qmfian K^ng fujfer Me not tofubjeft my ^ea- fon to othc^ mens pajs ions and dejignes^ l\;hich to Me feeni unreajonable, un'jujl ^ and irreligious: Soflpall IJerVd thee in the truth and uprightneffe of my heart, thuugh I cannot jatisfe the/e nwi, D ?, Though 3^ Eix-iv BaoiAjtch* Tlmigh I be drhen from among them ^ yet give Me grace to ^alk ahvayes uprightly before Thee. Lead Me in the H?ay of Truth and Juflice-^ for thefe^ I know y mH bring Me at la^ to peace and happineffe with Thee, though for thefe I haVe much trouble among men* This I beg of Thee for my SaVioursfake* 7. %)fon the Queens departure , and ah-- fence out of England. A Lthough I have much caufe to be troubled jf\at My wifes departure from Me^ and out of My Dominions; yet not Her abfence fo much, as the Icandall of thatnecefsitry, which drives her away, doth afjflid Me : That She fhould be com* pclled by My own Subjeds, and thofe pretend- ing to be ProteftantSj to withdraw for her fafety: This being the fiift example of any Proteftant Subjeds, that have taken up arms againd their King, a Protertant : For I look upon this now done in Enzlind^ as another Ad: of the fame Tra- gedie whiCii was lately begun in Scotland ; the brands ofchat five being ill quenched, have kind- led the like Hames here, i fear fuch motions ( Co little to the adomio^ of the Proteilant profet- ion ) m::y occaiion a farther alienation or mind, and divorce ofafFJdiois m Her from that Re- hgion, w^hichvis the oncly ih nj wiierein we dilFcr. ' Which E/x6>V Beto-lAutJ}. Jp Which yet God can; and I pray he would in time take away; and not fufFcr thefe praiflifes to be any obftrudlion to Her judgement , fince it is the motion of thofemen^ C for the molt part) who are yet to feek and fettle their Rehgion for DoClrine, Governmentjand good manners^and fonotto be imputed to the true Enghfli Protc- ftants, who continue firm to their former fettled Principles and Laws. I am lorrie My relation to fo deferving a La- die, fliould be any occafion of Her danger and afflidion, whofe merits would have fervcd Her for a protection among the favage Indians , while their rudenefle and barbarity knows not fo per- fc6lly to hate all Virtues^ as fome mens fubtilty dothj among whom ( I yet think) tew are fo malicious, as to hate Her for Her felf The fault is^ that (lie is My wife. All juftice then as well as affedlon commands Mc:^ to ftudieher fecurity, who is onely in danger for My fake ^ I am content to be toffed, weather- beateu;, and Ihipwrackt , fo as She may be in iafe Harbour. This comfort I fhall en]oy by her fafctie in the midfl of My Perfonall dangers, that I can perifli but half, if file be preferred : in whofe memorie and hopeful! Potterity, I may yet furvive the ma- lice of My enemies, akhoa j,ii they fhouid be U- tiatei wiih My bloud. D A I 40 EjV^v Bctae knoli?* Let neither igJiorance of li>hat is necejjary to be knoton^ or unbeliefs or difobedience to "^hat "iipe knotty , be our mifery or our ti?ilfull default* Let not this great fcandall ofthofe My SubjeSls^ 'which profeffe the fame ^ligion 'With Me, be any hinderance to her ioVe of any Truth thou muldfl haye her to learn^ nor any hardening of her in any errour thou wouldjl haVs cleared to her. Let mine and other mens conjlancy be an Antidote a- gain/} the poyfon of their example Let the truth of that ^ligion Iprofeffe^ be reprefented to her judgement^ with all the beauties of humdity ^loyalty ^ charity y and peaceablenef^e^ "Which are the proper fruits ^ and ornaments of it: Not in the odious difguifes of levity ^ fchifme^ herefie^ noVclt)i^ cruelty ^ and dtfloyalty , which Jome^nens praFlifes ha'Ve lately put upon tt. Let her fee thy /acred andJaVmg Truths , as thine -^ that /he m ly beiievejol^e^and ob:y th.m as Thme^ cleared from all rujt and drojfe of mmane mixtures, Thatinthe glajfe of thy Truth jhe may fee thee , in thoje mtrcies 'irhuh thou haft oficred to us, in thy Son Je- ■ ' fus fus Chrijl, our onely Saviour ^ and ferVe thee in all thofe Holy duties , tvhich moft a^ree 101th his Holy doclrine, and mojl imitahle example. The experience life have of the Vanity^ and uncertain- tyef all humane glory and greatnefe^ in our fcatterings and EcUpfeSy let it make us both fo ynuch the more amht- tious to he inVefted in thofe durable honours y and perfe- clions, "Mfhich are onely to be found in thy f elf ^ andob' tained through Jefus Chrlfl. 8. Vpon His Majejlies reptdfe ^f Hull, and the fates of floe Hothams. MY repulfc at H«//,(eemed at the firft view,an ad: of fo rude dilloyaky ^ that My greateft enemies had fcarce confidence enough to abett^or own it: It was the firft overt eflay to be made,how patiently I could bear the lofTe of My Kingdoms. . God knows^itaffecSted me more w^^fhameand forrow for others, then with angeribr my felf^nor did the affront done to Me, trouble Mc fo much as their fin^, which admitted no colour or excuie. I was refolved how to bear this,& much more, with patience : But I forefaw they could hirdly contain chemfelves within the compaile o\ this one unworthy ^/vvho had effrontery enough to commit , or countenance ir. This was but the hand of that cloud^^which was foon alter to over- fpread the whole Kingdomc,an i caft all into dif- ordcr and daikncff:. ^-, For 44 Eixiv BctffjAt/V* For *tis among the wicked Maximes of bold and difloyall undertakers: That bad actions mufl: alwayes be feconded with worfe, and rather not be begun;, then not carried on: for they think the retreat more dangerous then the aflault, and hate repentance more then perieverancc in a fault. This gave Me to fee clearly through all the pious difguifes , and fofi: palliations of fome men ; wbofe words were foraetime fmoother then oyl ,• but now I law they would prove very Swords. Againfl: which I having (as yet} no defence, but that of a good Confcience, thought it My beft poHcie (with patience) to bear what I could not remedie : And in this ( I thank God) I had the better oiHotham^ that no difdain, or emotion ofpai'sion tranfported Me , by the indignitie of his carriage, to do or lay any thing unbefecming My fl'lf, or unluicable to that temper ^ which, in greatefi: injurieS;, I think, befl: becomes a Chri- ftian , as coming nearefl: to the great example ofChrift. And indced_, I defire alwaies more to remem- ber I am a Chriflian, then a King ; for what the Majeftie of the one might juftly abhorre, the cha- ritic of the other is wiUins; to bear- what the height of a King temp:ech to revenge, the humi- licie or a C'lriftian teachech to forgive. Keeping in comp. ffe ail thcfc impoieat pafiions , whofe exec lie cxcefle injures a man^ more then his greateft ene- mies can^ for thefe give their mahce a full impreC fion on our (buls^which otherwaies cannot reach very farrc^ nor do us much hurt. I cannot but oblerve, hovr God not long after fo pleaded and avenged My caufe in the eie of the world , that the m oft wilfully Wind cannon a- void the difpleafureto fee it, and with fbmere* morfe and fear to own it^, as a notable ftrokc and prediction of divine vengeance. For, Sir ^ohn Hotham unreproched^ unthreaten- ed^ uncurfed by any language or lecret impre- cation of Mine, onely blafted with the Confci- ence of his own wickedneflTe , and falling from one inconftancie to another, not long after payes his own and his eldeft Sons heads, as forfeitures of their difloyaltie to thofe men, from whom, furely he might have expected another reward, then thus to divide their heads from their bo- dies, whofe hearts with them were divided froai theirKiNG. Nor is it ftrange that they who employed them at firft in fo high a fervicc, and fo fucceflc- full to them, {liould not find mercie enough to forgive Him , who had fo much prcmericed of them: For ^ Apoftacie untoLoyakie fomc men account the moft unpardonable finne. Nor did a folitarie vengeance ierve the turn,the cutting oJfFonc head in a Familie, is not enough to 4^6 Ei'jcciy Bct(7iAl)a). to expiate the affront done to the head of the Common^wcal. The eldeft Son muft be invol- ved in the punifliment , as he was infeded with the fin of the Father, againft the Father of his Countrey : Root and branch God cuts off in one day. Thele obfervations are obvious to every fan- cier God knows , I was fo farre trom rejoycing in the Hothams ruine , (though it were fuch as was able to give the greateft thirft for revenge a full draughty being executed by them who firft employed hJm againft Me ) that I fo farre pitied him. as 1 thought he at firft adcd more againft the light of his Confcience^ then many other men do in the fame cau(e. For, he was never thought to be of that fuper- ftitious fowrenefle, which fome men pretend to, in matters of Religion j which fo darkens their judgement, that they cannot (ee any thing of Sin and Rebellion in thofe means they ufe, with in- tents to reform to their Models , oF what they call Religion ^ who think all is gold of pietie, which doth but glifter with a ftiew of zeal and fervencie. Sir ^ohn Hotham was, I think , a man of ano- ther temper , and lo moft liable to thofe down.- right temptations of ambition , which have no cloke or cheat of Rclig'oa to impofe upon^them^ lelves or othcri. That That which makes rae more picie him is^ that after he began to have fomc inclinations towards a repentance for his iin^ and reparation of his du- ty to Me ^ he fhould be io unhappie as to fall in- to the hands of their Jnftice, and not my mercie, who could as willingly have forgiven him^ as he could have asked that favour of Me. For I think clemencie a debt, which we ought to pay to thofe that crave it^ when we have caufe to believe they would not after abufe it- fince God himfelf fuflfers us not to pay any thing for his mercie, but onely prayers and praifes. Poore Gentleman^jhe is now become a notable monument of unprol'perous dilloyaltie, teaching the world by Co lad and unfortunate a fpedacle, that the rude carriage of a Subje6t towards his Sovf reigne_, carries alwaies its own vengeance, as an unfeparable fhadow with it , and thofe oft prove the moft fatall and implacable executioners of it, who were the fiifl: employers in the fervice. Afcer.times will difpute it , whether Hotham were more infamous at Hull , or at Toiver-hili^ though 'tis certain that no punifhment fo ftains a mans Honour , as wiliuU perpetrations of un- I worthy acStions- which befides the confcience of the fin, brands with mcft indelible tharadi^rs of infamy, the name and memory to pofterity, who not engaged in the Factions of the times ^have the mod: imparciall refled:ions on the avflions. Sut thou^ Lord , u^ho hafl in Jo remarkable a way avenged thy Servant Ju^er )ne not to take any fecret plea- fur e in it: for as his death hath fatisfied the injury he did to me Jo kt me not by it gratlfie anypafsion in me , leU I make thy "Vengeance to be mine , and conjider the affront againji me^ more then the finne againH thee, Thou indeed] "Without any dejtre or endeavour of mine, haft made his mif chief to return on his o'^n head, and his Violent dealing to come doWi on his own pate, Thou haji pleaded My caufe^ even before the Jons of men^ und taken the jnatter into thine o'ti?n hands j that men ??iay knoD? it was thy H^ork , and fee that thou^ Lot'd^ ha/i done it. I do not , I dare not fay^ So let Mine enemies perip? Lordlyea^Lordj rather giVe them repentance^ pardon^ and impunity y if it be thy bleJ^cd^VilL Let not thy jujlice prevent the ohjecls and opportuni- ties of my mercy 'j yea^ let them live and amend "^ho haVe moflojf ended Me info high a nature-^ thatlmayhaVe thofe to forgive J who bear moft proportion in their ojjcn- ces to thofe trefpajfes againH thy Majefy , which I hope thy ?nercy hath forgiven Me. Lord lay not their fins {who yet liVe) to their charge for condemnation J but to their conjciences for amendment'. Let the lightning of this thunderbolt , "^hich hath been fo fcVcre a puntfhment to one , be a terrour to all, Dlf cover to thtm their fin ^ "^ho hio^V not they have done amijfe-^ and fcare them from their Jin, that fin of malicious Ti^ickednejfe* That That preyenthtg thy judgements by their true repe?i* tancCy they may efcajje theJJrokes of thine eternal Ven- geance. j{ni do thou^ Lord^ eUahliJI) the Throne of thy fer^ "Vant in mercy and truth meeting together-^ let my irol^n eyer flourijh in righteoufnes and peace Jnf sing each other^ Hear my prayer^ Lord^ y^ho haji taught us to pray fory to do good to^ and to loVe our encmus^ for thy Jake: 'ivho halt presented us imh overtures of thy loVe^ cVen when we were time enemies-^ and haft fent thy Sonne ^e- fus Chrift to die for us^ t^hen we ivere dijpojed to cruci- fie him. p. Upon the Liftings and raijtng Armies againjlthei\ing. I Find that I am at the fame point and pofture I was, when they forced Me to leave Wintehall: What Tumults could not do, an Armie muft. which is but Tumuhs lifted, and enrolled to a better order , but as bad an end : My recede hach dven them confidence that I may be con- quered- And fo I eafily may as to any outward ftrensth which, God knows, is Htde or none ac all : Bat I have a Soul invincible through Gods grace ena^ bling Me 5 here I am fure to be Conquerour, if God will give Me fuch a meafure of Conftau^ cie, as to fear him more then man j and to love E the the inward peace of Vly Confcience, before any outward tranquillity. And inuft I be oppofed with force, becau(e they have not reafon wherewith to convince me? O my loul ! be of good courage, they, confcffe their known weakneffe^, as to Truth and Ju- ftice, who choofe rather to contend by Armies, hen by Arguments. Is this the reward and thanks that I am to re* ceivc, for thofe many A<5ts of grace I have latc- y palled, and for thofe many indignities I have endured ? Is their no way left to make Me a glo- rious KiNGj but by my fufferings ? It is a hard and difputable choice for a King chat loves his People, anddefires their love, ei- ther to kill his own Subjects, or to be killed by them. i^re the hazards and mifcries of Civil War in the bowels of My mofl: flourifhing Kingdom, the fruits i muft now^ reap after fcven teen years living and reigmng among them , with fuch a meafure of Jufttce, Peace, Plenty^ and F^eligion, as all Nations about either admired, or envied? notwithilanding fome mifcarriagcs in Govern- i ment , which might elcape rather through ill counfel of fome men driving on their private ends, or the peeviflineiTe of others, envying the piiblick fliould be managed without them; or the hidden oc mluperable neccfsities oi' State, then any pro- Ej'xJaV UdL(TlAl7Jn, 5 1 propenficie, I hope, of My Self, eicher to injuria ouroefle or opprefsion. Whofe innocent bloud during My reigne have I fliedj to latisfie My luft^, anger, or covetoufncs ? What Widows or Orphans tears can witnefie a- gainft Me,' the jaft cry of which muft now be a- vengcd with My own bloud ^ For the hazards of War are equal, nor doth the Canon know any refped of perfons. In vain is My Pcrfon excepted by a Parenthe- fis of words, when lb many hands are armed a- gainft Me with fwords, God knows how much I havertudied to fee what ground of Juftice is alledged for this War againfl: Mcj that Co I might { by giving juft fatis- faction ) either prevent, or loon end fo unnata- rall a motion^ which (to many men ) ftems ra- ther the productions of a furfct of peace, and wantonneffe of minds, or of private diicontents. Ambition, and Faction ( which eafily find, oi' make caufes of quarrel ) then any reall obftru- dions of pubhck Juftice, or Parliamentary Pri- viledge. But this is pretended, and this I muft be able to avoid and aniwer before God in My own confci- ence , however fome n^ien are not willing to be- lieve Me, left they fliould condemn them (elves. When I firft with-drcw from Whkekill^ to fee if I could allay the infolencics of the Tamiiks, (the E 2 n J . <2 E/jt-av BctcriArrUj. not fupprefsing of which, no account in Rcafon can be given, (where an orderly Guard was gran- ted ) buc onely to opprefle both Mine, and the tv;o Houies frcedonne^ of declaring and voting according to every mans Conlcience) what ob- ftiudtions of Juftice were there further then this^ that what feemed juft to one man, might not ieem fo to another ^ Whom did I by power protect againft the Ja- ftice of Parhament ? That fome men wich-drew , who feared the partiality of their rriall^ ( warned by my Lord of Strafford^ desith) while the vulgar threatned to be theu" Oppreffours^ and Judgers of their Judges^ was frooi that inftind which is in all creatures^ to preferve thcmfelves. If any others refufed to appear, where they evidently fa w the current of juftice and Freedome fo flopped and troubled by the RabblC;, that their lawfull Judges either duift not come to the Houfes^or not declare their lenfe with liberty and fafety j it cannot feem ftrange to any reafonable man ^ when the fole expofing them to publick odiwn , was enough to ruine them , before their caufe could be heard', ortryed. Had not factious Tumults over-born the Free- dome and Honour of the two Houfesj had they alTevtcd their juftice againft them , and rftadc the way open for all the Members quietly to come '•■-^ and and declare their Confciences : I know no mari fo dear to Me, whom I had the leaft indinatton io adviie either to with-draw himfclf, or denie appearing upon their fiimmons , to whole len- cence according to Law ( I tbinkj every Subje(5l bound to ftand. Diftcmpers C indeed ) wererifcnto fo great a height^ for want of timely reprefsing the vulg ir inloienciesj that the grcateft guilt of thole which were voted and demanded as Delinquents^ was this, That they would not fufFci: thcmlclves to be over.aw'd with the Tumults^ and their Patrons j nor compelled to abet by their fultrages or pre- ftnce^ the delignes ofthofe men who agitated innovations, and ruine, both in Caurch 3c State. In this point 1 could not buc approve their ge- nerous conftancie and cautioufnelTc- further then this I did never allow any mans refradtorinefle againft the Priviledges and Orders of the Hjufesj to whom I wiflied nothing more then Safetic, Fulne{re,and Freedome. Buc the truth is, fome men, and thofe not ma- ny,derpairing in fair and Parliamentary waies by free deliberations and Voces, to gain the concur- rence ofthe major part of Lords and Com m5hs, betook themfelves ( by the defperate adivity ot fadious Tumults ) to fife and terrifi: away all thofe Members , whom they faw c^ be of con- trary minds to theii purpofe E -> ^'"'^' J4 EtVciy Bit-cTiA How oft was the bufinefle of the Bifliops en • joying their Ancient places, and undoubted Pri- viledges in the Houfe of Peers, carried for them by farre the major part of Lords, Yet after five repulfes, contrary to all Order and Cuftome, ic was by tumultuary inftigations obtruded again, and by a few carried , when moft of the Peers were forced to abfent themfelves. In hkemanner^ was the Bill againft Root and Branch, brought on by tumultuary clamours, and fchifmaticall Terrours, which could never paflTe, till both Houfes were lufficiently thinned and over-awed. To which partiality, while in all Reafon, Ju- ftice, and Religion, my confcicnce forbids Mc by contenting to make up their Votes to Ads of Parliament^ I muft now be urged with an Army, and conftramed either to hazard My own, and My Kingdoms mine , by my Defence ^ or pro- ftrate my Confcience to the blind obedience of thofe men, whole zealous fuperftition thinks, or pretends, they cannot do God and the Church a greater fervice, then utterly to deftroy that Pri- mitive, Apoftolicali, and anciently Univerfall Go- vernment of the Church by Bifliops. Which if other mens judgements bind them to msintam, oi forbids them to confenttothe abolifliing of it, M ne much more ; who be- fidcs the grounds I have in My judgement, have iilfo alfo a mofl: ftrid and indifpenlable Oath upon My Confciencc, to preferve that Order , and the Rights of the Church • to which moft facrilegi- ous and abhorred Perjury^ moft unbefeeming a Chriftian King, fliould I ever by giving My con- fent be betrayed , I fliould account it infinitely greater mifery, then any hath, or can befall Me^ in as much as the leaft iinne hath more evil in it, then the greateft afflidion. Had I gratified their Anti-epifcopall Fad:ion at firft m this point, with my conleuc, and facrificed the Ecclefiafticall Go- vernment and Revenues, to the furie of their co. vctoufnefle, ambition, and revenge^ believe they would then have found no colourable necefsitie of raifingan Armie to fetch inland punifli De- linquents. That I confented to the Bill of putting the Bi- fliops out of the Houfeof Peers, was done with a firm perfwafion of their contented neffe to fuffer a prefent diminution in their Rights and Honour for My fake, and the Common weals, which I was confident they would readily yield unto^ rather then occafion ( by the leaft obftru- d:ion on their part ) any dangers to Me or to My Kingdom. That I cannot adde My conient for the totall extirpation of that Government( which I have often offered to all fie regulations ) hath fo much furth^er tie upon My Coafciencc, as what I think Religious and Apoftolicallj and E 4 ^ To 56 Eaiv Bhh me^ then can he cigahijl 7ne> There is none in Heaven^ or in Earthy thatldejtre in cG?nparifon of Thee : In the loffe cfall^ be thou more then all to me. Make hajle to fuccour me, TI:ou that never jailefl them-, that put their truU in thee* Thou fee ft IhaVe no politer toe[)j)ofe them that come againft Me^ loho are encouraged to fight under the pre- tence of fighting for Me: Sut my eyes are toTi^ard Thee, Thou needejt no help^ nor fh all /, if I may have thine: If not to conquer y yet at leaft tofuffer- If thou delighteft not in myfafetie and profperity J^e- hoJd^ here I am^ willing to be reduced to l^hat thou Ipilt haVe me 5 whofe judgements oft begin l^ith thine own Children. lam content to be nothing^ that Thou mayflbe alL Thou hajl taught me , That no K^ng can be fayed by the multitude of an ho ft 5 but yet thou canji faVe me by the multitude of thy mercies, yi?ho art the Lord of Hofts^ and the Father of mercies. Help me^ Lord,ti;ho am fore diflrejfcd on every fide, yet be thou on my fide, and Ijhall not fear what man can do unto mee. I "Will give thy Jtfiice the glory of my difirefje. let thy mercy have thegmy of my ddiVerance from ■ then that p-ajcciitcmy SouL l^ymyfinnjs haVe I fought agahifl Thee, and robbed tree of thy glory, H^ho am thyjubjca^ and jtftly mayfi Thou TI70U, by mine own Suhjecisjlripme of my Jlrength^and edipfe my glory* Butjhew thy ftlf.^ my hope^ and onely refuge ! Let 7iot mine ene?nies fay ^There is no help for him in his God. Hold up my goings in thy paths ^ that my footHeps fli^ not* K^eep me as the apple of thi?je eye ^ hide me under the fhado^ of thy wings. Shew thy marvellous losing kindnej^e^ thou that fa- Veft hy thy right hand, them that put their truft in thee^ from thofe that rife up againU them. From the wicked that opprelfe me^ from my deadly ene- mies that compaffe me about. She"^ me the path of life. In thy prefence is fulnejfe of joy^ at thy right hand there are pleafures for evermore. II. Vpon the 19. Tropojitiom Jirflfent to the tQpg; Mci more afterwards. Lchough there be many things they de- mand, yet if thefe be all^ I am glad to fee at what price chey fet My own iafetie^ and My Peo- ples peaccj which I cannot think I buy at too dear a rate^, lave onely the parting with My Con- Icience and Honour. If nothing elle will fatisfie, I mull; choofe racher to be as mifcrable and in- glorious, as My enemies can make or wifh Me. Some .^things here propounded to M:^ hiv^ been offered by M^ : Others are ealily gran:ed: F 7. Th. The reft (I think) ought not to be obtruded upon Me, with the point oUhe Sword: nor urged with the injuries or a War, when I have already decla- red/hat I cannot yield c6 them, without violating my Conlcience: 'tis ftrange, there can be no me- thod of peace,but by making war upon my foul. Here are mnny things required of Me, but I fee nothing offered to Me^, by the way of gratefull exchange of Honour: or any requitall for thoic favours I have, or can yet grant them. This Honour they do Me, to put Me on the gi- ving part^ which is more Princely and Divine. They cannot ask more then I can give^, may I but relerve to my Self the Incommunicable jewel of myconfcience, and not be forced to part with that, whofe lofle nothing can repair or requite* Some things (which they are pleafed to pro- jpound) feem unreafonable to Me, and while I have any Mafterie of my Realon , how can they thinki can conlenr to them ? Who know they are fuch as are inconiiftent with being either a KingjOr a good Chriftian. My yielding io much (as I have already) makes fome men confident I will denic nochina. The love I have of my Peoples peace, hath ( indeed ) great influence upon Me- but the loVe of Truth and inward Peace hath more. Should I grant feme things they require, I Hi 'Uld not fo iiukh weaken my outward ftate of a King, as wound that inward quiet of my Con- fcience, which ought to be, is, and ever (hall be (by Gods grace^ dearer to me then my Kingdoms Some things which a King might approvc,yct in Honour and PoHcy are at Ibmc time co be de - nied to lome men,lcft He (hould feem not to dare to deny any things and give too much incourage- ment to anrealbnable demands or importunities. But to bind^my lelFto a gencrall and implicite confentjto whatever they dial dcfirc or propound (for fuch is one of theirPropoficionsjwerelucha latitude of blmd obedience, as never was expeded from any Freeman^ nor fit to be required of any man, much lefle of a King by his own Subjedsj any of whom he may pofsibiy evceed as much in wifdome,as he doth m place and power. This were as iiSa^npfon fhould have confented, notonely to bind his own hands, and cut ofFhii hair, but to put out his own eyes,that the Vhiliftlns might with the more fafety mock and abufe him, which they chofe rather to do, then quite to de- ftroy him, when he was become fo tame an ob- jedl, and fit occafiion for their fport and rcorn. Certainly, to exclude all power of deniall,(eems an arrogancy , leaft of all becoming thofe who pretend to make their addrefies in an humble and loyall way ofpecicioningj who by chat fuffi- cientlyconfefle their own inferiority, which ob:i. gech them toreft, if not faEisfied^yitq lieccd wi:h F 4 iucli 72 EiVev DoLai\i)U/\m fuch an anfwer as the will and rcafon of their Su- periour thinks fit to give, who is acknowledged to have a freedomc and power of Reafon, to con- fent, ordiflentj elfe it were very foolifh and ab- furd, to ask what another having not libertie to deniC;, neither hath power to grant. But if this be My Right belonging to Me in Rcafon as a Man, and in Honour as a Sovcreigne King, ( as undoubtedly it doth ) how can it be other then extreme injurie, to confine my Rca- fon to a necefsity of granting all they have a mind to ask ;, whofe minds may be as differ- ing from Mine both in Rcafon and Honour, as their aims may be, and their qualities are- which lafl:, God and the Laws have fufficicntly diftin- guifht, making Me their Sovere-igne, and them My Subjeds : whofe Propofitions may foon prove violent oppofitions, if once they gain to be neceffary impolitions upon the Regal Authority. Since no man feeks to hmit and confine his King in f Rcafon, who hath not a fecret aim to fharc with him, or ufurp upon him in Power and Dominion. But they would have Me truft to their mode- ration, and abandon mine own difcretion^ that fo I might venfie what reprefcntations fome have made of Me to the world^, that I am hcter to be their PupiU , then their Prince. Truly I am not Co confident of My own fuffi-iency,as not willing- ly to admit the Counfell of others : But yet I am not fo diffident of my Self, as brutiflily to fubmit to any mens di(5tates, and at once to be- , tray the Sovereigntie of Reafon in My Soul,^ and the Majeftie of My own Crown to any of my Subjeds. Leaft of all have I any ground of credalitie, to induce me fully to fubmit to all the defires of thofe men^ who will not admit, or do refuft, and neglect to vindicate the freedome of their own and others, fitting and voting in Parliament. Befides, all men that know them, know this, how young States-men (the moft part) of thefe propoundcrs are- fo that , till ex^perience of one Icvcn years hath (hewed me, how well they can govern themfclves , and fo much power as is wrefted from Mc , I fhould be very foolifli in- deed, and unfaithfull in my Truft, to put the reins of both Reafon and Government , wholly out of my own, into their hands j whole dri- ving is alreadic too much like ^ehus^ and whofe forwardneffe to afcend the throne of Supremacie, portends more ofTbaeton then of Thebm-^ God di- vert the Omen if it be his will They may remember , that at beft they fit in Parliament, as my Subjects, not my Superiours^ called to be my Counfellours , nor Didatoursj Their Summons extends to recommend their advice, not to command My dutie. When 74 E/x/av BftffiAtJCfl, When I firfl: heard of Propofitions to be fent Me, I cxpeord in private^ at thy Tribunall-^ Lord^ make Me care - fullofthofefolemn declarations vf my mind ^liphich are like to haVe thegreattfl influence upon the ^Mckpther for Kbo or weal. The 'Tl?e lejfe others conjider It'hat they ask , ^nake me the morefQlicitous li>hatlanf^er. Though mine own, and my Peoples prcjf arcs aregrie- . youS) and peace l^ould he Veiy p^eajtng-yet^ Lord^ myer Jujfer Me to avoid the one^ or purchafe the other ^ with the least expenfe or t^aft of my Confcience-^ ^y?hcreof thouj Lord, onely art deferVedly more Afa^terthenmyjelf, iz. Vpon the ^B^eUioUy and troubles in Ireland. THe Commotiotvs in Ireland were fo fudden;, and ^o violent^ chat ic was hard at firft, ci- tHit to difcern the nle^ or apply a remedie to that precipitate RebeUion. Indeed, that fea of bloud which hath there! been cruelly and barbaroufly fhed, is enough to drown any man in ecernall both infamie and mi- ferie, whom God fliall find the maUcious Au- thouror Inftigatour of its effufion. It fell out, as a moft unhappie advantage to fome mens malice againft Me- chat when they had impudence enough to lay any thingto My charge, this bloudy opportunitie fhould be offer- ed them, with which I mull be afperfed. Al- though there was nothing which could be more abhorred to Me, being fo full of linne againii God , diiloyalcie to mySeh^^ and deftru6tive to my Subjects. G 2 So U Some men took it very ill not to be believed, j when they affirmed, that what the Irifh BVebels did y was done with My privitie ( at kaft) if not by my Commifsion. But thcle knew too well, I hat it is no news for fome of my Subjects , to fight , not onely without my Commifsion, but i^gainft my Command, and Perfon too ; yet all the while to pretend, they fight by my Authori- ty, and for my Safety. I would to God the Irifh had nothing to al- ledge for their imitation againft thole, whofe blame mufl: needs be the greater , by how much Proteftant Principles are more againft all Rebel- lion againft Princes, thenthofe of Papifts. 4Hor will the goodnene of mens intentions, excufe the fccindal, and contagion of their examples. Br-t v^>f hoever fail of their dutie tow^ard Me, I iTiuft bear the blame^ this Honour my Enemies have alwaycsdone Me, to think moderate inju- ries not proportionate to Me^nor competent trials cither of my patience under them, or my pardon ofthem. Therefore v^ith exquifite malice they have mix- ed the gall and vineger of falficie and contempt, with the cup of my Afflidion 5 Charging me not onely with untruths , but fuch as wherein I have the grcateft fliare of lofle and diflionour by what is committed- whereby CinallPoIi- cie, Realon, and ReligiQn, having Icaft caufe to give give the Icaft confent, and mofl: grounds of utter deteftation ) I might be rcprefented by them to the world, the more inhumane and barbarous: Like fome Cyclopick monfter , whom nothing will fervc to eat and drink, but the flefh and bloud of mine own Subjects 5 in whofc com- mon welfare my intereftliesas much as fome mens doth in their perturbations : who think they cannot do well;,but in evil timesjuor Co cun- niogly, as in laying the odium of thofe (ad events on others jwherwith themfelves arc mod pleafed, Sc whereof they have been nor the leaft occafion. And certainly /tis thought by many wife men_, that the prepofterous rigour^and unreafonableTe- verity, which fome men carried before them in England, was not the leaft incentive , that kind- led and blew up into thofe horrid flames, the {parks of difcontent, which wanted not pre-dif- pofed fewell for Rebellion in Ireland 5 where dc- fpair being added to their former difcontents, and the fears of utter extirpation to their won- ted opprefsions, it was eafie to provoke to an open Rebellion , a people prone enough , to break out to all exorbitant violence^ both by fome Principles of their Religion, and the natu- rall defircs of libertie ; both to exempt them- ielves from their prefent reftraincs, andto,pre» vent thofe after rigours, wherewith they law themfelves apparently threatned^ by che covecous zeal and uncharitable fury of fomc men, who think it a great Argument of the truth of their Rehgion, to endure no other but their own. God knows, as I can with Truth wafli my hands in Innocencie , as to any guilt in that Re- bellion; fo I might wafli them in my Tears ^ as to the fad apprehcnfions I had, to fee it Ipread fo farrC;, and make fuch waftc. And this in a time, when diftrad:ions and jealoufies here in England, made moft men rather intent to their own fafety, or dcfigncs they were driving, then to the relief of thofe, who were every day inhumanely but- chered in Ireland : Whofe ^cars and bloud might, if nothing elfe, have quenched , or at lead for a time y rcpreffed and Imothered thofe fparks of Civill diifentions , and Jealoufies , which in England fome men moft induftrioufly fcatte, red. I would to God no man had been leffe afFe(5t- ed with Irelands fad eftate then my Self j I offered to go my Self m Perfon upon that expeditionj But fome men were either afraid I fhould have any one Kingdome quieted,- or loth they were to fliootat any mark here leffe then my Selfj or that any fliould have the glory of my dcftru- (ibon but themfclvc^J. Had my many offers been accepted^ I am confident neither the mine had been io great, nor the calamicie fo long^nor the rcmcdie io dcfpcrate. So So that next to the finne of thofe , who began that Rebellion, theirs mud needs be, who cichec hindered the fpeedie iupprefsing of it by Doiiie- ftick diflentions, or diverted the Aids, or ex- afperated the Rebells to the moll defperate refo- lutions and actions , by threatning all extremi- ties, not onely to the known heads, and chief in- cendiaries, but even to the whole communicie of that Nation. Refolving to dcftroy Root and Branch, men, women, and children, with- out any regard to thofe ufuall pleas for mercy, which Concjuerours , not wholly barbarous , are wont to hear from their own breafts, in be- half of thole, whofe opprefsive fears, rather then ^^ their malice, engaged them; or whofe imbe- cillity for Sex and Age was Rich , as they could neither Hft up a hand againfl: them, nor diftm- guifli between their right hand and jthcir left : Which prepofterous and ( I think ) un-evange- licall Zeal, is too like that of the rebuked Di- fciples,who would go no lower in their revenge, then to call for fire from heaven upon whole Ci- ties, for the repulfe or negle(5t of a feWjor like that oifacobs fons, which the Father both blamed and curfed: chooiing rather to ufe all extremicies , which might drive men to defperate obftinacy, tnen to apply moderate remedies ^ fuch as might puaifli fome with examplary juftice, yet dilarm others with tenders of mercy upon their fubmii- G X fion, 68 Ei'}t«y BtLai\au\» on^ and our protcdtion of them, from the fury of thofc, who would foon drown them, if they rc- fufed to fwim down the popular ftream with them. But feme kind of zeal counts all mcrcifuU mo- deration, lukewarmneflcj and had rather be cruel then counted cold j and is not feldome more gree- die to kill the Bear for his skin, then for any harm he hath done. The confifcation of mens eftates being more bcneficJali^ then the charitie of faving their lives, or reforming their errours. When all proportionable iuccours of the poor Proteftants in Ireland (who were daily maffacr^d, and over-born with numbers of now defperate Enetnics ) was diverted and obftrudted here ; I was earneftly entreated , and generally adviied by the chief of the Proteftanc party there, to gee them fome refpite and breathing by a ceflation^ without which they faw no probability ( unlefle by miracle ) to prefervc the remnant that had yet efcaped. God knows with how much commi- feration and folicitous caution, I carried on that bufined'e, by perions of Honour and Integritie, that fo I might neither incourage the Rebels In- foience> nor dilcourage the Proteftants Loyaltie and Patience. Yet when this was tffeded in the bcft fort,that the necel'sitieanddifficultieof affairs would then per mil, I was then to fuffer again in my rcputa. tion tion and Honour , becaufe I fuffered not the Re- bels utterly to devoure the remaining handfuUs of the Proteftants there. I thought y that in all reafon , the gaining of that refpitc could not be fo much to the Rebels advantages (which (omc have highly calumnia- ted againft Me) as it might have been for the Pro- teftants future, as well as prefcntfafety^ If during the time of that CeflTation;, fome men had had the grace to have laid Ir elands fad condition more to heartland laid afide tho(e violent motions^which were here carried on by thofe , that had better skill to let bloud, then to ftanch it. But in all the mifconftru^tions of my adions^ (which are prone to find more credulitic ia men to what is fal(c and evil, then love or charitie to what is true and good) (as I have no Judge but God above Me , Co I can have comfort to ap- peal to his Omnifcicnce , who doth not there- fore denie my Innocence ^ becaufe he is plea- fed fo farre to trie my patience , as he did his ftrvant fobs. I have enough to do to look to my own Con- fcience, and the faithfull difcharge of my Iruft as a KiNGj I have fcarce leifure to confidcr thofe fwarms of repioches , which iifue out of ibme mens mouthes and hearts^ as eafily as fmoke, or fparks do out of a fornace : Much lefle, to make fuch prolix Apologies^ as might give thofe men facisfa6tion: fatisfadion ; who conicious to their own depth of wickednefle , are loth to believe any man not to be as bad as themfelves. Tis Kingly to do well, and^eare ill : If I can but ad the one , I fhall not much regard to hear the other. I thank God, I can heare with patience, as bad as my worft enemies can falfely lay. And I hope I (hall ftiU do-better then they defire , or dcfervc I fliould. I beheve, it will at laft appear , that they who firft began to embroyl my other Kingdoms, are in great part guilty, if not of the jfirft letting out, yet of the not timely flopping thofe horrid efFu- iions of bloud in Ireland. Which (whatever my Enemies pleafe to lay, or think) I look upon, as that of my other King- doms, exhaufted out of my own veins ^ no man being fo much weakened by it , as my Self: And I hope ;, though mens unfatiable cruelties never will;, yet the mercie of God will at length fay to his juftice, Ic is enough : and command the Sword of Civil Warres toflieath it (elf: his mercifull juftice intending , 1 truft not our utter confufion, but our cure: the abatement of our finnes, not the defolatingofthefe Nations. my God y let thofe infinltd mercies prevent us one: agnn , ivhich b ^Jid my I\in^domi have formerly abtijed^ ahufedj and can Jiever deJcr'Ve y fyotdd he reftored, TI)OufeeJl hottj muuh cruelty among ChriJYtans is acled under the colour of ^Itgion-^ as if we could not be Cm- fttaus^ unlejje we crucifie one another > (Becaufe Ti?e have ?iot more loyed thy Truth ^andpraBi- fed in charity y thou hafl fujfered a Spirit ofErrour and bitternefje^of mutuall <^ mortal! hatred to rife among ur, Lordyforgiye "^hereinive haye finned^ andfancti- fie '^hat we ha^e fuffered. Let our Repentance be our recovery ^ as our great Jins have been our ruitie. Let not the miferies land my IQngdoms have hitherto fujfered y feemfmall to thee: but make our fins appear to our confciences, as they are reprefented in theglajfe of thy ]udgements-j for thou iKVer punifioefl fmall failings with fo feVere affliclions. therefore , according to the multitude of thy great mercies , pardon our fins , and remove thy judgements Tifhich are Very many ^ and Very heavy. Yet let our finnes be eVer more grievous to uSj then thy judgements-^ and make us more Ti?illmg to repent ^ then to be relieved 'j fi^fi^^^^ ^^ the peace ofpe?iitent coffcienceSy and then the tranquillitie of united K^mgdoms, In thefea of our Saviours bloud drol^n our fins j and through this red fca of our own bloud ^bring us at lafi to a pate of pietiCj peace and plenty. As my publick relations to all y make Me fi?are in all my SiibjeHs fujfering<'^ fiS'^^ Me fuch a pious fenfe of tbem,as becomes a Chnflian i\ing^and a loving F.;iher of My people. Lit 9* E|xi» BatffiAiJMf'. Let thefcandahm and mjuU reproches cajl upon Me^ he as a breathy more to kindle my compafsion . Give Me ^ace to heap charitable coals of fire upon their heads to melt them^whofe malice or cruel Zeal hath kindled ^ or hindered the quenchmg of thofe flames , Hohich have fo much wafled my three Kjngdoms. refcue and afsift thoje poore Trotejlants in Ireland, TUfhom thou hajl hitherto preferred. And lead thofe in the 'i^ayes of thy faving Truths ^ tlphofe ignorance or err ours have filled them "^ith rebelli- ous and deflruclive principles^ ti^hich they aSi under an opinion^ Tlyat they do thee good fervice. Let the hand of thy ]ufHce be againfl thofe ^ who ma- Ucioujly and dejpitefully have raijed or fomented thofe cruel and defperate Warres, Thou that art farre from dejtroying the Innocent l^ith the Guilty y and the Brroneom wh the Malicious 5 Thou that hadft pity on Nineveh for the many Children that There therein^ give not oVer the whole flock of that popu- lous and f educed Natioft^ to the l^rath of thoJe, whofe corvetoufiteffe makes them cruel^ nor to their anger ^hich is too fierce, and therefore juflly curfed, ^referVe, if it be thy will, in the midft of the for- nac/>/? Me for ever^ 13. Vpon the Calling in of the Scots , and their Coming. THe Scots arc a Nation , upon whom I have not onely common ties of Nature^ Sove- reigncie, and Bounty^ with my Father of bleffed mcmoric 5 but alfo fpeciall and late obligations of favours, having gratified the adive Spirits a- mong them fo farrc, that I Teemed to many , to prefcrre the delires of that party , before my own Intereft and Honour. But, I (ee , Royall bountie emboldens fome men to ask and ad: beyond all bounds of modcftie and gratitude. My charitie, and Adt of Pacification, forbids Me to refle(5t on former paflagesj wherein I fliall ever be farrc from letting any mans ingratitudCjOr inconftancie, make Me repent of what I granted them, for the publick good: I pray God it may fo prove. The 94 EtJC-tf* B«aiAi)6M. The coming again ofthacpartie into England^ with an Army, oncly to conform this Church to their late new modell, cannot but feem as unrea- fonablc, as they would have thought the fame meafure offered from hence to themfelves. Other errand I could never underftand they had, (befides thofe common and vulgar flouri- flies for Religion and Liberty) fave onely to con- firm the Presbyterian Copie they had fet^ by ma- king this Church to write after them ^ though it were in bloudie Charaders, Which defigne and end^whether it will juftifie the ufe of fuch violent means ;, before the divine Juftice , I leave to their Confcicnces to judge, who have already felt the miferie of the means, but not reaped the benefic of the end ^ either in this Kingdome, 6r that. Such knots and crolTenefTe of grain being ob- jedcd here, as will hardly fufFer that form which they crie up , as the onely juft Reformation , aad fettling of Government and Dilcipline in Churches, to go on fo fmoothlv here, as it might do in Scotlandy^n^ was by them imagined would have done in England , when fo many of the En- glip Clergie, through levitie, or difcontent, if no worle palsion^ fuddenly quitted their former en- gagements to Epifcopacie, and faced about to their Presbyterie. It cannot but feem cither pafsion , or fomc fclf- fcU.(eeking, more then true Zeal, and pious Dif- cretion, for any forrein State or Church to pre- fcribe fuch medicines onely for others , which themfelves haveufed, rather fuccefsively then commendably • rtot confidering that the fame Phyfick on different conftitutionSj will have dif- ferent opetations.That may kill one;, which doth but cure another. Nor do I know any fuch tough and malignant humours in the confticution of the Englt[h> Church , which gentler applications then thole of an Army^might noteafily hav^ removed: Nor is it fb proper to hew out religious Reformati- ons by the Sword , as to polifh them by fair and equal! difputations, among thofe that are moft concerned in the differences , whom not force, but Reafbn ought to convince. But their deligne noW;, feemed rather to cut off all difputation here , then to procure a fair and equal 1 one; For, it was concluded thcre^, that the EagUJJ? Clergie muft conform to the Scots pattern, before ever they could be heard, what they could lay for themfelves, or againft the others way. I cculd have wiftied fairer proceedings both for their credits ^ who urge things with fuch vio- lence^ and for other mens Confciences too, who can receive litdefatisfadion in thefe points,which are maintained rather by Souldiers fighting in the Field;, then Scholars disputing in free and learned Synods. Sure, o6 EiV«y Boto-iAi)CM» Sure^ in matters of Religion, thofc truths gain raoft on mens Judgements and Confciences , which are lead urged with fecular violence, which weakens truth with prejudices^ and is un- reafonable to be u(ed, till fuch means of rationall conviction hath been applied, as leaving no ex- cufe for ignorance, condemns mens obftinacie to deferved penalties. Which no charity will eafily fufped: of fb ma- ny learned and pious Churchmen in England* who being alwayes bred up , and conformable to the Government of Epiicopacie , cannot fo foon renounce both their former opinion and pradlife, onely becau(e that partie of the Scots^ will needs by force afsift a like Party herej either to drive all Minifters, as flieep into the common fold of Presbytery, or deftroy them^ at leaft fleece them 5 by depriving them of the benefit of their Flocks. If the Scots fole Presbyterie were proved to be the onely Inftitution of Jefus Chrift, for all Churches Government . yet I believe it would be hard to prove, that Chrift had given tho(e Scots^ or any other of my Subjects Commifsion , by the Sword to fet it up in any of my Kingdoms, without my Confent. What refped and obedience Chrift and his Apoftles paid to the chief GoVcrnours of States where they lived, is very clear in the Gofpel; but that he, or they ever commanded to fet up fuch a 1. a parity of Presbyters^ and in fuch a way as thofe Scots endeavour- 1 think is not very dilputable. If Presbyteriein fucli a fupremacie be an infti- tution of Chrift, fure it differs from all others^ and is the firft and onely point of Chriftianitie;, that was to be planted and watered with fo much Chriftian bloud j whofe efFufions run in a ftream fo contrary to that of the Primitive planters, both of Chriftianity and Epifcopacie, which was with patient fliedding of their own bloud, not viobnc drawing other mens : Sure, there is too much of Man in it,to have much of Chrift,nonc of whofe inftitutions were carried on^, or begun with the temptations of CovetoufnelTe, of Ambicionj of both which this is vehemently fufpedtcd. Yet was there never any thing upon the pointy which thofc Scots had by Army or Com mi fsi on- ers to move me with, by their many foiemn ob- teftations, and pious threanings, but onely ihis ; Toreprefent to Me the wonderfuli necefside of fitting up their Presbyterie in England, to avoid the further miftries of a War; which fome men chiefly on this defigne at firft had begun , and now further engaged themfeives to continue. What hinders that any Se(5ts,Schifmes,or Here- fies, if they can get but numbers,ftrength/and op- portunity, may not, according to this opinion and pattern, fet up their waies by the like me- thods of violence ? all which Presbyterie feeks to y8 E{Vi^ Bct,(n\iiun» fapprefle and render odious under thofe names T when wife and learned men think, that nothing hath more marks of Schifme, and Sc<5tarifme, phcn this Presbyterian way_, both as to the Anci- cntj and ftill moft Univeriall way of the Church- government , and fpecially as to the particular Laws and Ccnftitutions of this EngUp? Churchy whiih are not yet repealed, nor are like to be for Me, till I fee more Rationall and Religious mo- tives, then Souldiers ufe to cany in their Knap- (acks* Butwcmuft leave the fucceffeof all to God^ who hath many waycs (having firft taken us off from the folly of our opinions, and fury of our palsion ) to teach us thofe rules of true Reafon^ and peaceable Wtfdome which is from above, tending moft to Gods glory, and his Churches good^ which I think my Self fo much the more bound in Confcience to attend , with the moft judicious zeal and care, by how much I efteem the Church above the State ^ the glory of Chrift above mine Own ^ and the falvation of mens Souls, above the preicryation of their Bodies and E Hates, Nor may any men, t think, without Cm and prelumption , forcibly endeavour to caft the! Churches under my care and tuition , into the moulds they hare fancied , and f fhioned to ;licir dcfignes , till they firft have gained ray c^nfent. confcnt, and refolved both mine Own and o- ther mens Conlcienccs by the ftrengch of their Reaibns. Other violent motions , which are neither Manly, Chriftian, nor Loyally fhall never either fliakc or fettle ray Bleligion/nor any roans clfe, who knows what Religion means : And how far it is removed from all Fa6tion , whofe pro- per engine is force 3 the avbitratoiir of Beads, not of reafonable men , much leflTe of humble Chriftians, and loyali Subjects in matters of Re- ligion. But men are prone to have fiich high con- ceits of thcmfelves , that they care not what coll: they lay out upon their opinions; efpecially thofe that have fome temptations of gain, to recom* pence their lolles and hazards. Yet I was not more fcandalized at the Scots Armies coming in againft my will , and their forfeiturcr of Co many obligations of duty and gratitude to Me; then I wondred how thole here , could fo much diftruft Gods afsiftancei who To much pretended Gods caufe to the Peo- ple, as if they had the certainty of fome Divine Revelation , confidering they were more then competently furniflied with my Subjects Arms and Ammunitiouj my Navie by fea^ my Forcs^ Caftles, and Cities by land. But I find^ that men jealous of die jilfl.nable- H. 2, n. -i lOO Ei'K'ay Bcc(7iXiioi. ncffe of their doings and defignes before God, never think tkey have humane ftrength enough to carry their work on, feem it never Co plaufible to the People- what cannot be juftified in Law or ReUgion, had need be fortified with Power. And yet fuch is thef inconftancic that attends all minds engaged in violent motion, that whom fome of them one while carneftly invite co come into their afsiftanccj others of them foon after are weary of, and with naufeating call them out: what one Party thought to rivet to a (ettledneffe by the firength and influence of the Scots ^ that the other rejeds and contemns, at once, defpifing the Kirk Government, and Difcipline of the Scots^ and frufirating the fucceflc of fo chargeable,more then charitable afsiftance : For, fur^ the Church of England might have purchased at a far cheaper rate;, the truth and happinefle of Reformed go- vernment and difcipline ( if it had been want- ing J though it had entertained the befl: Divines of Chriftendome for their advice, in a full and iree Synod,- which I was ever willing to, and de- firousof;, that matters being impartially fettled, might be more fatisfadorie to all , and more durable. But much of Gods juftice, and mans fol- ly will at length be difcoveied , through all the films and pretenfions of Religion, in which Politicians wrap up their defignes : In vain do men men hope to build their piety on the ruins of loy- alty. Nor can thofc confederations ordefigncs be durable , when Subje6ts make bankrupt of their Allegiance;, under pretence of feccing up a quicker trade for Religion- But as my beft Subjects of Scotland^ never de. fcrtedMe, fol cannot think that themoft are gone fo far from Me, in a prodigalitie of their love and rcfpeds toward Me, as to make Me to dcfpair of their return^ when befides the bonds of Nature and Confcience^ which they have to Me, all Reafon and true policy will teach them, that their chiefeft intereft confifts in their fidelity to the Crowrf; not in their ferviceablenefle to any Party of the People , to a neglect and be- traying of My Safetieand Honour for their own advantages : However, the leffe caufe I have to truft to men, the more lihall apply My Self to God. The trouhks of My Soul are enlarged-^ Lord , hrifig thou Me out of my dijlrejfe. Lord^ direSi thy Servant in the yi^ayes of that pious Jlmplicityy yohich is the heft policie. Deliver Me from the combined flrength of thofe^ ^ho haVefo much of the Serpents fubtiltie^ that they forget the Voyes innocency* Though hand joyn in hand^ yet let them mt prevail againft\my Sonl^ to the betraying of my Qorfcience ml Hmour, H } ThoUy 102 • E»'xfi)V BfitffjAi:tu# ^ TI)Ou^ Lordy canH turn the hearts of thofe Parties, in. both Natiom , as thou did/} the men of Ju- dah ofid Ifracl;, to reUore David f^ith as much lay* .'/ zsal) a^s they did luntb inconjlancy and eagerneffe pur- fhC him, ^referVe the loVe of thy Truth and uprightmffe in Me^ and ipmllnot defpair of my SuhjeFls ajfeclions re" turning tol^ards Me. Thou canftjoon caufe the o'Ver flowing Seas to ebbe, and retire back again to the bqund^'Siphich. thou haU ap-. pointed for them^ My God y T truH in Thee-^ let me not he afljamed^ let not mine enemies, triumph oyer Me, Let them be ajhamed mho tranJgreJfP without a caufe^ let them be turned back that perjecutemy fouU Let integrity anduprightneffepreferyeMe^fot I >4i^ on Thee^ Lord, ^deem thy Churchy ft God^ out of all its troubks<, 14.. Fpon th^ Coyenanh THe Presbyterian Scots are not to be hired at: ^he ordinary race of Auxiliaries 5 nothing will iMctece them m engage^, till thofe that call r51 06 lEUiv Betfl-iAjjOf- /C fufpe^lccl 5 is J That they are the commoa road, ufed in all factions and powerful! perturba- tions of State or Church: Where formalities of extraordinary zeal and pietie are never n;iore ftu- died and elaborate , then when Politicians mofl; agitate defpcrate defigncs againft all that is fet- tled , or facred in Religion, and Laws ^ which by fuch fcrues are cunningly , yet forcibly wreft^ cd by fccret fteps, and leffe fenfible degrees, from their known rule and wonted praftice , to com- plie with the humours of thofe men , who aim to fubdue all to their own will and power, under thedi(guiics of Holy Combinations. Which cords and wythes will hold mens Con- fciences no longer , then force attends and t wifts them : for every man foon grows his own Pope, & eafily abfolves himfelf of thofe ties,which, not the commands of Gods word, or the Laws of the Land^ but onely the fubtiky and terrour of a par- ty cafts upon him j either fuperfluous and vain , when they werefufficiently tied beforcjor fraudu- lent and injurious, it by fuch after ligaments they find the Impoiers really aiming to diflolve^or ful« pcnd their former juft, and neceflary obhgations. Indeed, fuch illegal! wayes ieldome, or never, intend the ens^atrin^ men more to duties.buc one- ly to Particsj therefore it is not regarded how they keep iheir Covenants in poia: o'l piety pretended, provid.^d tlicy adhere firmly to the Party and Dc- i?S:ne inceiulcd. C I fee the Impolers of it are content to make their Covenant like Manna(not that it came from Heaven^ as this did) agreeable to every mans pa- late and relifh , who will but fwallow it : They admit any mens fenfa of it , though diverle or contrary, with any falvaes, cautions, and rcferva- :ions , fo as they croflc not the chief Defigne which is laid againft the Church,and Me. It is enough, if they get but the reputation of a [eeming increale to their Party : So little do men remember that God is not mocked. In fuch latitudes of fenfe, I believe many that ;ovc Me, and the Church well , may have taken he Covenant^ who yet arc not fo fondly and fu- perftitioufly taken by it, as now to adt clearly igainft both all pietie and loyaltie : who firft yielded to it, more to prevent that imminent vio- ence and ruine, which hung over their heads m :afe they wholly refufed it, then for any value of it^ or devotion to it. Wherein, the latitude of fome gcnerall Clau. (es may ( perhaps ) ferve fomewhat to relieve hem , as of Doing and endeavouring lohat la^- fully they may , in their places and Callings ^ and, according to the Word of God : for , theie (in- deed) carrie no man beyond thofe bounds of jood Confcience which are certain and fixed, :ither in Gods Laws , as to thcgentrall . or the t^aws^of the State and Kingdome, as to the par- ticular ticular regulation and exercifc of mens duties. I would to God J fuch as glory mod in the n^imc of Covenanters yWould keep therafclvcs with- in thofc lawfuU bounds^ to which God hath cal- led them : Surely it were the beft way to expiate the raflmcffe of taking it: which muft needs then appear, when befides the want of a full and law- full Authoritie at firft to enjoyn it, it fhall actually be carried on beyond and againft thofe ends which were in it Ipecified and pretended. I wil- lingly forgive fuch mens taking the Covenant, who keep it within fuch bounds of Pietie, Law, and Loyaltie^ as can never hurt either the Church, My felf, or the Publick Peace : Againft which, no mans lawfuU Calling can engage him. As for that Reformation of the Church,which the Covenant pretends , I cannot think it juft or comely , that by the partiall advice of a few Di- vineSj (of fo foft and fervile tempers, as dilpofed them to Co fudden ading and compliance , con- trary to their former judgements, profession, and pradiceX^ch foul fcandals and fufpicions fliould be caft upon the Doctrine and Government of the Church of England , as was never done (that I have heard ) by any that deftrved the name of ^formed Churches abroad , nor by any men of learning and candour ac home: all whole judge- ments I cannot but preferre before any mens now la(5licufly engaged. No EiXWV BcttTiAiJCw'. lOO No man can be more forward then my felf to carric on all due Reformations with mature Ijudgcment, and a good Confcience, in what things I fliall (after impartiall advice) be ^ by Gods Word, and right reafon , convinced to be amifle. I have offered more then ever the fulled, [freeft, and wifeft Padiaments did defire. But the fequele of fome mens ad:ions makes |it evident, that the main Reformation intended, lis the abafing of Epifcopacie into Presbyterie, and the robbing the Church of its Lands and Revenues: For , no men have been more injuri- joufly ufed, as to their legall Rights , then the Bi- ifihops , and Church-men. Thefe , as the fatteft Dear, muft be deftroyedj the other Rafcal-herd of Schifmes, Herefies, &c. being lean, may enjoy the benefit of a Toleration : Thus Nahoths Vine- yard made him theonclyblafphemerofhisCi- cie, and fit to die. Still 1 fee , while the breath of Religion fills the Sails , Profit is the Compaffe, by vvhich Fa^ious men fteer their courfe in all fcditious Commotions^ I thank God, as no man lay more open to the facrilegious temptation of ufurpingche Churches Lands ^ and Revenues, (which ififuing chiefly From the Crown , are held of it, and legally can rivert onely to the Crown with my Confent; ro I have alwayes had fuch a perfea abhor- rence of it in My Soul , that I never found the lead lib E/x/c«>y BccffiAiJCM. kaft inclination to fuch facrilegious Rcforrtiings^ yet no man hath a greater defire to have Bifliops, and all Church-men Co reformed, that they may bell deferve and ufc_, not onely what the pious munificence of My Predeceflours hath given to God and the Church , but all other addition of Chriftian bountic. But no necefiitie fliall ever, I hope, drive Me or Mine to invade or fell the Priefts Lands, which both fharaohs divinitie, and fofe^hs true piety ab- horred to do: So unjuft I think it both in the eye ofReafon and Religion, to deprive the moft fa cred employment of all due incouragements. and like that other hard-hearted Tharaoh^ to Withdraw the Straw, and increaft the Task- fo purfuing the opprefled Church, as fonte have done, to the rec fea of a Civil Warre, where nothing but a miracle can fave either It, or Hi m^ who efteems it His greateft Title to be called, and His chiefeft glory to be The Defender of the Church , both in its trm Faith ^and itsjujl fruitions ^^ equally abhorring Sacriledge. and Jpojlacy. I had rather live as my Predeceffbur Henry 51 fometimedid , on the Churches Alms, then vio- lently to take the bread out of Bifliops and Mi nifters mouches. The next work will be ^erohoaiHs reformati on, confecracingthe meaneft of the People tc hi PdtRi ill Ifrad^ to fervc chofs golden Calvei Whc who have enriched tl;icmfclves with the Churches Patrimonic and Dowrie; which how it thrived both with Prince , Priefts, and People , is well enough known : And lo it will be here ^ when from the tuition of Kings and Queens , which have been nurfing Fathers and Mothers of this Church, it fliall be at their allowance , who have already difcovered , what hard Fathers aud Step- mothers they will be* If the povertie oiScotUnd might, yet the plentie of England^ cannot excufe the envie and rapine of the Churches Rights and Revenues. I cannot fo much as pray God to prevent thofe fad con fequences, which will inevitably fol* low the parity and poverty of Minifters, both in Church and State ; fince 1 think it no lefle then a mocking and tempting of God , to deiire him to hinder thofe raifchiefs,whofe occafions and reme- dies are in our own powerj it being every mans fin not to avoid the one^ and not to ufe the other. There arc wayes enough to repair the breache| of the State, without the mines of the Churchj a^ I would be a Reftorer of the one, fo I would not be an Oppreflbur of the other^undcr the pretence of Publick Debts : The occafions contra^ing them Were bad enough^ but fuch a difchar- ging of them would be much worfe ^ I pray God, neither I nor Mine , may be acceflaiy to either. % Ill £i?c«y u0L(ri\i)(M» To thee J Lord^ do I addreffel/fy praytr^ hefeeching Thee to pardon the rafljneffe of My Subjects Swearings^ and to quicken their Jenfe and objeryation ofthofe j«/?, morally and indif pen/able bonds , '^hich thy Word^ and the Laws of this JQngdome have laid upon their Confci- ences-^ From ti?hich no pretenfions ofViety and ^fofma- tion are fufficient to abfotve them-^ or to engage them to any contrary praclifes. Make them at length ferioujly to confider^ that nothing Violent and injurious can be religious • Thou allo'^ejl m mans committing Sacriledge under the ^eal of abhorring Idols. Stiver notfacrilegious dejtgnes to haVe the countenance of religious ties. Thou haft taught m by the wifefl oftQngs^ that it is a fnare to take things that are holy, and after Vo'iips to make enquiry. Ever keep thy Servant from confenting to perjurious and facrilegiows rapines^ that 1 may not ha\>e the brand and curfe to allpofierity^ of robbing Thee and thy Churchy of "a? hat thy bounty hath given m^ and thy chnency hath accepted from us^ ^vherejpith to encourage Learning and ^ligion, Tl:ough My Treafures are exhaujled, My (^Venues di?mmp?ed^ and My Debts encreafed '^ yet neVer fujfer Me to be tempted to ufe fuchprofane ^paratiofu-^ lejl ^ coal from thine ^tar fet Juch afre on My Throne mid ConfciencC'^ (Vs "^ill be hardly quenched. ^ Let not the Debts and Engagements of the Tublicky which ^hich fme mens folly ani prodigality hath contra fled, he an occajion to impoverilJ? thy Church, The State may joon recover ^hy thy hlefiing of peace upon us J The Church is never likely, in times where the Charttie of mojl men isgrolpnfo cold^ and their ^ligton fo illiherall. Continue to thofe that ferVe Thee and thy Qhurch all thofe incouragementS'^ which by the Ti?ill of the pious Do- rtours , and the juftice of the Latins are due unto them- and give them grace to deferVe ^ ufe them aright to thy glory ^ and the relief of the poor'-That thy Triejis maybe clothed Ti?ith righteoufnejfey and the poor may be fatisfied ^ith breads Let not holy things he given to S'^im'^nor the Churches bread to Dogs-^ rather let them go about the City^gryn like a Dog, and grudge that they are not fatisfied. Let thofe facredmorf els, Tt^hichfome men have alrea* dy by violence devoured , never digefl with them, nor theirs: Let them be as N^both s vineyard to Ahzb ^gall in their mouths, rottenneffe to their names, a moth to their Families, and dflmg to their Confcienccs. 'Break infunder, Lord, all violent andfacrilegtous (Confederations, to do ti^ickedly andinjurioujly. Divide their hearts and tongues, ti^ho haVe bandied to- gether againfl the Church and State, that the folly offuch may be manifefl to all men, and proceed nofurtlyer, But fo favour my righteous dealings Lord, that in ^ the mercies of Thee, the moJiHtgh, Imaymvermlf carry. 114 E»'X/Ai> BetJiAiimif 15. Vpon the many lealouftes raifed^ and Scandals cajl upon the iQng , to Jlirre up the 'Feople againjl him. ]F I had not Mine own Innocencie , and Gods protCiStion, it were hard for Me to ftand out againftthofefiratagemsand conflicts of malice^ which by Falfities feek tooppreffe the Truth^and by Jealouiics to fupply the defed: of Reall caufcs^ which might feem to juflific fo unjuft engage- ments againfi: Me* And indeed, the worft cffcds of open hofti- litie, come ihort of theft defigncs : For, I can more willingly lofe my Crowns,then my Crcdir^ nor are my Kingdoms fo dear to Me, as my Re- putation and Honour* Thole mufl: have a period with my life, but thcfe may furvive to a glorious kind ot Immor- tality, when I am dead and gone: A good Name being the embalming of Princes , and a fweet confeerating of them to an Eternity of love and gratitude among Pofterity. Thole foul and falfe aiperfions were fecret en- gins at iirft employed againft My peoples love of Me. that undermining their opinion mA value of Me, My enemies, and theirs coo, might at once blow up their affe^'ons, and bauer down their loyalLiga ^ hcrcira Wherein yetj thank God, the detriment of my Honour is not fo afflidive to Mc ^ as the finnc and danger of my peoples fouls , whofe eyes once Winded with luch myfts of fufpicions^thcy are (bon mi fled into the moft defperate precipi- ces of actions : wherein they do not oncly noc confider their finne and danger, but glory in their zealous adventures ; while 1 am rendred to them fo fit to be dcftroyed, that many are ambitious to merit the name of My Deftroyers. Imagining they then fear God moft, when they leaft honour their King, I thank God, I never found but my pity wis above my anger^ nor have my pafsions ever Co prevailed againft Me,as to exclude my moft com- pafsionate prayers for them, whom devout er- rours^ more then their own malice^have betrayed to a moft religious Rebellion. I had the Charity to interpret, that moft parr or my Subjects ^ fought againft my fuppofcd Er rours, not my Perfon . and intended to mend Me, not to end Me : And I hope, that God par- doning their Errours, hath fo farre accepted iind anfwered their good intentions, thac as he havh yet preferved Me, fo he hath bythcle afflidtioos prepared Me, both to do him better fcrvice, and my People more good,then hitherto I have done. 1 do not more willingly forgive fheir f::dud^i- ,©ns^ which occafioned their 1 y?li injurieSj thc^, I I 2 m\ am ambitious by all Princely merirs to redeem them from their unjuft fufpicions , and reward them for their good intentions. I am too confcious to mine own AfFedtions to-' ward the generality of my pcople,to ru(pe6t theirs to Me. nor fhallthe malice of mine enemies ever be able to det)rivc Me of the comfort, which that confidence gives Me : I fliall never grati- fie the fpighifulneffeof a few, with any finifter thoughts of all their Allegiance^ whom pious frauds have feduced- The wotft fom.e mens ambition can do, fliall never pcrfwade Me, to make fo bad interpretati- ons of moft of My Subjects adions. who pofsi- bly may be Erroneous, but not Heretical in point of Loyaltie. Thefenfe of the injuries done to My Subjedls is as fliarp, as thofe done to My Self^ our wel- fares being infeparablej in this onely they fuffer rr.ore ihenMySelt, that they are animated by lome feducers, to injure at once both themfelves and Me. For this is not enrugh to the malice of My enemies, that 1 be aftlictcd j but it muft be done by filch inftrumenti ,that My afflidions grieve Mc not more then this doih, that i am attli^ted by thofe, whole pro-priity I earneftly defire, and whole ieduclion I heaicily deplore. If they had been nunc open and forrein ene- mies! mics, I could have born ic^ but chey muft be my own SubjecSts , who are next to my Children, dear to Me : And for the reftoring of whole cran. quiHcic, I could willingly be the fonah^ii I d d not evidently forefee, that by the divided Incerefts of their and mine enemies, as by contrary winds, the ftorm of their miferies would be rather en- creafed then allayed. I had rather prevent my Peoples ruine, then rule over thcrn. nor am I To ambitious of that Dominion which is but my Right^as of their happineffe 5 if it could expiate , or countervail fuch a way of obtaining it, by the higheft inju- ries of Subjects committed againft their Sove- reign. Yet I had rather fuffer all the miferies of life, and die many deaths, then fhamefully to deferc, or diflionourably to betray rninc own juftRights and Sovereignty^ thereby to gratifie the ambiti- on, orjuftific the maUce of mme enemies j be- tween whofe malice, and other mens miftakes, I put as great a difference, as between an orduia- Ague and the Plague, or the Icch ofNovelcie, and the Leprofie of Difloyaky. As Liars need have good memories , fo Mali- cious pcrfons need good invendons ^ that their calumnies may fit every mans fancier and what their reproches wane oftauli, they may make up with number and {h:w. My patience ( I thank God ) will better ferve Me to bear^ and my charity to forgive, then my leifure to anlwcrthe many fal(e afperfions which lome men have caft upon Me. Did I not more confider my Subjects fatisfa- <5tion, then mine own Vindication, 1 fliould ne- ver have given the malice of fome men that plea, fure, as to fee Me take notice of, or remember what they fay , or objeca:. I would leave the Authours to be puniflicd by their own evil manners, and ftared Confciences, which will, I believe, in a fhorter time then they be aware of, both confute and revenge all thofc black and falfc Scandals^ which they have caft on Me : And make the world fee, there is as little truth in them, as there was little worth in the broaching of them, or Civilitie ( I need not fay loyaltie ) in the not fupprefsingof them j whole credit and reputation^, even with the people, fball ere long be quite blafled^ by the breath of that fame fornace of popular obloquy^ and detra(5ti- Ofl^ which they have ftudied to heat and inflame to the higheft degree of infamie , and wherein they have fought to caft and confume my Name and Honour. Fir ft, nothing gave Me more caufe to fufped, and iearch my own Innocency^ then when I ob- ferved fo many forward to engage againftM?, who had made great piofcfsioiis of fingular pie- tic: tic: For this gave to vulgar minds fo bad refledu on upon Me, and my caufe,as if it had been im- pofsible to adhere to Me, and not withall de- part from God. to think or fpeak well of Me^and not to blafpheme Him- Co many were perfwaded that theft two were utterly inconliftenc, to be at once Loyall to Me, and truly Religious toward God. Not but that I had (I thank God ) many with Me, which were both Learned and Religious, C much above that ordinary fizc, and that vulgar proportion, wherein fome men glory fo much^ who were fo well fatisfied in the cauie of my fufFerings , that they chofe rather to fuflfer with Me, then forfake Me. Nor is it ftrangc that fo religious Pretcnfions as were ufcd againft Me, fhould be to manywcl- minded men a great temptation to oppoie Me : Efpecially, being urged by fuch popular Preach- ers, as think it no iinne to lie for God, andwhai they pleafe to call Godscaufe, curfing all that will not cur(e with them 5 looking fo much at, and crying up the goodhefle of the end pro- pounded, that they confider not the lawfulneflTe of the means ufcd, nor the depth of the luifchief, chiefly plotted and intended. The weaknelle of thefe mens judgements , mud be made up by their clamours and afti- vitie, 1 A It llO E|*5L«V BAffiAwoj. It was a great part of fome mens Religion, to fcandalize Me and mine j they thought theirs could not be true, if they cried not down mine as falfc. I thank God^ I have had more triall of his grace, as to the conftancy of my Religion in the Proteftant profefsion of the Church of England^ both abroad and at home, then ever they are like to have. Nor do I know any exception, I am fo liable to, in their opinion, as too great a fixcdnefle in that Religion,whofe judicious and folid grounds, both from Scripture and Antiquitie,will not give my Confcience leave to approve or confent to tho(e many dangerous and divided Innovati. ons J which the bold ignorance of fome men would needs obtrude upon Me^and my People. Contrary to thole well-tried foundations both of Truth and Order, which men of farre great- er Learning, and clearer Zeal , have (ettlcd in the Confefsion and Conftitution of this Church in England^ which many former Parliaments in the raoft calm and unpafsionate times, have oft confirmed : In which I fhall ever, by Gods help, pirfevere, as believing it hath moft of Primitive Truch and Order. Nor did my ufing t4ie afsillnnce of fome Pa.* pifts, which were my Subjeds, any way fight sgainft my Religion , as fome men would needs inrcr- interpret it : cfpecially choie who lead of all men cared whom they employed , or what they faid, and did, fo they might prevail. Tis ftrange, that io wife men^ as they would be cfteemed, fhould not conceive. That differen- ces of perfwafion in matters of Religion may ea- fily fall out, where there is the fameneflTc of du- ty, Allegiance, and fubjedion. The firfl: they own as men, and Chriftians to God j the fecond, they ow to Me in Common, as their King, dif- ferent profefsions in point of ReUgion cannot Cany more then in civil Trad£.s ) take away the communitie of relations either to Parents, or to Princcs;And where is there fuch an OgliOjOt med- ley of various Religions in the world again , as thofe men entertain in their fervice , (who find moft fault with Me) without any fcruple, as to the divcrfitie of their Se(5ts and Opinions? It was indeed, a foul and indeUble fliame, for fuch as would be counted Proteftants, to enforce Me, a declared Protcftant, their Lord and King, to a neccflary ufe of Papifts,or any other,who did but their dutie to help Me to defend My Self. Nor did I more then is lawfull for any King , in fuch exigents , to ufe the aid of any his Subjects. 1 am forrie the Papifts (liould have a greater fcnfe of their Allegiance, then many Proteftant Profeffour^. who feem to have learned,and to pra« dife ill . Ei^c^y B«C0-(At)ai* ftife the worft Principles of the worfl: Papifts. Indeed , it had been a very impertinent and unfeafonable Icruple in Me , ( and very pleafing no doubt to My Enemies ) to have been then difputing the points of different beUefs in My Subjects , when I was difputed with by Swords points : and when I needed the help of My Subjects as men ^ no lefle then their prayers as Chriftians. The noile of My Evil CounfcUours was an- other ufcfuU device for thofc , who were impa- tient any mens counfels but their own fhould be followed in Church or State; who were fo eager in giving Me better counfell;, that they would not give Me leave to take it with free* dome, as a Man, or honour, as a King j making their counfels more like a drench that muft be poured down , then a draught which might be fairly and leifurely drank, if I liked it. I will not juflific beyond humane errours and frailties My Self, or My Counfellours: They might be fubjed: to fome mifcarriages , yet fiich iis were fane more reparable by fecond and b-ctter thoughts , then thofe enormous extra- vagancies, wherewith fome men have now even wildred , and alixioft quire loft both Church, C^nd Stare. The event of things at; lafl; will make ic evi- qeiU" Co my Subjed> , chat.Mud I followed the. worft worft Counfels , that My worft Counfellours ever had the boldncfle to offer to Me , or My Self any indination to ufe . I could not fo foon have brought both Church and State in three flourifliing Kingdomes , to flich a Chaos of con- fufions and Hell of miftrics, as fome have doncj out of which they cannot , or will not in the midft of their many great advantages, redeem either Me or my Subjc<5ts. No men were more willing to complain, then I was to redrefle what I (aw in Reafon was cither done or advifed amiflc; and this I thought I had done, even beyond the expectation of mo- derate men : who were forrie to fee Me prone even to injure my Self, out of a Zeal to relieve my Subjects. But other mens infatiable defire of revenge upon Me , my Court, and my Clergie , hath wholly beguiled both Church and State', of the benefit -of all my either Retractations or Concef- fions-and withall, hath deprived all thofe (now fo zealous Perfecutours) both of the comfort and reward of their former pretended perlecutions, wherein they fo much gloried among the vul- gar, and which indeed, a truly humble Chriftian will fo highly prize , as rather not to be relieved, then be revenged , fo as to be bereaved of that Crown of Chriftian patience, which attends humble and injured fuffeccrs. Another Another artifice ufed to withdraw my peo- ples aflFedions from Me to their defignes, was thenoifeand oftentationoflibertic, which men are not more prone to dcfire, then unapt to bear in the popular (enle, which is, To do what every manhkethbeft. If the Divineft libertie be to will what men fhould , and to do what they To will according to Realbn, Laws^ and Religion ; I envie not my Subjects that libertie , which is all I dcfire to en- joy my Sclfj So farre am I from the dcfire of op- prefsing theirs: Nor were thofe Lords and Gen- tlemen which afsifted Me , fo prodigall of their liberties, as with their Lives and Fortunes to help on the enflaving of themfelves 3c their pofterities. As to Civil Immunities , none but fuch as de- fire to drive on their Ambitious and covetous dcfignes over the mines of Church and State, Prince, Peers, and People, will ever dcfire great- er Freedomcs then the Laws allow, wbofe bounds good man count their Ornament and protection , others theirs Manacles and Op* prefsion. Nor is it juft any man fliould expedl the re- ward and benefit of the Law , who defpifeth his JLiIeand direction, lofingjuilly his latety while he feeks an unrcafonable iibertie. Time will beft inform ray Subjedls that thofe are the befl: piciervers of their true liberties , u'ho Eixwy BctffjAtjMj^ 1251 who allow themfelves the lead liccntioufneffe againft or beyond the Laws. They will feel it at laft to their cod , that it is impo!sible thole men fliould be really tender of thtir fellow fubjeds liberties^ who have the har- dinefle to life their King with Co fcvere reftraints, againft all Laws both Divine and Humane: un- der which, yet^ I will rather perifli ^ then com- plun to thoie , who want nothing to complete their m'rch and triumph, butfuch mufick. In point of true confcicntious tendcrneflc (at- tended with humilitie and meekneffe , not with proud and arrogant adivitic , which iecks to hatch every egge of different opinion toaFadti- on or Schifmc j I have oft declared, how little I defire my Laws and Sceptre fliould intrench on Gods Sovereigntie , which is the onely King of mens Confciences j and yet he hath laid fuch re- ftraints upon men , as commands them to be fiibje^t for Confcience fake , giving no men li. bertie to break the Law eflablifhedj, further then with meekneffe and patience, they arc content to fuffer the penalties annexed, rather then perturb the publick Peace. The truth is, fome mens thirft after Novelties, others defpair to relieve the necefsities of their Fortunes, or facisfie their Ambition in peaceable times , (diflrufting Gods providence, as well as their own merits^ were the iecret (but principally impuHivcs l26 E'x.a)V Bi*(riAj)tH. impulfives to thefe popular Commotions ^ by which Subje6ls have been perfwaded to ex- pend much of thole plentifull Eftates they got, and enjoyed under My Government , in peace- able timesj which yet muft now be blafted with all the odious reproches , which impudent ma- lice can invent j and My felf expofed to all thofe contempts, which may moft dirainifh the Maje, ftieofaKing, and increaft the ungratefuU inlo- lencics of my People. For mine Honour, I am well afliired, that as mine Innocency is clear before God, in point of any calumnies they objed j fo My reputation lliall like the Sun (after Owls and Bats have had their freedome in the night and darker times) rife and recover it felf to Rich a degree of fplen- dour, as thofe ferall birds fliall be grieved to be- hold , and unable to bear. For never were any Princes more glorious , then thofe whom God hath fuffered to be tried in the fornace of afflicti- ons by their injurious Subjeds. And who knows but the ^jufl: and mercifuU God will do me good ^ for fome mens hard, falfe^ and evil fpeeches againft Me- wherein they fpeak rather what they wifli, then what they be- lieve, or know. Nor can I fufFcr fo much in point of Ho- nour ^ by thofe rude and fcandaloiis Pamphlets (which like fire in great conflagrations, flie up and and down to let all places on like flames ) as thole men do, who pretending to fo much pietie, are fo forgctfuU of their dutie to God and Me : By no way ever vindicating the Majeftic of thcit King againllany ofthole, who contrary to the precept of God ^ and prelident of Angels , /peak eVil ofdignitks , and bring railing accufadons againjl thofe^ who are honoured with the name of Gods. But 'tis no wonder if men not fearing God, fliGuld not Honour their King, They will calily contemn fuch fhadows of God^ who reverence not that Supreme, and ado- rable Majefty^in comparifon of whom all theglo* fie of Men and Angels is but obfcuritie- yet hach he graven fuch Characters of divine Authority, and Sacred power upon Kings , as none may without fin feek to blot them out. Nor flhall theii* black veils be able to hide the filming of My face, while God gives Me a heart frequently and hum* bly to converlc with him, from whom alone are all the irradiations of true glory and Majeftie. ThoUy Lordy knowejl My reproch^ and My dlfno^ mur^ My JdVerfaries are aR before Thee. M^ Soul is among Lions ^ among them that are Jet oh Jire^ eVen the Sons of Men • '^hoje teeth are /pears and 4rro"S?y. their tongue a fharpf^ord* Mine enemies reproch Me all the day long , a?u! thofe that are mad aga'mjl Me arc j worn together i^ Aiy God J hm long Jl?all the fonms of m^n turn 'My glory into Jhame ? /;oTb long [hall they loye Vanity, and feek after lies ? Thou haft heard the reproches of foicked men on eve- ry fide. Hold not thy peace , left My Enemies prevail againft Me, and lay tnine Honour in the duft, T1?oufi Lord,ft?alt deftroy them that fpeak Hes-^ Th^ Lord will abhor both the hloud-thirfty^ and deceitful! fnen. Make my righteoufneffe to appear 06 the light , and mine innocency to pine forth as the Sun at noon day. Suffer not my filence to betray mine innocence ^ nor my difpleafure y my patience j Tl?at after my Saviours ex- ample^ being reviled ^ I may not reVile again j and being curfed by them, I may blejfe them, TIjou that ivouldft not fuffer Shimci's tongue to go unpuniftjed; when by thy judgements on Davidy^e mi^)t fecm to juftifie hi^ dijdalnfull reproches^ give Me grace to intercede It^ith thy mercy for thefe ?ny enemies , that the regard offalfe and lying tongues^ eVen hot burning coals cfeternallftre, may ?iot be brought upon them. Let my prayers^ and patience, he as water to cool and quench their tonoues^ who arc already fet on fire with the fire of Helly and tormented Ipith thofe malicious flames* Let Me be happy to refute ^and put to filence their eViU fpeaking by w ell-do wg-^and let them enjoy not the fruits of their lips , but of my prayer for their repent ance^ and thy pardon. Teach me D:V\isp:tticnce and Hczckiahs devotion^ that I may look to try mercy ihr:jugh mans malice^ and fee thy juftke m their fin. Let Let S\{A^2iS feiltiQUs fpeeche 5 ^^(hckoX^s rayling^ WShinfiei*s curjhig^ provoke^ as my humble prayer to Thee^fo thy renewed blejVmg to'^ard Me- Though they curfe^ do Thou hlejfey and Ijhdi he hlef- Jedy and made a hie[smg to my People: That thejlone^ Hihich feme budders refufe^ may be'* conie the heddjione of the corner. Look do^n from heaVen^andfaVeMefrom the re- froch of them that "^ould f'^dlo'^ Me up. Hide Me in thefecret of thy prefence,from the pride of man^ and keep Ms from theftrije of tongues. i6. 'Vpon the Ordinance aga'mjl the Com^ mon^Trayer-''B6o^ IT is no news, to have all Innovations ufliered in with the name of R.eformations in Church and State^ by thofe, who feeking to gain reputa, tion with the Vulgar for their extraordinary parts and piety, inufl: needs undo whatever was for- merly letclcd never fo well and wifelyo So hardly can the pride of thole that ftudy Novelties,allow former times any flhare or degree of wifdome or godlineflc. And becaufe matter of prayer and devotion to God, juftly bears a great part in Religion, ( being the Souls more immediate converfe with the Di- vine Majefty) nochirig could be more plaufible CO the People,then to tell them, They laved God amifle in that point, _^ K Hence Hence our publick Liturgic, or Forms of con^ ftant Prayers, muft be ( not amended^ in what upon free and publick advice might ieem to fo* Lcr men inconvenient for matter or manner^ to which I fliould cafily confent, but ) wholly ca- fliiered, and abolifhed, and after many popular contempts offered to the Book, and thofe that ufcd it according to their Conlciences, and the Laws in force , it muft be crucified by an Ordi- nance^ the better to pleafe either thofe men, who gloried in their extemporary vein and fluenciejor others, who confcious to their own formality in tljc ufe of it, thought they fully expiated their finne of not ufing it aright , by laying all the blame upon it,and a totall rejection oi it as a dead lctter,thereby to cxcufe the deadnes of their hearts As for the matter contained in the Book,fober i\nd learned men have fufficiently vindicated it i^gainfl the cavils and exceptions of thofe, who thought it a part of piety, to make what profane objcd:ions they could again ft it, efpecially for Popery and Siiperftition. whereas, no doubt, the Liturgy was cxa«ftly conformed to the do<5lrine of the Church of Enolancl^ and this by all Refor- incd Churches,is confefTed to be moft found and Orthodox. For the manner of ufing (ct and prefcribed Forms, there is no doubt, but that wholfomc words being known and fitted to mens under- ftand- Handings, are fooneft received into their hearts, and apteft to excite arid carry along with them ju- dicious and fervent afFedtions. Nor do i fee any reafon why Chriftians fliould be weary of a welxompoled Liturgie (as I hold this to be ) more then of all other things , where- in the Conftancie abates nothing of the excclleri- cie and ufefulneflc. I could never fee any Reafon, why any Chri- ftian fiiould abhor^ or be forbidden to ufe the fame Forms of Prayer, fince he prayes to the fame God, believes in the fame Saviour, profeffeth the fame Truths, reads the fame Scriptures, hath the fame duties upon him, and feels the fame daily wants for the mofl part, both inward and out^ ward,which are common to the whole Church. Sure^ We may as well beforehand knoW what we pray, as to whom we pray^ and in what words,as to what fenfcj when We defire the fame rhmgs, what hinders we may not u(e the fame words ? Our appetite and digeftion too may be good when we uft, as we pray for, ear daily bread. Some men, I hear, are fo impatient, not to life in all their devotions their own invention and gifts, that they notonely difufe(as too many)but wholly caflaway and contemn the Lords ^rayer^ whofe great guile is, that it is the warrant and ori. ginall pattern of all let Liturgies in the Chnflian Church, ^ K 2 I 122 Ej'jt-ay BctffiXttwi. I ever thought that the proud oflentation of mens abilities tor invention, and the vain afFedta- ricns of variety for exprefsions^ in Publick pray- er, or any facred adminifirations, merits a greater brand of finne, then that which they call Cold- neffe and Barrenneffe : Nor are men in thofe novelties lefle fubjedt to formall and fupcrficiall tempers , ( as to their hearts) then in the ufe of conftant Forms^ where not the words^ but mens hearts are too blame. I make no doubt, but a man may be very for- mall in the moft extemporary varieryj and very fervently devout in the moft wonted exprefsi- ons : Nor is God more a God of variety, then of conftancy : Nor are conftant Forms of Pray- ers more likely to flat^ and hinder the Spirit of prayer and devotion^ then unpremeditated and conlufed variety to diftradt and lofe it. Though I am not againft a grave, modeft, diP creet, and humble ufe of Miniftcrs gifts, even in publick ;, the better to fit, and excite their own, and the Peoples affediions to the prefent occafi* ons 5 yet I know noneccfsity why private and fingle abilities fliould quite juftlc out, and de- prive the Church of the joynt abilities and con- current gifts of many learned and godly men^ fuch as the Comp( fcrs oi the Service-Book were who may in all reafon be thought to have more of dfts and graces enabling them to eompole with with (erious deliberation and concurrent advice^ fuch Forms of Prayers , as may bed fie the Churches common wants , inform the Hearers underftanding, and ftirreupchic fiduciary and fervenc application of their fpirics, Cwherein con- fifts the very life and foul of prayer^ and that Co much pretended Spirit of Prayer^) then any pri- vate man by his (blitary abilities can be preiumed £0 have; which, what they are many times ( even there, where they make a great noife and fh^w ) the affectations, cmpcinciTe, impertinency, rude- nefle^ confufions, flatne(Te,levity, obfcurity^ vain and ridiculous repetitions, the fenfelcffe and ofc- timcs blafphcmous exprefsions. all thcfe burthen- ed with a moft tedious and intolerable kngth^ do fufEciently convince all rnen^ but tbofc who gloa ry in that Pharifaick way. Wherein men muft be ftrangely impudent^and flatterers of them (elves ^ not to have an infinite fliame of what they Co do and fay, in things of fo facred a nature^before God and the Ciurch^af- ter fo ridiculous, and indeed profane a manner. Nar can it be expsdd, but that in dudes of frequent performance, as Sacramentall ad ninL ftracions, and the like, which are ftill the fame, Miniftecs muft either come to ufe th^^ owa Forms conftantly , which are not like to be f j found, or comprchenfive of the nature of the d j- tie, as Forms of Pubiick compofurcj or elfe cliey Kj muft ^34 BiV«y BtLffi\i)(Mt tnuA every time afFcft new cxprefsions when the fubje(aisthefame$ which can hardly be prcfu- med in any mans grcateft. fufliciencies, not to want ( many times ) much of that compleat- nefle^ order, and gravitie becoming tho(e duties- which by this means are expofed at every cclebra* tion to every Minifters private infirmities, indiC pofitions, errours, diforderSj and defeats, both For judgement and exprefsion. A ferious (enfe of which inconveniences in the Church, unavoidably following every mans (everall manner of officiating, no doubt, first oc cafioned the wifdonie and piety of the Ancient Churches, to remedy thole mifchiefs , by the ufe of constant Liturgies of Publick compofure. The want of which, I believe, this Church will fufficiently feel, when the unhappy fruits of many mens ungoverned ignorance , and confi- dent dcfeds,lhall bedifcovered in more errours, fchifmes, diforders, and uncharitable diftradions in Religion^ which are already but too many,thc more is the pity. However, if violence muft needs bring in, and abett thofe Innovations ( that men may not feem to have nothing to do) which Law, Reafbn, and Pweiigion forbids, at leafl: to be fo obtruded , as wholly to jiifiic out the Publick Liturgies Yet nothing can excule that moft unjuftand pai tiall feveritie of thofe men , who cither lately had had fiiblcribed to, ufed, and mainteined the Ser- vice-book- or refufing to ufe it,cried out of the ri- gour of the La^s, and Bifliops , which fuffered them not tou(e the liberty of their Confciences, innotufingit. That the(c men ( I (ay ) fliould fo fuddenly change the Liturgie into a Dirc(5lory, as if the Spirit needed help for invention, though not for exprefsionsjorasif matter prefcribed, did not as much ftint and obftru6t the Spirit, as if it were clothed in, and confined to fit words: r( So (light and eafie is that Legerdemain^ which will ferve to delude the vulgar.) That further, they (Tiould ufe fuch feverity, as not to fufFer without penaltie , any to u(e the Common 'prayer book publickly, although their Confciences bind them to it, as a duty of Pietie to God;, and Obedience to the Laws. Thus I (ee, no men are prone to be greater Tyrants ^ and more rigorous exactors upon o- thcrs, to conform to their illegall novelties- then fuch, whole pride was formerly leaft difpoled to the obedience of lawfull Conftitutions , and whole licentious humours moft pretended Con- lcienciou5 liberties: which freedome with much regret they now allow to Me, and my Chaplains, when they may have leave to ferve Me, whole a- bilities even in their extemporary way, comes not fliort of the others, but their modcfty and learn- ing far exceeds the moft of them. But But this matter is of Co popular a nature, as feme men knew it would not bear learned and fober debates, lead being convinced by the evi- dence of Reafon^ as well as J^aws, they fliould have been driven cither to fin more againft their knowledge, by taking away the Liturgie^ or to difpleafe lome Faction of the people, by continu° ing the ufe of it. Though I believe they have offended more confiderablc men, not onely for their numbers and eftatesj bur for their weighty and judicious piety, then thoft are, whofe weakneffe or giddi- iieffe they fought to gratifie, by taking it away. One of the greatefl: faults fome men found with the Common-Prayer Book, I believe,^ was this^ That it taught them to pray fo ofc for Me o to which Petitions they had not Loy- akie enough to fay ^Snen^ nor yet Charicic e- nough to forbear Reproches, and even curfings of Me in their own forms ^ in ftead of pray- ing for Me. I wifli their Repexitancc may be their oncly punifhmentj that feeing the mifchiefs which che difufe of publick Liturgies hath already .produced , they may reftore that credit, ufe, and ' reverence tothem,which by the ancient Churches were given to fct Forms of found and wholfomc ^nd [/{nd ThoUy Lord^ li^hkh art the fame God, hlejfed foreVerl tiohofe mercies are fuU of variety ^ and yet of conjlancy ^ TIjou demefh m not a new andfrefl) fenfe of our old and dayly wants 5 ?ior defffeU ren€li?ed ajjeElions ]oyned to conflant exprefsions. Let us not want the benefit of thy Churches united and well advi fed Ve'Votions. Let the matters of our prayers he agreeable to thy "^ill^ lohich is alwayes thefime, and theferVeficy ofourj^irits to the motions of thy holy Spirits in us* And then l^e doubt not^ but thy fpirituallperfeclions are fuch ^ 04 thou art neither to be pleafedlpith ajfecled TSloyelties for matter or manmr , nor offended Ipith the pious con/lancy of our Petitions in them both, Whofe varietie or conflancie thou hafl no f^here either forbidden or commanded , but left them to thepietie and prudence of thy Church , that both may be ufed, neither defpifed. K^ep men in that pious moderation of their judgements in matters of^ligion^ that their ignorance may not of fend others y nor their opinion of thetr ol^n abilities tempt. them to deprive others ^ of ft?hat they may lawfully and devoutly ufe^ to help their infirmities, Andfince the advantage of Errour confifts in 7iovelty and Variety ^as Truths in unity and confiancy: Sujjer not thy Church to be pefleredl;>ith errours^and deformed iDith undecencies in thy Service ^ under the pretence of Variety and novelty. Nor to be deprived of truth ^ unity ^ and order, under this fallacy ^That confiancy is the caufe offonnality^ Lord, Ij8 EjX(i» B^fl-iAjjaf. Lord hep m from formaO Hypocrijte in our oT^n hearts J and then we know that praying to thee^ or prai- fing of thee (lijith David , and other holy men) in the fame forms cannot hurt us, GfVe us ipifdome to amend "^hat is amijfe within us, and there '^ill be leffe to mend without us. Evermore defend and deliver thy Church frOfn the ejects of blind :^ealy and oVer-boH devotion. ly. Of the dijferences bety^een the K^ng and the two Houjer , in point of Church^ goyemment. Touching the Government of the Church by Bifhops , the comncion Jealoufie hath been^ thatlamearneftandrefolute to maintain it , not Co much out of pietie , as poUcic , and reafon of State. Wherein fo farre indeed reafon of State doth induce Mc to approve that Government above any other, as I find it impofsible for a Prince to preferve the State in quiet , unlefle he hath fuch an influence upon Church-men j and they fuch a dependence on Him , as may beft reftrain the feditious exorbitancies of Minifters tonguesjwho with the Keys of Heaven have fb farre the Keys of the Peoples hearts, as they prevail much by their Oratorie to let in, andfliut out, both Peace and Loyakic. So * ' . _ ^ So thatCI being as King) intrufted by God,and the Laws ^ with the good both of Church and State. I lee no reafon I fliould give up, or weaken by any change , that power and influence which in right and reafon I ought to have over both. The moving Bifliops out of the Houfe of Peers ( of which I have clicwherc givtn an ac- count ) was fufficienc to take off any (iifpicion^ that I encline to them for any ufe to be made of their Votes in State affairs : Though indeed I never thought any Bifhop worthy to fit in that Hooft , who would not Voce according to his confciencc. I muft now in Charitie be thought defirous to preferve that Government in its right confti- tution J as a matter of Rchgion 5 wherein both my judgement is fully fatisfied ^ that it hath of all other the fulleft Scripture-grounds , and alfo the confl;ant pradice ofallChriftian Churchesj till of late years the tumultuarineffe of People, or the fadtioufneffc and pride of Presbyters , or the covetoufncffe of fome States and Princes, gave occafion to (bme mens wits to invent new models, and propofe them under fpecious tides, of Qhrifls GoVenimenty Sceptre , and K^ngdome 5 the better to ferve their turns , to whom the change was bencficiall. They muft give Me leave, having none of their temptations to invite Me to alter the Go- vernment vernmenc of Bifhops , ( that I may have a tide to their Eftates ) nor to beHeve their pretended grounds to any new wayes , contrary to the full and conftant teftimony of all Hiftories , fuffici- cntly convincing unbiafed men 5 that as the Pri- mitive Churches were undoubtedly governed by the Apofl:lcs,and their immediate Succeflours^thc firft and beft Bifliops * fo ic cannot in rcafon or charitie be fuppofed , that all Churches in the world fliould either be ignorant of the rule by them prefcribed , or fo ibon deviate from their divine and holy pattern: That fince the firft Age, for 1500 years not one example can be produ- ced of any fettled Church , wherein were many Minifters and Congregations , which had not fomeBifhop above them, under whofe jurifdi- 6tion and government they were. Whofe conftant and univerfall praftiie agreeing with fo large and evident Scripture-dirc6tions and examples, as are (etdown in the Epiftlesto Timothy and Tttus^ for the fettling of that Govern- ment, not in the perlbns onely o( Timothy and Tr- t,us^ but in the fuccelsion j (the want of Govern, ment being that which the Church can no more difpcnfe vj^^, in point of wel-being,then the want of the Word and Sacraments, in point of being:), I wonder how men canae to look with fo en- vious an eye upon Bifliops power and authori- tie , as CO overfee both the Ecclefiafticall ufc of them. them y and Apoftolicall conftitution : which to Me fcems no lefle evidently (ct forth^ as to the main fcope and defigne of thofe Epiftles, for the lettling of a peculiar Office ^ Power, and Autho- rity in them, as Prefident-Bifhops above others in point of Ordination , Ccnfures ;, and other A6ts of Ecclcfiafticall difcipline ; then tho(e fhorter characters of the qualities and duties of Presby- ter^Bifliops^ and Deacons, arcdefcribed infbmc parts of the fame Epiftles^ who in the latitude and communitie of the name, were then , and may not now improperly be called !BiJhops , as to the overfight and care of fingle Congregations^ committed to them by the Apostles^ or thofe A- postolicallBifhops, who (as Timothy ^n^Tttus) lucceeded them io that ordinary power there a(- figned over larger divifions , in which were ma«i ny Presbyters. The humilitleof thofe first Bifhops avoiding the eminent title of Apostles , as a name in the Churches ftyle appropriated from its common notion (of a Mejfen^er^ or onefent^) to that fpeciall dignity which had extraordinary call , mifsionjj gitts, and power immediately from Christ : they contented themfelvcs with the ordinary titles of Bifhops and Presbyters , untill ufe , ( the great arbitratour of words , and master of language} finding rcafon to distinguifii by a peculiar name thofe pcrfons , whole power and office were indeed 14^' rLiTLooi DetffiAlJtH. indeed diftinft frdm and abov€ all other in the Church, as fuccceding the Apoftles in the ordina- ry & conftant power of governing the Churches, the honour of ( whole name they moderate ly ^ yet commendably declined ) ail Chriftian Churches (fubmitting to that fpcciall authoritie} appropriated alfo the name of !B//^op,without any fuipicion or reproch ofarrogancie to thole, who were by ApoltoHcall propagation rightly defen- ded and in veiled into that higheft and largefl: power of governing, even the mofl: pure Primi. tive Churches : which , without all doubt had many fuch holy Bifliops, after the pattern ofTi- mothy and T/^wijwhofe Ipeciall power is not more clearly let down in thole Epiftles (the chief grounds and limits of all Epiicopall claim, as from Divine right ) then are the chara(5ters of thefc perilous times , and thole men that make them fuch j who not enduring found Do(5irinCj and clear Teftimonies of all Churches practice, are moft perverie Difpucers, and proud Ulurpers p.gainll crue Epifcopacy: who,if they be notTrai- tours and Boailcrs, yet they feem to be very cove- tous, heady, high-minded ^ inordinate and fierce, lovers of chemlclves, having much of the form, little of the power of godiiiielTe. WhOj by populau heaps of weak, light , and unlearned 1 c-ichers, ieck to overlay and fmocher the prcgaancie and auchoricie of that power of ^ Epif. Epifi:apall Government, which, beyond all equi- vocation and vulgar fallacic of names , is mofl: convincingly let forth, both by Scripture, and all after^Hiftories of the Church. This I write rather like a Divine , then a Prince , that Pofteritie may fee ( if ever thefe papers be publick ) that I had fair grounds both from Scripture , Canons, and Ecclcfiasticall ex- amples, whereon My judgement was ftated for Epifcopall Government. Nor was it any policic of State, or obftinacic of will, or partialitie oi affection, cither to men , or their Function which fixed Me ; who cannot in point of worldly refpe(5ls be fo confiderable to Me , as to recompencc the injuries and loflcs , I, and my deareft relations with my Kingdoms, have fufiained and hazarded, chiefly at firft upon this quarrcll. And not onely in Religion , of which , Scri- pture is the beft rule , and the Churches Univer- fall pradice the beft commentaric 5 but alfo in right reafbn, and the true nature of Govcrnmcni:, it cannot be thought that an orderly Subordina- tion among Presbyters, or Ministers , fliould be any more againft Christianitie , then it is in all fecular and civil Governments , where paricie breeds Confufion and FatStion. I can no more believe , that fuch order is in- confistcnt with true Religion, then good features arc are with beauty, or numbers with harmonicJ Nor is ic likely, that God, who appointed feve- rall orders , and a Prclacie in the Government of his Church^among the Jewifli Priefts, fliould ab- horre or forbid them an^ong Ghriftiati Minifters. who have as much of the principles of fchifme and divifion as other men : for preventing and fupprefsing of which^ the ApoftoHcall wifdome, (which was Divine ) after that Chriftians were multiplied to many Congregations, and Pres- byters vvith them, appointed this way of Go- vernment, which might beft preftrve order and union with Authoritie, Sd that I conceive it Was not the favour of Princes , or ambition of Presbyters , but the wifdome and pietie of the Apoftles , that firft ftttled Bifhops in the Churchy which Authority they conftantly ufed, and enjoyed in thole times^ which were pureft for Religion , though fliarp- eft for Perlecution. Not that I am againft the managing of this Prefidencie and Authoritie in one man , by the foynt Counfeil and confent of many Presbyters: I have offered to reftore that , as a fit means to avoid thole Errours, Corruptions^, and Partiali- ties, which arc incident to any one man : Alfo to avoid Tyranny , which becomes no Chrifti- ans, leaft of all Churchmen^ belkies, it will be a teeans to take awjiy that burden ^ and odium of affairs^j of affairs, which may He too heavie on one mans fliouldcrs, as indeed I think it formerly did on theBifhops here. Nor can I ftc what can be more agreeable both to Reafon and ReHgion , then fuch a frame of Government which is paternally not Magiftedall. and wherein not onely the necefsitie of avoiding Fad:ion and Confufion^ Emulations and Con- tempts, which are prone to arife among equals in power and fundionj but alio the differences of fome Miniftcrs gifts, and aptitudes for Govern- ment above others , doth invite to imploy them^ in reference to thofc abilities^ wherein they are eminent. Nor is this judgerrient of mine touching Epi* fcopacy, any pre occupation of opinion, which will not admit any oppofitions againft it : It is Well known I have endeavoured to fatisfie My Self in what the chief Patrons for other waycs can (ay againft this, or for theirs : And I find they have, as farre lefle of Scripture-grounds, and of Reafon j fo for examples and pradtife of the Church , or teftimonies of Hiftories , they are wholly deftituce, wherein the whole ftream runs fo for Epifcopacy, that there is not the leaft rivu- let for any others. As for thofe obtruded examples of fome Iat@ reformed Churches, (for many retain Bilhops ftiUj) whom necefs-iue of times and al£uis ra. L thcr 14" E/)C(Jv BctcnAj)Mi» ther excufcth, then commendeth for their incon- formity to all Antiquity : I could never fee any uafon why Chwrches orderly reformed and go- verned by Bifhops^ fhould be forced to conform lothofefcWj rather then to the Catholick exam- ple of all Ancient Churches , which needed no Reformation : And to thofe Churches at this day, who governed by Bifhops in all the Chri- ftian world, arc many more then Presbyterians or Independents can pretend to be: All whom the Churches in my three Kingdoms^lately governed by BifhopSjWould equalize(I think}if not exceed. Nor is it any point of wifdome or charity, where Chriftians differ , ( as many do in fome points) there to [widen the differences, and at once to give all the Chriflian world ( except a handful! of fome Proteftants ) fo great a fcan- dall in point of Church*government'5 whom, though you may convince of their errours in fome points of Dodrine, yet you fhall never perfwade them, that to complete their Reforma- tion, they mufl neceffarily delert,and wholly caft off that Government, which they, and all before them, have ever owned as Catholick, Primitive, and Apcftolicall : So farrc, that never Schifma- ticks, nor Hereticks (except thofe Aierians) have ftraycd from the Unity and Conformity of the Church in that point, ever having Bfhops above Presbyters. BcfidesJ Bcfidcs , the late generall approbation and fub- itiifsion to this Government of Bilhops, by the Clergy, as Well as the Laity oF theic Kingdoms, is a great confirmation of my Judgement^ and their inconftancy is a great prejudice againft their noveltie. I cannot in charity fo farreddubt of their learning or integrity, as if they uhderftood not what heretofore they didj or that they did conform contrary to their confciences : So that their facility and levity is never to be excttfed, who, before ever the point of Church-govern- ment had any free and impartiall debate, contrary to their former oaths and pra(5ti(e^ againft their obedience to the Laws in force, atid againft my confent, have not onely quite cried down the Government by Bifliops. but have approved and incouraged the violent and moft illegail ftrip- ping all the Bifhops , and many other Church- men, of all their due Authority and Revenues^ even to the felling away, and utter alienation of thofe Church^lands from any Ecclefiafticall ufes. So great a power hath the ft ream of times, and the prevalency of parties over fomc mens judge*, mcnts 5 of whole Co fudden and fo tdtall change, litde reafon can be givcn^ beiides the Scots Armie coming into England, But the folly of thefe men will at laft punifii it fclf, and the Defertors of Epifeopacy will ap- pear the greateft eaemics to , and bccrayers of L 1 their 1 iS EjVaiv BoLaiXm • their own intercft : for Prcsbyteric is never fo confiderablc or efFeduall, as when it is joyned to, end crowned with Epilcopacie. All Minifters wil find as great a difference in point of thriving, between the favour of the People, and of Princes, as plants do between being watered by hand, or by the fweet and liberall dews of Heaven. The tenuity and contempt of Clergy-men will foon let them fee, what a poor carcafe they are, when parted from the influence of that Head, to whofe Supremacy they have been fworn. A little moderation might have prevented great mifchiefs : lam firm to Primitive Epifcopacy, not to have it extirpated, (if I can hinder it. ) DL fcretion without Pafsion might eafily reform, whatever the ruft oF times, or indulgence of Laws, or corruption of manners have brought upon it. Ic being a giofle vulgar errour to im- pute to, or revenge upon the Function , the faults of times , or perfons ; which feditious and popular principle, and pradifc, all wift- mcn abhorre. For thofc Secular additaments and orna- ments of Authority, Civil Honour, and Eftate, which my Predeceifours, and Chriftian Princes in all Countreys have annexed to Bifliops and Church-men 5 Hook upon them, but as juft re- wards of their learning and piety, who are fit to be in any degree of Chutch-government. alfo ena- enablements to works of Charity, and H )rpita- lity, meec ftrengchenings of their Authority in point of rcfped and obfervancc; which in peace- Full times is hardly paid to any Governours by the mcafareof their virtues, Co much, as by that of their eftatesj Poverty and meanncflc expofing them and their Authority to the contempt of li- centious minds and manners, which perfecuting Times much reftrained. I would have fuchmen Bifhops , as are moft worjchy of thofe incouragements , and bed able to ufe them : if at any time my judgement of men failed, my good intention made my errouc veniall : and fome Bifhops , I am fure I had, whofe learning, gravity ^ and piety, no men of any worth or forehead can deny: But, of all men, I would have Church-men, especially the Go- vernours , to be redeemed from that vulgar ne- gled ^ which C befides an innate principle of vi- cious oppofition, which is in all men againft thofe that (eem to reprove, or reftrain them ) will nc- ceflTarily follow both the Presbyterian parity, which makes all Miniftcrs equall • and the Inde- pendent inferiority, which fets their Paftours bs- low the People. This for my judgement touching Epifcopacy, wherein (God knows) 1 do not gratifis any de- figne or pafsion with the leafl: perverting of Truth And now I appeal to God above , and all tne L 3 Chr-' Chriflian world, whether it be juft for Subjcfts, or pious for Chriftians^ by violence, and infinite indignities, with fervilc rcftraints to feck to force Me their KING and Soyereigne^ as fome men have endeavoured to do, againft all thcfe grounds of my Judgement^ to conlent to their weak and divided novelties. The greateft pretender of them defires not more then I do, That the Church fliould be go- verned^ as Chrift hath appointed, in trueReafon, and in Sgripturcj of which, I could never fee any probable fliewfor any other wayes ; who either content themfelves with the examples of fome Churches in their infancy and folitude,when one Presbyter might ferve one Congregation in z Citie or Countrcy^ or elie they denie thele moft evident Truths, That the Apoftles were Bifhops over thofe Presbyters they ordained, as well as over the Churches they planted,- and that Go- vernment being neceflary for the Churches wel- being, when multiplied and fociated , miift alfo neceflarily defcend from the Apoftles to others, after the example of that power and fuperiority, they had above others^ which could not end with their pcrfons, finccthe life and end of fuch Go- vernment ftill continue, Ic is moft fure, that the pureft Primitive and beft Churches flouriflied under Epifcopacy; and mayfoftill^ if ignorance, fiiperftition , avarice, revenge, revenge, and other diforderly^ and dffloyall paH- fions had not (b blown up fomc mens minds againft it, that what they want of Reafons or Primidve Pattcrns,they fupply with violence and opprefsionj wherein fome mens zeal for Bifliops Lands^Houfts, and Revenues hath fet them on work to eat up Epifcopacy : which ( however other men efteem^ to Me is no Icffe finne, then Sacriledge, or a robbery of G O D, ( the giver of all we have ) of that portion which devout minds have thankfully given again to him, ig giving it to his Church and Prophets 5 through whole hands he gracioufly accepts even a cup of cold water, as a libation offered to himftlf. Furthermore, as to My particular engagement above other men, by an Oath agreeable to My judgement , I am folemnly obliged to preftrve that Government, and the rights of the Church. Were I convinced of the unlawfulnelTe of the Fundtion as Antichristian, ( which fome men boldly, but weakly calumniate ) I could foon, with judgement, break that Oath, which errone- oufly was taken by Me. But being daily by the beft difquifition of truth, more confirmed in the Reafon and Religi- on of that, to which I am fworn 5 How can any man that wifhech not my damnation, perfwadc Me at once to fo notorious and combined fins, of facriledge and perjury? befides the many perfonil L 4 In. 1 52 E{}C0» BftdiAiJCH* Injuftices I muft do to many worthy men, who are as legally invefted in their eftates^ as any who feck l6 deprive them- and they have by no Law been convi(5ted of th^afe crimes , which might forfeit their eftaces and livelihoods. I have ofc wondred, how men pretending to tenderneffe of Confcience and Reformarion, can at once tell Me, that my Coronation Oath binds Me to confent to whatfoever they fhall propound to Me, (which they urge with fuch violence } though contrary to all that Rationall and Religi- ous freedome, which every man ought p pre- ferve,and of which theyfeemfo tender in their own Votes . yet at the fame time thcfe men will needs perfwade Me, That 1 muft, and ought to difpence with, and roundly break that part of my Oath, which binds Me (agreeable to the befl light of Reafon and Religion I have ) to main- tain the Government, and legall Rights of the Church. Tis ftrange my oath fliould be valid in ihatpart, which both my Self, and all men in their own cafe, efteera injurious and unreafona- ble,as being againlt the very naturall and eflential hbertie of our fouls 5 yet it (hould be invalid, and to be broken in another claufe , wherein I think mySelf juftly obhged, both to God and Man. Yet upon this Rack chiefly have I been held fo long, by fomc mens ambkiQus Coyctoufneffe, and and facrilegious Cmelcic ; coituring (with Me) both Church and StatC;, in Civil diflentions^ till I fliali be forced to confent and declare that I do approve ^ what (God knows ) I utterly diflike, and in my Soul abhorre, as many wayes highly againft Reafon, Justice^and Religion; and where- to if I fliould fhamefuUy , and diflhonourably give my confent , yet fliould I not by fo doing, fatisfie the divided Interests and Opinions of thofe Parties^ which contend with each other, as well as both againft Me and Epifcopacie. Nor can my late condefcending to the Scots in point of Church-government , be rightly ob- jected againft Me^ as an inducement for Me, to confent to the like m my other Kingdoms , For it fliould be confidered,that Epifcopacie was not fo rooted and fettled there , as 'tis here; nor I (in that refpedj fb ftridtly bound to continue it in that Kingdome,as in thiS; for what I think in my judgement beft , I may not think fo abfolutely neceffary for all places, and at all times. If any fliall impute my yielding to them , as my failing and finne, I can eafily acknowledge it; but that is no argument to do fo again , or much worfcjl being now more convinced in that point: nor indeed hath rny yielding to them been fo happie and fucceflefull , as to incourage Me to grant the like to others. Did I fee any thing more of Chrifl^ as to Meek-. Meekneflc Juftice^Ordcr, Charitic, and Loyaltie,' in thofe that pretend to other modes of Govern^ ment;, 1 might fufped my judgement to be biaP- fed, or foreftalled with (bme prejadice and wontcdnefleof opinion ; but I have hitherto fo much caufeto fufped: the contrary in the man- ners of many of thofe men, that I cannot from them gain the leafl: reputation for their new waies of Government. Nor can I find that in any Reformed Churches (whofe patterns arc fo cried up , and obtruded upon the Churches under my Dominion) that either Learning, or Rehgion, works of pietie or Charitic -, have fo flouriflhed beyond what they have done in my Kingdoms (by Gods blefsing) which might make Me believe either Presbytery^ or Independencie have a more benigne influence upon the Church and mens hearts and lives, then Epifcopacie in its right conftitution. The abufes of which, dclcrve to be extirpated, as much as the ufe retained 5 for I think it farre better to hold to primitive and uniform Antiqui. tie, then co complie with divided noveltie. A right Epifcopacie would at once fatisfie all juft delires and interefts of good Bifliops, hum- ble Presbyters , and fober People • fo as Church affairs fhould be managed,neither with Tyranny, paricie, norpopularicic j neither Bifhops cje6ted, nor Presbyters delpifed, nor People opprclfed. And And in this integrity both of my Judgement and Confcicnce, I hope God will preferve Mc. For thoufi LorAjknoloeJl my upnghtnejfe^ W tender- nej^e-^ O/S thou baji Jet Me to he a Defender of the Faith, and a Trote flour of thy Church Jo fuffer Mp not by any "violence^ to he oyerborn againft my Confcicnce* Arife^ Lordy maintain thine o'^n caufey let not thy Church be deformed^O/s to that Government ^which derived from thy Apoftles^ hath been retained in purefl andprimi^ live times ^ till th^ ^(eVenues of the Church became the objefl of fecular enVy ^ Ithich feeks to rob it of all the incouragements of Learning and ^ligisn. Make Mty as the good Samaritane^ compafsionatc ^ and helpfull to thy af flitted Church j which fome men have wounded and robbed-^ others pajfe by whout regard e\ther to pity ^ or relieve. As my po'^er is froniThee /ogive me grace to ufe it for T^hee* Afid though I am not fuffered to he Mafter of my other Rights as a King , yetpreferVe Me in that liberty of ^eafon , love of^ligion , and thy Qhuvches Ipeljare^ which are fixed in my Confcience as a Chriflian. TreferVe from facrilegious invafions^ thofe tempiorall hlefsmgs ^ which thy providence hath beftoived on thy Churchy for thy glory. Forgive thetr fins and erronrs^ fi^ho haVe deferVed thy jufl permifsion^ thus to let in the wild 'Boar, andfubtill Foxes. to l^ajle afid deform thy Tineyard^ivhich. thy right hand hand hath planted ^and the de"^ ofHeayenfo lon^ 'Watered to a happy and flour'tjinng efiate, let Menqt hear the infamous brand to aU^ofterity, of being the fir [I Chriflictn King in this K^ngdome^ who p7ould confent to the opprefsion of thy Churchy and the Fathers of it-^ whofe errours I "tifould rather • with Constantine, cover ^ith ftlence, and reform ^ith meekneffe-^ then expofe their perfons^ andfacred Funflim mSy to Vulgar contempt. Thouy Lord , feefl horn much 1 haVefuffered with^ and for thy Church-^ make no long tarry ing^ my God, to deliver both Me^ and it, from unreafonable men^ whofe counfells have brought forth and continue fuch violent confufions^ by a precipitant deflroying the ancient bowt'- daries of thy Churches peace ^ thereby letting in all manner of errours yjchi [me s^ and diforders. thou God of order ^and of truth ^in thy good time^abate the malice ^aff wage the rage^and confound all the mifchie^ Vous devices of thine, mine, and thy Churches enemies. That I, and all that loVe thy Church, mayfing praifes to TheCy and ever magnifie thyfalvation^ eVen before the fonnes of men. 1 8. Vpon Vxbridgc-Tre^/"/e, and other offers made by the K^g. I Look upon the way of Treaties , as a retiring from fighting like Beafts^ to arguing like Men^ whole ftrengch fliould be more in their under- ftandings, then in their limbs. And And though I could fcldomc get opportunities to treat^yet I never wanted either defire or di(pofi- tion toic^ having greater confidence of my Rea- fon,then my Sword: I was fo wholly refolved to yield to the firft, that I thought neither my Self^ nor others fliould need to ufe the lecond, IF once wc rightly understood each other. Nor did I ever think it a diminution of Mc^ to prevent them with eyprefles of my defires, and even importunities to Treat : It being an office^ not onely of humanitie^, rather to uft Rea- foH;, then force ; but al(b of Chriftianitie, to feek peace and purfue it. As I was very unwillingly compelled to defend my Self with Arms, fol very willingly embraced any thing tending to Peace. The events oF all Warre by the Sword being very dubious ^ and of a Civil Warre uncomfor- tablcj the end hardly recompencing ^ and late re- pairing the mifchief of the means. Nor did any fucceffe I had^ever enhaunce with Me the price of Peace , as earneftly defired by Me as any man j though I was like to pay dearer for it then any man : AH that I fought to rcferve was^ Mine Honour, and My Confcience- the one I could not part with as a King , the other as a Chriftian. The Treatie at Uxhr'uhe gave the faireft hopes of an happy conipofure-had others applied them. f-lves 158 Et*x.eU become a Chriflian IQng. 'Betrtipeen both thy hands ^ the right fometimes fupport- ing^ and tk left affliSling 5 fajhion m to that frame of piety thou likejt befl, Forgiye the pride that attends our prof per ouSy and the repinings'^hicb follow our dtfaUrous eyents • fl?hen going forth in our o'^n Jlrength^ thou i^ithdra'^ejl thine , and goefl not forth Mth our Armies. !Be thou ally iphen yt>e arefomething , and ^hen ipe are nothing^^ that thou mayejl have the glory , li?hen i»e are in a cage' of which they r^folvcd , if they prevailed ^ to niake nij[ Self and ^11 my Subjed:s fall dowii, and wor- fiiip the Images ^hcy fhouid form aiiu i^i up : If there Iy6 £(X(fy 3dL9t\i)m» there had been as much of Chrifts Spirit , for meckncffe, wifdome, and charitic in mens hearts, as there was of his name ufed in the pre- tenfions, to reform all to Chrifts Rule, it would certainly have obtained more of Gods blefsing, and produced more of Chrifts Gloric , the Churches good , the Honour of Religion , and the Unitie of Chriftians^ Publick Reformers had need firft Ad: in pri- vate, and praftiic that on their own hearts, which they purp jfe to trie on others ; for Deformities within , will foon betray the Pretenders of pub* lick Reformation, to fuch private defignes as muft needs hinder the publick good. I am fure the right Methods of Reforming the Church, cannot confift with that of perturbing^ the Civil State; nor can ReUgion be juftly advan- ced by deprefsing Loyaltie , which is one of the chiefeft Ingredients, and Ornaments of true Reli- gion: For, next to Fear Gsd^ is. Honour the K^ng, I doubt not but Chrifts Kingdome may be fee up, without pulling down mine ; nor will any men in. imparciall times appear good Chriftians, that approve not themlelves good Subjedts. Chrifts Government will confirm mine,not o- verthrow it, fince as I own mine from Him, fo I defire to rule for his glory, & his Churches good* Had fome men truly intended Chrifts Govern- ment , ox knew what it meant in their hearts^ they they could never have been fo ill governed in their words, and actions, both againft Mc, and one another. As good ends cannot juftifie evil means, fo hor will evil beginnings ever bring forxh good conelufionSj unlcffe God by a miracle of Mercie^ create Light out of Darknefle, order out of our confufions, and peace out of ourpafsioris. tl^oUy L^Yd^ho onely canflgtve us beauty for ap?es^ ani Truth for Hypocrijlejujfer us not to he miferal'ly deluded y^ith TkartfakaU li?a^mgs^ vifieadof Chnjtu annfortmngs* Our greatejl deformities are within^ make us thefeVe- reU CenfurerSy andfirH refortners of our own fouls. Tl?at "ft>e 7nay in ckarneffe of judgement yand upright' ntffe of hearty he means to reform "^hat is indeed amijfe in Qhurch and State, Create in us clean hearts ^ Lord^ arid reneltf right fpirits within ns-^ that we may do all by thy direHions^ t0 thy glory y and with thy hlefsing. Title the deformities^ which fide ra^) and erud 3^e- formers haye brought upon this Church and State t Qiiench the fires itfhich FaFlions have kindled^ undir the pretence of ^forming". As Thou hajljhewed the li^orld hy their diViJioJiSy arid eonfujionsy Hohat is thepraVity of JoiHc mats intentions^ And leeaknejfe of their judgements; fo brmg us at kji imrtrejiried OHt ef tbofejires^ by ti?e methods of Chri- 17? Etxiv BcLm^iw* Uian and charkahle ^formations : ipherein nothing of ambition^ reyenge^ coyttoufnejfe^ orfacriledgej may hayt i 7iy Influence upon their counjels^ iphom thy providence in jpjiand lawful! f^ayes pall entruft with Jo great good ^and iwTH} moU necejfary Iporh Thailand my People may he Jo hlejl l0ith inloard piety ^as may hep teach us holif to uje the hlejsing of oufWard peace* 11. Fpon HisMajeJlies Letters^ ta^en^and divulged. THe taking of ray Letters was an opportuni- tiC;, which , as the malice of mine enemies could hardly have expected ^ fo they knew not how with honour and civility to u(e it : Nor do I think with fober and worthy minds, any thing in them could tend lb much to my reproch^as the Odious divulging of them did to the infamic of the Divulgers : The greatcft experiments of vir- tue and Nobleneffe^ being difcovered in the great- eft advantages againft an enemicj and the great- eft ©bligations being thofe which are put upon us by them, from whom we could leaft have ex-* peded them. And fuch I fliould have efteemed the conceal- ing of my papers : The freedome and fecrefie of which, commands a civility from all men, not wholly barbarous^ nor is there any thing more inhumane^ then to cxpofe them to publick view. Yet Yet fince Providence will have it (o, I am con- tent fo much of my heart ( which I ftudy to ap. prove to Gods omnifcience ) fliould be difcover- cd to the world;, without any of thofe dreflTcs^ or popular captations, which fome men ufc in their Speeches and Exprefles 5 I wiflh my Sub- jeds had yet a clearer fight into ray mofl: reti- red thoughts I Where they might di(cover , how they are divi" ded between theloue and care I have^, not more toprelerve my own Rights, then to procure their peace aud happinefle , and that extreme grief to lee them both deceived and deftroyed. Korean any mens malice be gratified further by my Letters, then to fee my conftancy to my Wife, the Laurs, andR.ehgion. Bees will gather honey where the Spider fucks poyfon. That I endeavour to avoid the preffures of my Enemies, by all fair and juft correfpondencies. no man can blame, who loves Me, or the Coni- mon-wealch 5 fince my Subjects can hardly be happy if I be miferable, or en)oy their peace and liberties while I am oppreflTed* The world may fee how fodn mens dcfignc, like Jbfoloms jis by enorrnous actions to widen dif« ferences^ and exafperate all fides to fuch diftan^ ces^ as may make all reconciliation defperate: Yet I thank God , I can noc onely with patience beat this^ as other indignicies^ fbiic with Cbaiiiiy tor- give thcnl N % The i8o Ej'jt'av Bfltff^Xtttu. The integrity of my intentions is not jealous of any injury^ my cxprelsions can do them^ for although the confidence of privacy may admit greater freedoniie in writing (uch Letters, which m^y be Hablc to envious exceptions- yet the inno* cency of my chief purpofes cannot be lb ftain. cd, or mif- interpreted by them, as not to let all men fee, that I wifh nothing more then an happy compolure of differences with Juflice and Ho- nour, not more to mine own, then my peoples content, who have any fparks of Love or Loyal- tie left in them: who by thofe my Letters may be convinced , that I can both mind and ad: mine own, and my Kingdoms affairs^ fo as becomes a Prince 5 which mine Enemies have alwayes been very loth fliould be believed of Me, as if I were wholly confined to the Dictates and Dircdions of others j whom they plcafe to brand with the names of evil Counfellours* Its probable fomc men wil now look upon Me as my own Counfellour, and having none elle to quarrel with under that notion,they wil hereafter confine their anger to my Self: Although I know they are veiy unwilling 1 fhould enjoy the liberty of mine own Thoughts, or follow the light of mine own Conlcience , which they labour to bring into anabfolute captivity to themfelves^noc allowing me to think their Counfelstobe other then good for Mc, which have fo long maintain- ed a War againft Me. ^ The E'TC'tfy OtLho canst foit- nef^e l^ith my integrity^ ho'iif unjust and falfe thofefcan* dalous miJconstruHions are^ ^vhich my enemies e?jdeaVour by thofe Tapers ofmlm to reprefcnt to the iporld. Make the evil they imagined^ and_ dfpleafure they in^ tended thereby againstMefo to return on their o^Vn heads N A that 1^4 Eaiy BacjAjJOf. that they may heap?amed^ md coyer ed f^kh thir own confu/toriy^ as with a cloako Thou feejl ho^ mine Enemies ufe all means to cloud mint Honour^ to pervert my puj^ojes , and tojlander the Jootjkps of thine Anointed. ^utgiVe Me an heant that degree of Honour and Majejltey which becomes the ^Place m winch thou hajl fet me^ who art the lifter up of my head^ and myfahation. Lord, by thy Grace^ead me til ^^^Jf Glory, which h both true and eternal!, zi. Vpon His Majejlies kaVmg Oxford, and going to the Scots. ALthough God hath given Me three King- doms, yet in thefe He hath not now left Mc any pL^ce, where I may with Safetie and Honour reft my He. d : Sh.wingMcthachimfclfis thefa- fe ft fcft Refuge, and the ftrongeftTowcr of defence, in which I may put my Tiuft. In thefe extremities , I look not to man fo much as to God: He will have it thus, chat I may wholly caft my Self, and my now diflreflcd af- fairs upon his mercie, who hath both hearts and hands of all men in his dilpole. What Piovidencc denies to Force, it may grant to Prudence : Necefsitie is now my Counfellour, and commands Me to ftudie my fafety by a dif- guifed withdrawing from my chiefeft ftrength, and adventuring upon their Loyaltie, whofirfl: began my troubles. Happily God may make them a means honourably to compofe them. This my confidence of Them , may difarm and overcome them j nay rendring my Pcrfon to Them , may engage their affediions to Me, who have oft profeflcd, They fought not againjl Me^ hut for Me. I muft now refolve the riddle of their Loy« altie, and give them opportunitie to let the world fee, they mean not what they do, but whac they fay. Yet muft GodbeMy chiefeft Guard -and M^, Conicience both My Counfellour and My Com- forter; Though I put My Body into their hands, yet I fliall referve My Soul to God, and My Self. nor fhall any neccfsities compcU Me , to dcferc Mine Honour, or fwerve from My Judgement, What i86 Ei)c«^ B*«Aijof, Whatthey fought to take by force, fliall now be given them in fuch a way of unufuall confi- dence of them , as may make them afhamed not to be really fuch as they ought^jandprofeffed to be God fees it not enough to deprive Me of all Militarie power to defend My fclf| but to put Me upon ufing their power , who fecm to fight a- gainfl; Me^ yet ought in dutie to defend Me. So various are all humane affairs , and fo nc- ce(sitous may the ftate of Princes be , that their \ greateft danger may be in their fuppofed fafetiCj, and their faFetic in their fuppofed danger, I muft now leave thofe , that have adhered to Me, and applie to thofe that have oppofed Mc; this method of Peace may be more profperous, then that ©f Warre , both to flop the effufion of bloud, and to clofe thofe wounds already made: and in it I am no leffe folicitous fox My Friends fafetie, then Mine own ; chofing to venture My Self upon further hazards^rather then expofe their refolute Loyaltic to all extremities. It is fome skill in play to know when a game is loftj better fairly to give over , then to conteil in vain. I muft now ftudie to reinforce My judgement^ and fortifie My mind with Reafbn and Religion^ that I may not (eem to offer up My Souls libertie, or make My Confcience their Captive ; whp. ought at firft to have ufed Arguments^not Arms, to to have perfwaded My cpnicqt tp their new demands. I thank God, no fucceffe darkens or dilguifes Truth to Me 5 and I fhall no leffe conform my words to my inward dictates now , then it they had been, as the words of a King ought to be among loyall Subje(5ts, fuUof poiper. Reafon is the divineft power: I fhall nevci: think my Self weakned while I may make full and free ufe of that. No eclipfe of outward for- tune fhall rob Me of that light ; what God hath denied of outward flrength, his grace ^ ^^^hope, will fupplie with inward rcfplutions 5 not moro- fitie to denie what is fit to be granted, but not to grant any thing , which Reafon and Religion bids Me denie. I fhall never think my Self IcfTc then my Self, ^hile 1 am able thus to preferve the Integritie of my Confcience , the onely Jewel now lek Me, which is worth keeping. thou SoVereigne of our Souls , the onely Commander of our Confcicnces ^ though Iknoli? not iphat to do , yet mine eyes are toli^ards Thee : To the proteclm of thy mercy I Will commend my Self, j{s thou hajl preferred me in the day of Battel Jo thoti^ canUflill peti? me thyftrenph in my l^eaknef^e. Be thou unto me in my darkefl ^tight^ a pillar of fire ^ to enlighten and dire^^ me-^ in the day of my botteji affli- Bioft. flion^ be alfo a piBar ef cloud to oyerpado^ and proteSl M&'^ he to Me both a Sunne and a Shield. Tlyou knoli^elly that it is not any perVerfeneff'e ofwiH^ but ]tift perfwajlons of Honour ^ %eafon , and ^ligton, which haye made Me thus farre to ha:^ard my Terfon, Teace y and Safety , againji thofe that by force have fought to ti?refl them from Me, Sujfer not my juH refolutions to abate with my outward Forces-^ Let a good Confcience ah>ayes dccompany Me, in My greatefl fditude and defer tiom. Suffer Me not to betray thepo'Poers of^afon^and that fortrejfe of my Sout^wkch lam intrujied to keep for Tlwe^ Lead Me in the paths of thy right^oufnejfe^ and fhew Methy fahation. Make my "^ayes topleafe Tloee ^ and then thou "^ilt mdke Mine Enemies to be at peace fi^ith Me. z^. Vponthe Scots deity ering the IQng to the En^liih^andHis Captiyitj at Holme- by. Y E-t may Ijuftific thofc Scots to all the world in this , that they have not deceived Me j for I never trufted to them further then to men: if I am (old by them, I am onely forrie they fliould do itj and that my price fliould be (b much above my Savious;s. Theft arc but further Eflays, which God will have Me make of mans uncercaintie , the more to to fix Mc on himfclf , who never faileth them that truft in him : Though the Reeds of E^ypt break under the hand of him that leans on them, yet the Rock of Ifrael will be an cverlafting flay and defence. Gods providence commands Mc to retire front all to himfelf , that in him I may enjoy my Self^ which I lo(c, while I let out my hopes to others. The (blicudc and captivitie, to which I am now reduced, gives Me leifure enough to ftudie the worlds v^iintie and inconftancie. ^ God fees it fie to deprive Mc of Wife, Chil* dren, Army, Friends, and Freedome, that I may be wholly his, who alone is all. I'care not much to be reckoned among the Un- fortunate, if I be not in the black Lift of irreligi";; ous, and lacrilegious Princes. No reftraint fliall enfnarc my Soul in finne, nor gain that of Me , which may make my Ene- mies more infolent, my Friends afliamed, or my Name accurfcd. They have no great caule to triumph, that they have got my Perfon into their power ^ fince my Soul IS ftill my own. nor (hall they ever gain my Confcnt againft my Ccnfcience. What they call obstinacie,! know God accounts honeft conftancie , from which Reafon and Re-^ ligion, as \\^ell as Honour forbid Mc to recede. Tis evident now , that it was not evil Coun- fellours fellours with Me, but a good Confcience in Mc , which hath been fought againft 5 nor did they ever intend to bring Me to my Parliament, till they had brought my mind to their obedience. Should I grant what Ibme men defircjfhould be fwch as they wifh Mc 5 not mote a King ^ and farre Icfle both Man and Chriftian. What Tumults and Armies could not obtain, neither fliall Reftraint ; which though it have as little of fafetie to a Prince, yet it hath not more of danger. The feat df men fliall never be my fnarc; nor^ fhall the love of any libertie entangle my Soul; Better others betray Me , then my Self : and that the price of my libertie fliould be my Confci- enccj the grcateft injuries my Enemies leek to in- flid: upon me,cannot be without my own confent While I can denie with Reafon , I fliall defeat the greateft imprefsions of their malice, who nei- ther know how to ufe worthily, what I have aU readie granted ; nor what to require more of Me but this,That I would leem willing to help them to deftroy My Self and Mine. Although they fliould deftroy Me , yet they fliall have no cau(c to defpife Me. Neither libertie nor life are fo dear to Mc^ as the peace of my Confcience , the Honour of ray Crowns^and the welfare of my people, which my Word may injure more then any Wartc can do| While I gracifie a few to oppreflfc alL The The L^i will, by Gods blefsing, rcvive^wich the love and Loyakic of my Subjcd:sj if I buric them not by my confent, and cover them in that grave of diflionour, and injufticc , which feme mens violence hath digged for them. If my captivitie or death muft be the price of their redemption, I grudge not to pay it* No condition can make a King miferablc, which carries not with it, his Souls, his Peoples, and Pofterities thraldome. After-times may fee, what the blindneffe of 'this Age will not , and God may at length fliew my SubjedlSjthat I chofe rather to fuffer for them^ then with them : happily I might redeem my Self to fome fhew of libcrtie, if 1 would confent to enflave them: I had rather hazard the ruinc of one King , then to confirm many Tyrants over them . from whom I pray God delivei: them, whatever becomes of Me , whofe folitude hath not left Me alone. For Thou J Gody infinitely good^ and greats art ti?ith Me^ ft^hofe prefence is better then life , and whofe fcrVice is perfeB freedome» Ofifn Me for thy Servant , and 1 fJmll never haye caufe to complain for ^ant of that liberty , 'Tphi'ch be^ comes a Man^ a ChriHian, and a K^ng, !BleJfe Me fid with ^afon^ as a Mayi-^ with ^Ugion^ ' m a Chrifiian-^ and H^ith Conjiancy in Jpfiice^as a IQng. Though 1^2 EtX/ay BotaiAiJOM* "Tbou^ Tim fuffere/i Me to be ftrij^t of all oufUfUrd ornaments ^ yet preferVe Me ever in tbofe enjoyments^ wherein 1 may eUjoy thyfelf* and '^bich cannot betaken from Me a^ainH My Ti>ilL Let no fire ofaffliHion boyl over My pafsion to any impatience, or fordtd fears. There be many fay ofMe, There is no help for Me'- do thou lift up the li^bt of thy Countenance upon Me^ and I JJ?all neither Ipdntfafety, liberty , nor MajeBy. Give Me that meafure of patience and conjiancy^which my condition noti? requires. My Hrength isfcatteredy Mji eXpcElation from Men defeated. My perfon restrained: be not thou farrefrom Me, lest My enemies pre'Vail too much against Me* Jam become ct wonder , and afcom to many: be thoa my Helper and defender. Shewfome token upon Me for good , that they that hate Me may he ajhamed^ becaufe thou Lordy hast holpen and comforted Me: establifl? Mewiththy free Spirit ^ that 1 may do andfuffer thy l^illy as thou wouldst haye Me, !Be mercifull to Me, Lord , for my Soul trust eth in Thee-^ yea^and in the [Jndol? of thy yioings Tt^ill hnake my refuge yUntill theje calamities be overpast* Artfe tQ deliver Me^ make no long tarrying, my God,, Though thou killest Me^yet l^ill I trust in thy mercy ^ and my Saviours merit* I kno^i? that my ^deemer liVetb'^ though Thou leadesi Mc through the Vale andjhado^^ of death ^ yet fl^all 1 fear none ilL 24* Ujm %/\,. Vpon their denying His MajeHy the Attendance of His Chaplains. WHen Providence was pleafed to deprive Me of all other civill comforts, and fe- cular attendants, I thought the abfence of them all might beft be fupplyed by the attendance of fome of my Chaplains, whom for their Function I reverence, and for their Fidelicie I have caufe to love. By their learning, pietie, and prayers^ I ho- pedto be either better enabled to fuftain the want of all other enjoyments ^ or better fitted tor the recovery and ufe of them in Gods good time : fo reaping by their pious help a fpiritaall harveft of grace amidft the thorns, and after thcploughings of temporall crofles. The truth is, I never needed or defired more thcfervice and afsistance of men judicioufly pi- ous, and foberly devout. The folitude they have confined Me unto, adds the Wildernelfe to my temptations: For the com- pany they obtrude upon Me, is more lad then any folitude can be. If I had asked my Revenues, my Power of the Militia, or any one of my Kingdoms, it had been no wonder to have been denied in chofe things^ where the evil policy of m:?n forbids all juft re- ftitution, leajft they lliould contelTcaa iojiuiou? ufurpacion: But to deny Me the Ghafdy comtor? of my Chaplains, feems a greater rigour and bar- barity, then is ever ufcd by Chriftians to the meaneft Prifoners, and grcateft Malefaftours 5 Wfiom thoDgh the Juftice of the Law deprive of worldly comforts, yet the mercy of Religion al- lows them the benefit of their Clergie , as not aiming at once to deftrOy their Bodies ^ and to damne their Souls. But my j^gony muft not be relieved with the prefence of any one good Angelj for fuch I ac- count a Learned, Godly ,and difcreet Divine: and fuch I would have all mine to be. They that envy my being a King , are loth I fiiould be a Chriftiauj while they fcek to deprive Me of all things elfe, they are afraid Ifliould fave my foul. Other fenfe, Charity it felf can hardly pick out of thofe many harfh repulfes I received, as to that requeft fo often made for the attendance of fon\£ of my Chaplains. I have fometime thought the unchriftianncflc of thofe denials, might arife from adifpleafure fome men had to fee Me prefer my own Divines, before their Minifters: whom , though I refpedt for that worth and piety which may be in them- yet I cannot think them lo proper for any prefent comforters or Pbyficians ; who have ( fome of them at leaft ) bad fo great an influence in occa* honing chefe calamities, and infliloofe ferVencie might 'mfltim& the coUneffe of my affefliom tol^ards thee « l^hen we f^ent to, or met in thy Houfe tfi'ith the Voice of joy andgladnej^e, '^or- pipping thee in the unity of fpirits , and Vith the bond of Teace- forgive the rtegleFl^ and not improving thofe happy opportunities. It is 710^ thy pleafure that Ifl)Ould he as a Pelican, in the "^ilderneffe , as a Sparrolf on the houfe top^ and as a coal fcattered from att thofe pious glowmgs , and devout reflexions , Ti^hich might heft kindle , preferVe^ and m. creafe the holy fire of thy graces on the jiltar of my hearty "Sijhencethe facrifice of prayers ^ and incenfe of praifes^ might be duly offered up to thee, iety Othou that breake/f not the bruifed^edy nor quencheft thefmoking Flax^ do not defpife the weakneffe of my prayers , nor the fmotherings of my Soul in this uncomfortable loneneffe ; to Iphich I am miftrained by fome mens uncharitable deniaUs of thofe helps , which I much want^ and no leffe defire* let the hardnef^e of their hearts occafion the f often- ings of mine to Tl^ee^ and for Tl?em. Let their hatred kindle my loVe , let their unreafonable denials of my ^' ligious defires , the more excite my prayers to thee. Let their inexorable dcafneffe incline time eare to me ^ "^ho art a God eafie to be entreated • thine eare is not heavy ^ that it cannot , nor thy heart hard, that it "i^tll net heare- nor thy hand fl^ortened , that it cannot help Me thy defo^. late Supppliant. thoti Thau ptmlttejl men to deprive me of thofe oumard leans, lifhich thou hajl appomted in thy Churchy but they mml debarre me from the communion of that Mard racCy l0hkh thou aim hreatheji into humble hearts. make me fuch , and thou "fi^i/t teach me . thou wilt tare me thou wilt helf me : The broken and contrite eart I know thou wilt not dejpife. Thou, Lord, cavjl at once make me thy Temple, thy "^riefl, thy Sacrifice, and thine Altar-, -^hilefrom an hum- k heart (I alone) daily offer up in holy meditations, fer- yent prayers , and unfeigned tears my f elf to thee -^y ho nparefi: me for thee, dTt^ellefi in me, and acceptefl of me. Thou, Lord, didjl caufe by fecret fupplies and mira. •ulourinfufions, that the handfall of meal in the Veffel Imld notfpend , nor the little oyl in the cruife fail the Wido"^, during the time of drought and^ deart^?. look on my foul, fi)htch ^ a Widot>j is «o> de folate mdforfaken: let not thofe faVmg Truths Ihaye formerly ^earned WS^ fail my memory . nor the floeet effuftens of iby Spirit, •^hichlhaye fometime felt , nolip be wanting )o my heart in this famine of ordinary and whlefome food, for the refrefimg of my SouL Which yet I had rather choofe, then to feed from th^ hands whe mingle my bread '^ith apes, and my wine with gall; rather tormenting, then teaching me^ tphofe mouthes are proner to bitter reproches of me , then to hearty prayers forme. Thou kno-^eU , Lord of truth , ho-^ oft they ll^reft thy holy Scriptures to Mj deflrufiion,(which are clear for their I 204 E(Xay^ but tb hand of jujlice mujl he fir etched outfUH-^Let it^ Ihefeec thee ^ be againji mcy and my Fathers houfei ds forthej fieep^ what have they done. Let iky fujferings jattate the malice of mine , andth Qhurches enemies} i (But let their cruelty neVer exceed the meafure of A charity. Sanifl? from me all thoughts of ^eVenge*^ thatlma^ not lofe the retpard^ iior thou the glory of my patience. Js thougiVeUmea heart to forgive them^ fo I be feech thee , do thou forgive what they haVe done againj thee and me. And not^^ Lord , as thou hafl given me an heart t\ pray Unto thee^ fo heare and accept this Vow , yphich make before thee. If thou "^dt in ?nercy remember Me , and My IQng doim-^ hi continumg the light of thy Go/pel , and fettling thy true ^ligion among us: Inreftoring m to the benefit of the La%s , and the dm execution of fu/iice: Infupprefsing the ma^jy Schifnes in Church , a?td Pa* Hwns in State: If thou wilt rejhre me and mine to the Ancie^it rights and glory of my Tredec c /fours : If E/x.fi)y Bai. 207 If thou ti^ilt turn the hearts of my people tothy felfin Tiety^ to me in Loyalty ^and to one another in Qjaritiei if thou l^ilt quench the flames , and t^ithdram the ff^el ofthefe CiVd Warres: If thou flfilt hlejfe us yDith the freedome of puhlick Counjels, and deliver the Honour of Parliaments from the infolencie of the "Vulgar: If thou wilt keep me from the great ojfence of enacting any thingagainjl my Confcience • and efpecially from con- fentingto facrilegioHS rapines ^and fpoilings of thy Church: If thou "Si^ilt rejlore me to a capacity toglorifie thee in doing goody both to the Church and State: Then /hall my foul praife thee ^ and magnifie thy mme before my People. Then p7all thy glory be dearer to me then my Crowns-^ and the advancement of true (J^ligion both in purity and power y be my chief eU care. Then ti)illlrule my People l^ithjuUice^ and my IQng» doms wh equity. Tothy more immediate hand f? all I ever own^as the rtghtfull fuccefsion, fo the mercifull rejlauration of my B^mgdomSy and the glory of them. If thou "^ilt bring Me again 1i?ith peace ^ fafety ^ and honour J to My chiefeft City^ and my Parliament: If thou lipilt again put the Sword of ^uftice into my handy to punijh andprotefl: Then '^illlmak.e all the world to fee, and my Very Ene- mies to enjoy the benefit of this Vow c7id nfintion of Chriflian charity^ Iphichlno'^ make unto thec^ Lord, Js As I do freely pardon for Q?riJFsfake thofe tlut have offended me in any h^dji) my hand p^aO never be againjl any man to re'Venge what i^pajl^ in regard of any parti* cular injury done to me. We have been mutually punt ft) ed in our unnaturall di- njifionS'^ for thy fake^ Lord , and for the loVeof my (Redeemer, have Ipurpofed this in my hearty That 1 will ufe all means in the "^ayes of amnejfyy and indempnititie, ivhich may mofi fully remove all fears ^ and bury all jea- louftesin forgetfulnejfe* Let thy mercies be toward Me and Mine^ as my refor, lutions of Truth and Teace are to'^ard my People, Heare 7ny prayer^ Lord , ti^hich goeth not out of feigned lips, Sleffed be God^ Tifho hath not turned afijay my prayer^ 7ior taken his mercy from me, my foul^ commit thy way to the Lord^ truji in him, and he fl7all bring it to pajfe, Sut if thou ^ilt not rejlore me a?id mine^ what am I that I (i)ould charge thee fooltjJily'i Thou^ Lord^ haHgiven^ and thou hajl taken^ Slef- fed be thy name. May my People and thy Qnirch he hap^y^ if not by fne^ yet yipithoiit me. i6. Up on 26>Fpon the Armies Surpri fall of theY^i^G at Holmeby, and the enfmng dijlra-- Bions in thetmHouJes^ the Army^ and the City. W Hat part God will haveMc now toa(fi orfuffcrjin this new and ftrange fcenc of affairs , I am not much felicitous : forae little pradifc will ferve that man , who onely feeks lo reprefent a part of honefty and honour. This furprize of Me tells the world, that a KING cannot be fo low^but He is confiderable- adding weight to that Partie where he appears. This motion, Hke others of the Times, feem^ cxcentrique and irregular, yet not well to be refi- fted or quieted: Better fwim down fuch a ftream, then in vain to ftrive againft it. Thefe arc but the ftruglings of thole twins, which lately one womb enclofed , the younger ftriving to prevail againft the elder- what the Pres- byterians have hunted after , the Independents now (eek to catch for themfelves. So impofsible is it for lines to be drawn froin the centre, and not to divide from each other, fo much the wider, by how much they go farther from the point of U nion . That the Builders of BAhd iliould from divi- flon fall CO cojitufion^is no wonder- but for ch )ic P that 210 Ej'X'av BoKriXlJWf. that pretend to build ^erufalem , "to divide their tongues and hands^ is but an ill omen , and founds too like the fury of thofe Zealots, whofe intc. nine bitterneflc and divifions, were thegrcateft cccaficn of the laft fatall deftru6tion of that Cicy. Well may I change my Keepers and Prifon, but not my captive condition, oncly with this hope of bettering, that thofc who are fo much profefled Patrons for the Peoples Liberties, can- not be utterly againfl: the Libertie of their KINGj what they deoiand for their own Confciences, they cannot in Reafon denic to Mine. In this they fcem more ingenuous^ then the Presbyterian rigour , who fom.ctimcs complain- ing of exad:ing their conforraitic to Laws, arc become the greatejft Exadours of other mens fubJ mifsion to their novel injunctions , before they are ftamped with the Authority of Laws, which they cannot well have without my confent, Tis a great argument, that the Independents think themlelves manumitted from their Rivals fervice, in that they carry on a bufineflTe of fuch confequence , as the affuming my Perfon into the Armies cuftody, without any Commifsion, but that of their own will and power. Such as will thus adventure on a KING, muft not be thought over-mcdeft, or timerous to carry on any defigne they have a mind to. Their next motion , m^enaccs and fcares both the E»V«v BotjiAjx^. 2ll the two Houfes and the City : which foon-aftcr ading over again chat former part of tumultuary motions, (never queftioned,puninied^ or repen- ted) muft now fufferfor both,& fee their former iin in the glafle of the prefent terroUrs and diftra- (5tions. No man is Co bhnd as not to fee herein the hand of Divine Jufticejthey that by Tumults firft occafioned the railing of Armies^ muft now be chaftened by their own Army for new Tumults. So hardly can men be content with one fin,buc adde fin to fin, till the latter punifh the former: luch as were content to fee Me and many Mem- bers of both Houfes driven away, by the firft un- fupprcfsed Tumults,are now forced to flie to an Armie, or defend themlelves againft them. But who can unfold the riddle of fi^me mens juftice? the Members of both Houfes who a£ firft withdrew, ( as my Self was forced to do ) fro^m the rudenefle of the tumults, were counted deferters, and outed of their places in Parliamcnr^ Such as ftayed then, and enjoyed thebenefic of the tumults, were afierted for the onely Par- liament men: now the fliers from, and forfakers of their Places, cany the Parliamentary powe along with them, complain highly againU the tumults, and vindicate themdlves by an Army: filch as remaiaed and kept their iiitioas, are looked upon as Abeccours of tumukti iry mfoiea-^ cies, and betrayers of the Frcedome and honour of Parliament. Thus is Power above all Rule , Order, and Law, where men look more to prefent advanta- gcSjthcn their Confciences^and the unchangeable rules of Juftice : while they are judges of others, they are forced to condemn themielves. Now the plea againft Tumults holds good;, the i\uthours and Abettours of them are guilty of prodigious infolencics , when as before , they were counted as Friends , and neccflaric Afsi* ftants. I lee Vengeance purfues and overtakes ( as the Mice and Rats are faid to have done a Bifliop in Germany ) them that thought to have efcaped and fortified thcmfelves mod impregnably againft it, both by their multitude and compliance. Whom the Laws cannot, God willpunifli,by their own crimes and hands. I cannot but obferve this Divine Juftice, yet with forrow and pity: for I alwayes wiflied Co well to Parliament and Citie, that I was forrie to (ee them do, or fuffer any thing unworthy fiich great and confiderable bodies in this Kingdonae. I was glad to fee them onely feared and hum- bled, not broken by that fliaking : I never had fo ill a thought of thofe Cities , as to defpair of their Loyalcie to Me* which miftakes might eclipfe, but I never believed malic« had quite put out. I I pray God the ftorm be yet wholly pafled o* ^ct them^upon whom I look^as Chrift did feme- time over ^erufalem^as ©bjc6ts of my Prayers and tears, with compafsionate grief forcfccing thole fcvcrer fcatterings ^ which will certainly befall fuch as wantonly rcfule to be gathered to their duty: fatall blindnefle frequently attending and punifliing wilfulneflcj fo that men fliall not be able at laft, to prevent their forrows, who would not timely repent of their finsj nor fliall they be fufFered to enjoy the comforts, who lecurely ne- gled: the counfels belonging to their peace They wil find,that brethren in iniquity are not far from becoming infolent enemies^ there being nothing harder, then to keep ill men long in one mind. Nor is it pofsible to gain a fair period for tbofe notions which go rather in a round and circle of fanfic, then in a right line of Reafon tending to the Law, the onely centre ofpublick confiftencyj whither I pray God at laft bring all fides. Which will eafily be done,when we fliall fully lee how much more happy we are, to be fubjed: to the known Laws, then to the various wills of any men, fecm they never fo plaufiblc at firft^ Vulgar compliance with any illegall and exitra* vagant wayes,like violent motions in nature,fooa grows weary of it felf, and ends in a refradoric fullennes: Peoples rebounds are ofc in their faces , who firft put them upon thole violent ftrokes. P J For 214 Ej'jtav BocfftAi)c«. For the Army (which is fo farre excufable, as they act according to Souldiers principles^ and interefts , demanding Pay and Indemnitic ) I think it neccfiary, in order to the pubUck Peace, that they flioiild be latisfisd, as far as is juftj no man being more pi one to confider them then my Self: though they have fought againft Me, yet I cannot buc fo farre efteem that valour and gaU lantry they have fometime fhewedy^s to wifli I may never want fuch men to maintain my Self, my LawSj and my Kingdoms, in fuch a peace, as wherein they may enjoy their (hare andproport tion as much as any men. (But ThoUy Lord- -'^ho art per feci Unity in afa» cred Trinity y in mercy heboid thofe^ 'n?hom thy Juflice hath divided. Deity er Me from thejiriVmgs of my ^eopUyandmake Me to fee hol^ nrnch they need my prayers and pitie^ fi^ho agreed to fight agamU Me^ and yet are now ready to fight againU one another^ to the continuance of my Kjngdoms diJhaElions, DiJcoVer to all fides the wayes of ^eace, from Iphich thy hayefwarVcd-j Iphich conftjls jwt in the divided wils of parties ^hut in the joint ^ due obferVation of the La'^s Make Me frilling to go whither thou wilt lead Me hy thy TroVtdence-^ and be Thou eVer Ipith Me^ that I may fee thy conftancie m the \Vorlds noarietie and changes. , . Mike Me even fuch as Thou wouldfl haVe M, that 1 may may at laH enjoy thatfafety and tranquUity^ which Thou done canjlgtye Me* Divert^ I pray thee^Q Lord ^ thy heayy '^rath juUly hangm^ ol^er thofe populous Cities^ ^hofe plenty is prone to addefe^el to their luxury , their ivealth to make them li?anton^ their fnultitudes tempting them tofecurity, and their fecurity expojing them to tmexpecledmiferies. Give them eyes tojee^ hearts to confider^wils to em- brace^ and courage toafi thofe things ^hich belong to Thy Glory and the Tublick ^eace^ leaji their calamity cmie upon th&n as an armed man. Teach them J that they cannot "^ant enemies ^ T^ho a- bound injinne^ ?iorp?all they be long undif armed and un- dejiroycd^ yi^ho loith a high hand perjifltng to fight againft Thee^ and the clear conYiFlions of their ol^n confidences , fight more again fi: themjelvesjthen eVer they didagainfi me Their finnes expofitng them to thy fuHice^their riches toothers injuries^ their number to tumults^ and their tu* mults to confiufion. Though they have loith much forT^ardnefife helped to deflroy Me, yet let not my fall he their rutne-, Let Me not Jo much confider , either '^hat they haVe done J or I haVefufifered^ (chiefly at firfi by them ) as to forget to imitate my crucified ^deemer^ to plead their ignorance for their pardon ; and in my dying extremities to pray to Thee^ Father ^to forgive them^for they kneu? not '^hat they did, Xhe tears they have dmiedMein my faddeft condition^ giVi them grace to hefioiv upon themf elves ^ tvho the lefif^ P 4 th they yt^erefor Me , the more caufethey have to weep for themfelves, Oletmt myhloudbe upon them and their Children, Jihom the fraud and faFlton offme^ not the malice of cdly haye excited to cnicljie Me, Sut Ti:ou^ Lord^ canft, and ^Vdt ( m Thou didft my Redeemer ) both exalt and pcrfeB Me hy myfujfermgs^ l^hich haye more tn them of thy mercy, then of mans cru- elty^ or thy ownjujiice, zy.To the Trince of Wales. SOn, if thefe Papers, with fomc others, where- in I have (et down the private refledions of my Confcience.cind ray moft impartial thoughts, touching the chief palTages, which have been moft remarkable or difputed in my late troubles, come to tyour hands, to whom they arc chiefly defigned^ they may be fo farre ufefull to You, as to flateyour judgement aright in what hath paf- kd^^ whereof, a pious is the bcft ufe can be made: ^nd they may alfo give you fomc direaions, how to remedie the prefent diftempers, and prevent ( ^f God will ) the like for time to come. Itisfomekind of deceiving and leffening the jnjurie of my long reflrainc , when I find my kifure and folitude have produced fomething worthy of xny Self, and ufefull to you: That nei- thcr you^nor any other^maj hereafter meafure ray Caufe Caufe by the Succeflc 5 nor my Judgement of things by my misfortunes • which I count the greater by farre, becaufe they have fo farre Hgiited upon you_, and fome others ^ whom I have moft caufe to love as well as my Self; and of whofe un- merited fufferings I have a greater fenle then of mine own. But this advantage of wifdome you have a- bove moft Princes ; that you have begun , and now Ipent fome years of difcretion, in the experi- ence of troubles, and exercifc of patience, where- in Pietie, and all Virtues , both Morall and Poli- tical!;, arc commonly better planted to a thriving, ( as trees let in winter) then in the warmth , and fcrenitie^of times^ or amidft thofe dclighcs^which ufually attend Princes Courts in times of peace and plentie; which are prone , either to root up all plants of true Virtue and Honour ; or to be contented onely with fome leaves , and wither- ing formahties of them, without any reall fruits, fuch as tend to the publick goodj for which Prin- ces (hould alwaies remember they are born, and by providence defigncd. The evidence of which different education,the holie Writ affords us in the contemplation of D^- y'ld and ^hoboam: The one prepared, by many afflidtions for a flouriftiing Kingdome , the other foftened by the unparallel'd profperitie of Solomons Court . and fo corrupted to the great diminution, 21 8 Elxiv BflCff/Ation ofcivil Power, with Jufticeand Ho- nour to the publick Peace. Pietie Will make you profperous ; at lead it will keep you from being miiirable : nor is he much EiVffly BflKriAi)t*i. lip much a lofcr ', that lolech all , yet favcth his own foul at laft. To which Centre of true Happinefle, God, I truft, hath and will gracioufly dire(^ all thefe black Unes of Affli(fi:ion , which he hath been pleafed to draw on Me ;, and by which he hath (I hope) drawn Me nearer to himfelf. You have alreadie tailed of that cup whereof I have libe- rally drank, which I look upon as Gods Phyfick, having that in health fulneffe, which it wants in pleafure. Above all , I would have you, as I hope you are alreadie , well-grounded and fettled in your Religion: The beft profefsion of which , I have ever efteemed that oi: the Church of Eno^land , in which you have been educated^ yet I would have your own Judgement and Realbn now fcal to that facred bond which education hath written, that it may be judicioufly your own Religion, and not other mens cuftome or tradition^ which you profefle. In this I charge you to perfevere , as coming neareft to Gods Word for Dc6trine , and to the primitive examples for Government, with fomc httle amendment , which I have otherwhere ex- prcfTed, and often offered, though in vain. Your fixation in matters of Rchgion, will not be more neceflarie for your fouls , then your Kingdoms peace, when God fliall bring you to them. For 220 Et'x/av Bct(riAj)c*| . For I have obfervcd; that the Devil of Rebelli- on^ doth commonly turn himfelfintoan Angel of Reformation, and the old Serpent can pretend new Lights : When fome mens Confciences ac- cufc them for Sedition and Fadtion , they jftop its mouth v^ith the name and noi(e of ReUgion; when Pietie pleads for peace and patience , they crie out Zeal. So that, unleflc in this point You be well fct- ded y you {hall never want temptations to de- ftroy you and yours , under pretenfions of re- forming matters of Religion^ for that feems,even to worft men, as the beft and moft aufpicious be- ginning of their worft defignes. Where, befides the Noveltic which is takiag enough with the Vulgar, everie one hath an afFe- ftation, by leeming forward to an outward Re- formation of Religion , to be thought zealousj hoping to cover thofe irreligious deformities, whereto they are confcious by a feveritie of cen- furing other mens opinions or actions. Take heed of abetting any Fadions , or ap- plying to any publick Diicriminations in matters of Religion , contrary to what is in your Judge- ment, and the Church well faded ; your partiall adhering , as head , to any one fide , gains you not i^o great advantages m fome mens hearts, (who are prone to be ot' their Kings Religion) as it lofeth you in others 5 who think themfelves, and ^hcov Bao-iAtXA). 221 and their profcfsion firft dcfpilcd , then perftcu- ted by you. Take fuch a courft , as may either with calmnefle and charitie quite remove the fteming differences and offences by impartialities or fo order affairs in point of Power , that you fliall not need to fear or flatter any Faction. For if ever you fland in need of them^ or mufl fland to their courtefie^ you are undone: The Serpent will devoure the Dove: you may never expert leffe of loyaltie^ juftice , or humanitie, then from thofe, who engage into religious Rebellion : Their in- tereft is alwaies made Gods- under the colours of Pietie, ambitious policies march^ not onely with greateft fccuritie, but applaufe , as to the popular cie^ you may heare from them jfacohs voice , but you fhall feel they have Efau's hands. Nothing ftemed lefle confiderable then the Presbyterian Fa<5tion in England ^ for many years ^ fo compliant they were to publick order : nor indeed was their Partic great cither in Church, or State, as to mens judgements : but as foon as difcontetits drave men into Sidings ( as ill hu- mours fall to the difaffec^cd part , which caufes inflammations) fo did all , at firft, who aflFed:ed any novelties, adhere to that Side, as the moft re- markable and fpecious note of difference (then) in point of Religion. AH the leffer Fadions at firft were officious Ser^ vants to Presbyterie^ their great Maft\r : till time and Ill Ej'Tcay DoLaiAiXM* and militarie fuccefle difcovering to each their peculiar advantages^ invited them to pare flakes^ and leaving the joy nt ftock of uniform ReHgion^ pretended each to drive for their Partie the trade of profits and preferments , to the breaking and undoing not onely of the Church and State , but even of Presbyterie it feif^, which feemcd and hoped at firft to have ingroffed all. Lee nothing feem little or dcfpicable to you in matters which concern Religion 3c the Churches peace , fo as to ncgle6l a fpeedie reforming and cffed:uall fupprefsing Errours and Schifines, which feem at firft but as a hand-breadth , yet by fcditious Spirits, as by ftrong winds, are foon irsade to cover and darken the whole Heaven. When you have done juftice to God, your own foul^ and his Church , in the profefsion and prc- fervation both of truth and unitie in Religionj the next main hinge on which your proiperitie will depend^ and move, is^ that of Civil Juftice, wherein the fettled Laws of thcfe Kingdoms, to which you are rightly Heire , are the moft excel- lent rules you can govern by 3 which by an ad mirable temperament give very much to Sub: ]^6ts induftne^ libertie , and happineffe- and yet relerve enough to the Majeftie and prerogative of any King, who owns his People as Subjects, not as Slaves 5 whofe fub]e<^ion , as it preierves their properties pcacCjand iafetie, fo it will never dimmifli diminifli your Rights ^ nor their ingenuous Li^ berries, which confifts in the enjoyment of the fruits of their induftrie, and the benefit of thofc Laws to which themfclves have confented. Never charge your Head with fuch a Crown as fhall by its hcavinefle oppreflc the whole bo- die, the weakneffe of whofe parts cannot return any thing of ftrength, honour, or (afetie , to the Head, but a neceffary debilitation and ruine. Your Prerogative is beft fhewed, and exercifed in remitting , rather then exading the rigour of the Laws • there being nothing worfe then legall Tyrannie. In chefe two points , the prefervation of cfta- bhflied Religion , and Laws ^ I may (without vanitie) turn the reproch of My fufferings , as to the worlds ccnfurej into the honour of a kind of Martyrdome ^ as to the teftimony of My own Conlcience: The Troublers of My Kingdoms having nothing elfe to objed againft Me, but this^ That I preferre Religion, and Laws eftabli- flied,before thofe alterations they propounded. And fo indeed I do ^ and ever fliall , till I ami convinced by better Arguments , then what hu therto have been chiefly u(ed towards Me- Tu- mults, Armies, and Prifons. I cannot yet learn that leifon, nor I hope ever will you , That it is fafe for a King to gratifie any Fadipn with the perturbation oi the Lav^^s, in 224 Ej')C(i» B*(nAi)CM, in which is wrapt up the publick Intereft ^ and the good of the Communicie. How God will deal with Me , as to the remo- vall of theft preffures, and indignities, which his jufticeby the very unjuft hands of fome of My Subjc6ts,hath been pleafed to lay upon Me, I can- not tell: nor am I much felicitous what wrong I fufferfrom men, while I retain in My foul, what I believe is right before God. 1 have offered all for Reformation and Safetie, that in Rea(bn, Honour, and Confcience I cauj referving onely what I cannot confent unto, without an irreparable injurie to My own Soul, the Church, and My People, and to You alfo,as the next and undoubted Heirc of My Kingdoms. To which if the divine Providence, to whom no difficulties are infuperable , fliall in his due time after My deceafe bring You , as I hope he will J My counfell and charge to You , is. That You ftrioufly confider the former, reall, or obje- <5ted mjfcarriages , which might occafion My troubles, that You may avoid them. Never repofe fomuch upon any mans fingle CGunfel, fidel'.tie,and difcretion, in managing a£. fairs of the firft magnitude (that is, matters of Re- ligion and Juftice) as to create in Your fclf, or o- thers,a diffidence of Your own judgement,which is Hkely to be alwaies more conftantand imparti- al! to the interefts of your Crown and Kingdome^ then any mans. Next, Next beware of exafpcrating any Factions by crofTcnefle and afperity of fome mens pafsions^ humours^ or private opinions, imployed by you, grounded onely upon the differences in leiTer matters, which arc but the skirts and fuburbs of Religion. Wherein a charitable connivence and Chrifli- an toleration often difsipates their ftrength^when rougher oppofition foxtificsj and puts the dcfpi- fed andopprefled Partie, intofuch Combinati* ens, as may mofl: enat^ th^m to gee a full re- venge on thofe they count their Pei fecutors, wbo are commonly afsiftcdby that vulgar commifc* ration,which attends all that are faid to fufifer un- der the notion of Religion* Prqyided,the diflFerences amount not to an in- folent oppofition of Laws and Government , or Rehgion eftablifhcd, as to the eiTentials of thcm^ fuch rhotions and minings arc intolerable, Alwayes keep up folid piety, and thofe funda- mental! Truths, (which mend both hearts and lives of men) withimpartiall favour and juftice. Take heed that outward circumftances and for- malities of Religion devour notall, or the bed in- couragcments of learning, induftcy, and pietie * but with an equal eye and inipartiall hand,difttu buce favours and rewards to all men, as you find them for thjsir real croddneiTe bodi in abiUcies and nJclidej worthy and capable oftbein, Q. This This will be fure to gain you the hearts of the bcft, and the moft too; who, though they be not good thcmfelves , yet are glad to fee the (everer \?i ayes of virtue at any time^ fweetned by tempo- re 11 rewards, IhavCjyou fee^, conflicted with different and oppofite Factions- (forfolmuft needs call and ccuntall thofe, that a6t not in any conformitie to the Laws eftablifhed in Church and State ) no fooncr have they by force fubdued what they counted their Common Enemie/that is^allthofe that adhered to the Laws, and to Me) and are fe- cured from that fear_, but they are divided to fo high a rivaltie, as fees them more at defiance a- o2)i\({ each other^then againft their firft Antago- nifts. Time will difsipate all Fadions, when once the rough horns ot private mens covetous and ambitious defignes , flhall dilcover themfeivcs . which were at firft wrapt up and hidden under the foft and fmooth pretenfions of Religion, Re- formation, and Liberty: As the Wolfis notleflc cruel 3 fo he will be more juftly hated, when he fliall appear no better then a Wolf under Sheeps clothing* But as for the feduced train of the Vulgar,who in their iimplicii) follow thofe difguifes. my charge and counfel to you, is. That as you need no palliations for any dcGgncs (as other men) fo that tnat yoa ftudy really to exceed (in true and con- ftant demonftrations of goodnes, piety, andvir^ tue towards the People) even all thofe men, that make the greateft noife and oftentacions of Rcli, gion: fo you fliall neither fear any detection ( as they dOjWho have but the face 6c mask of good- nesj nor flial you fruftratc the juft expectations of your people,- who cannot in reafon promife them- fcives f© much good from any fubje6ts novelties, as from the virtuous conftancy of theu King. When thele mountains of congealed Factions, (hall by the Sunfliine of Gods mercic ^ and the fplendour of your virtucs^bc thawed and difsipa^ ced,and the abufed Vulgar fhall have learned^thac none are greater OpprelTburs of their Eftates, Li. berties, and Confciences, that thofe men, that en- title thcmfelves, The Patrons and Vindicatours of them, onelytoufurp power over them: Let then no pafsion betray you to any ftudy of revenge upon thole, whole own finne and folly will fu> ficiently punifh them in due rime. But as foon as the forked arrow of fadious emulations is drawn out, ufeall Princely arts^and clemencie to heal the wounds j that the (mart of the cure may not equal the anguifh of the hurr. I have offered Acts of Indemnities and Oblivi- on^ to lo great a latitude, as may include ail, that can bux liilpedt themfclves to be any way ob- noxious to the Laws J and which augUc f;ivc Q^i to 228 EiX^i? Bato-jXuMI. to exclude all future jcaloufics and infccuritics. I would have you alwryes propenft to the (amc wsy, when ever it fhall be defired and accepted, Itt it be granted ; not onely as an a6t of State po- licy and necefsity, but of Chriftian charitic and choice. It is all I have now left Mc,a power to forgive thofe, that have deprived Me of allj and I thank God^ i have a heart to do itj and joy as much in this grace, which God hath given Me , as in all my former enjoyments^ for this is a greater argu- ment of Gods love to Mcp then any profperity can be. Be confident (as I am ^ that the moft of all fides^ who have done amiiTe^ have done io^ not out of malice^ but miCinformation, or mif ap«i prehenfion of things. None will be more loyall and faithfuU to Me, and You, then thole Subjeds, who feniible of their Errours, and our Injuries, will feel in their own fouls moft vehement motives to repentance^ and earneft dcfires to make fome reparations for their former defers. As Your c|ualitie fets you beyond any duel with any Subjedl, fo the nobleneffe of Your mind muft raiie you above the meditating any revenge, or executing your anger upon the many. The more confcious You fhall be to your own merits upon your People, the more prone you you will be to exped all love and loyakie from them_, and to inflict no punifhment upon them for former miicarriages : You will have more inward complacency in pardoning one^ then in punilliinga thoufand. This I write to you, not defpairing of Gods mercy,and my Subjects affedions towards Youj both which I hope you will ftudy to delcrve,ycc we cannot merit of God, but by his own mercy. If God fliall fee fit to reftore Me, and You af- ter Me, to thofe enjoyments , which the Laws have afsigncd to Us, and no Subjeds without an high degree of guilt and finne can deveft Us of- then may I have better opportunity, when I (hall be fo happy to fee You in peace, to let You more fully underftand the things that belong to Gods glory. Your own Honour^ and the Kingdoms peace. But if You never fee my face again , and God will have Mc buried in fuch a barbarous Imprifonment and obfcaricy,(which the perfect- ing fome mens defignes require ) wherein few hearts that love Me, are p,^rmitced to exchange a word, or a look with Me^ I do require and in- treat You as your Father and your KING, that You never fuBFer your heait to receive the leait check againft,or dilafFedion from the true R-eli. gion eftablifhed in the Church of Englmi I tell you,l have tried it, and after much fearc) O I 22 O Et)t(iv BctcnAi)M>« and many difpiites^ have concluded it to be the beft in the world- noc onely in the Community, as Ch'nllianjbiit alio in the fpeciall notion, as re- formed ^ keeping the middle way, between the pomp of fuperftitious Tyranny, and the mean- nelFe of fantaftick Anarchy. Kcc but that ( che draught being excellent as to the main^ both for Dodrine and Government, in the Church of England) fomc lines, as in very good figures, may happily need fome Iwcetning, or pohihing^ which might here have eafily been done by a fafc and gentle hand, if fome mens pre- cipitancy had not violently demanded fuch rude alterations, as would have quite deftroyed all the be:iucie and proportions of the whole. Thefcandal of the late Troubles, which fomc may objedl, and urge to you againft the Prote- (lant Religion cftablifhed in England^ is eafily an- Iwcred to them, or your own thoughts in this. That fcarcc any one who hath t>een a Beginner, or an active Prcfccutour of this late Warre,againfl: the Church, the Laws, and Me, either was, or is- a true Lover, Embracer, or Pradtifer of the Pro- tcftant Religion . eftablifhed in England, which neither gives fuch rules , nor ever before fet fuch examples. Tis true, fome heretofore had the boldnelfet® prtfent threatning Petitions to their Princes and Parliaments, which others of the lameFadi- ons ons (but of worfe Spirits) have now put in exe- cution : but let not counterfeit and ciifi)rclerly zeal abate your value and cfteera of true pietie, both of them are to be known by their fruicsrthe fwcetneffe of the Vine and Fig.treeis not to be dclpifed , though the Brambles and I'horns fliould pretend to bear Figs and Grapes, thereby to rule over the Trees. Nor would I have you to entertain any averfa- tion, or dillikc of Parliaments . which m their right conftitution with Frcedome and Honour, will never injure or diminiflh your greatneflc^buc will rather be as intcrchangmgs of love, loyal- tie, and confidence, between a Prince and his People. Nor would the events of this black Parliament have been other then fuch ( however much biaf- fed by Fa<5t:ions in the Eletl^tions ) if it had been preferved from the infolencies of popular didiates and tumultuary imprefsions : The fad efFedts of which will, no doubt, make all Parliaments af- ter this^ more cautious to prelerve chat Freedome and Honour, which belongs to fuch Aflemblies, ( when once they have fully fhaken off this yoke of Vulgar encroachment ) fince the publick in- tereftconfifts in the mutuall and common good, both of Prince and People. Nothing can be more happy for all, then in fair, grave, and Honourable wayes to concribacs Q 4 rh « their Counfds in Common, enacting all things by publick conient, without tyannie or tumults. We muft not ilarve our felves, becaufe fome men have fiarfcitcd of wholfonic food *. And if neither I , nor you, be ever reftored to OurPxigbts, but God in his fevercft juftice, will punifli my Subjects with continuance in their fin, and fuffer them to be deluded with the profpe- litie of their wickedneflTc ; I hope God will give Me, and you that grace, which will teach and enable Us to want , as well as to wear a Crown J which is not worth taking up or en- joying upon fordid, diflionourable, and irreli*. gious terms. Keep you to true principles of pietic, vir^ cue, and honour , you iliall never want a King- dome. Aprincipallpointof your honour will con - fift,in your conferring all refpedt, love^, and pror tedion to your Mother, my ^^ifc-^ who hath many wayes deferved well of Me, and chiefly in this , that ( having been a means to blefle. Me with To many hopefull Children, all which with their Mother, I recommend to your love and care ) She hath been content with incom- parable magnanimity and patience, to fufFerboth for , and with Me, and yoiv My prayer to God Almighty is , ( whatevci: bt corac:^ o Me, who am, I thank God, wrapt up and and fortified in my own Innocencie, and his Grace) that he would be pleaftd to make You an Anchor , or Harbour rather, to thefe tofled and weather beaten Kingdoms 5 a Repairer by Your wifdome, juftice, pictie, and valour, of what the folly and wickednefle of fome men have fo farre ruined , as to leave nothing entire in Church or State; to the Crown, the Ncbilicie, the Clergic^oi; the Commons^ either as to Laws, Liberties , E- ftateSj Order, Honour, Confcience, or Liv£S. When they have dcftroyed Me,(for 1 know not how farre God may permit the malice and cruel- tie of my Enemies to proceed , and fuch apprc- henfions fome mens words and actions have al- ready given Me ) as I doubt not but my bloud will eric aloud for vengeance to heaven^ lo I be- ftech God not to poure out his wrath upon the generalitic of the People, who have either dcferi:- cd Me, or engaged againftMe, through the arti- fice and hypocriiie of their Leaders , whofe in- ward horrour will be their firft Tormenter , nor will they efcape exeraplarie judgements. For thofe that loved Mc, I pray God they may have no mifie of Me, when 1 am gone; io much I wifli and hope , that all good Subjed:s may be latisfied with the bleisings of Your prefence and virtues. For thofe that repent of any defeats in their dutle toward Me , as 1 freely forgive them in the word word of a Chriftian KING, (b I believe You will find them truly zealous to repay with in- tereft that loyaltie and love to You , which was due to Me. In fumrae, what good I intended, do You per- form J when God fhall give You power : much good I have offered , more I purpofed to Church and State, if times had been capable of it. The deception will foon vaniili,and the viz irds will fall oft apace: This mask of Religion on the face of Rebellion, (for Co it now plainly appears, iince my Reftraint and cruel ufagc , that they fought not for Me , as was pretended ) will not long ferve to hide fome mens deformities. Happie times , I hope , attend You, wherein Your Subjedts (by their mi(eries)will have learn- ed, that Religion to their God , and Loyaltie to their King , cannot be parted without both their finne and their infelicitie. I pray God bleffe You, and eftablifh Your Kingdoms in righteoufnelTe , Your Soul in true Religion , and Your honour in the love of God and your People. And if God will have difloyakie perfected by my deflrudion , let my memorie ever with my name live in you , as of your Father, that loves you, and once a KING of three flourifliing Kingdoms j whom God thought fie to honour, not onely with the Sceptre and Government of them. :hem, but alfo with the fuffering many indigni- :ies , and an untimely death for thcra^ while I ftudied to prcferve the Rights of the Church, :he power of the Laws ^ the honour of my Crovvrn, the priviledge of ParHaments, the Uber- tics of my People , and my own Confcicnce, which, I thank God, is dearer to Me then a thou, fand Kingdoms. I know God can , I hope he yet will reftorc Me to my Rights. I cannot defpair either of his mercie, or of my Peoples love and pitie. At worft^ I truft , I fliall but go before you to a better Kingdome , which God hath prepared for Me^ and Me tor it , through my Saviour Je- fus Chrift;, to whofe mercies I commend you, and all Mine. Farewell , till We meet , if not on Earth , yet I in Heaven. Meditations upon T)eath ^ after the Votes I of ^h(on^Addrej]es^ and His A4 a- j E s T I E s clojer imprijonment in Ca- risbrook-Caftle, AS I haveleifure enough, fo I have cauie more then enough, to medicate upon, and prepare for My Death : For I know, there are but few ficps between the Prifons^and Graves of Princes. It It is Gods indulgence , which gives Me the fpacc; but Mans cruekie , that gives Me the fad occafions for thcfe thoughts. For^ befidcs the common burden of mortaHtie which hes upon Me , as a Man ; I now bear the heavieload of other mens ambitions, fears, jea- loufies, and cruel pafsions , whofe -envie or en- micie againft Mc , makes their own lives feem deadly to them^ while I enjoy any part of Mine, I thank God ^ My profperitie made Mc not wholly a Stranger to the contemplations of Mor-, talicie : Thofe arc never unfeafonablc, fince this is al- wayes uncertain : Death being an eclipfe, which oft happeneth as well in clear, as cloudie dayes. But My now long and ftiarp adverfitie,hath fo reconciled in Me thofe naturall Antipathies, be- tween Li;e and Death, which are in all men, that I thank God, the common terrours of it arc dilpelledj and the fpcciall horrour of it/ as to My particular, much allayed: for,akhough My death at piefent may juftly be reprelented xo Mc with all thofe terrible aggravations, which the policie of cruel and implacable enemies can put upon itj ( affairs being drawn to the very dregs of ma- 1. lice ) yetl blcffe God , I can look upon all thoft {lings, as unpoyfonou>, though fliarp J fince My R^d^'c.uer hath cither ouUed tbem out, or gi- ven M: die antidote of hij Death againft theaij wiic.i which as to the immaturitic , unjufticc, flbame, fcorn , and crueltie of it ^ exceeded what ever I can fear. Indeed , I never did find fo much the life of Rehgion, the feaft of a good Confcience, and the brazen wall of a judicious integritie and conftan- ciCj as fince I came to thcfc clofer conflids with the thoughts of Death. 1 am not (b old, as to be weary of life ; nor (I hope) fo bad, as to be eitfifer afraid to die , or a- fliamed to live : true, I am fo afflicted, as might make Me lomctimc even defire to die , if I did not confider, that it is the greatefl: glory of a Chri- ftians lite to die daily ^ in conquering by a lively faith, and patient hopes of a better life, thoft partiall and quotidian deaths, which kill us ( as it were) by piece-meals , and make us overlive our own faces ^ while We arc deprived of health, honour, libertie, power, credit , fafetie, or eftate^ and thofe other comforts of dearcft relations^ which are as the life of our lives. Though , as a K I N G , I think My felf to live in nothing temporall fo much, as in the love and good will of My people 5 for which, as I have fuffered many deaths, fo 1 hope, I am not in that point as yet wholly dead : notwichftand- ing , My Enemies have ufed all the poyfon of fallitie, and violence of hoftilicie, to dellroy, firft the love and Loyakie, which is in My Subjcc^^j and 2^8 JbiXc#? Dffi\m» I and then all that content of life in Me j whiel from chefe I chiefly enjoyed. Indeed ^ they have left Me but little of life, andonelythe husk and fliell (as it were J which their further malice and crueltie can take from Me ; having bereaved Me of all thoft worldlj comforts , for which life it ftlf ftems defireablc to men. But, O my Soul ! think not that life too longj or tedious ^ wherein God gives thee any oppor- tunities, if not to do, yet to fuffer with fuch Chri. ftian patience^and magnanimity in ar good CaufCj as are the greateft honour of our lives , and the beft improvement of our deaths. I know, that in point of true Chriftian valour, it argues pufillanimitie to defire to die out ot wearineflc of life ^ and a want of that heroick greatnefle of fpiric,which becomes a Chriftian in the patient and generous fuftaining thofe afflicti- ons, which as fhadows neceffarily attend us,j while we are in this bodie- and which are leflen- ed orenlarged,as the Sun of our profperity moves higher, or Tower: whole totall abfence is beft re- compenfed with the Dew of Heaven. The ailaults of afflidiion may be terrible ^ like Sanifmis Lion , but they yield much IweetnefTc to thole ^ that dare to encounter and overcome them J who know how to overlive the wither- ings cl^ their Gourds viMthouc difcontcnt or pc:- vifhmfffv E/jtaV BctcriAfiCM. ► aj^ viflinefle, while they may yet converfc with God. That I muft die as a man, is ccrtairji that I may dieaKing^ by the hands of my own Subjtd:Sj a violent , ludden , and barbarous death ,. in the ftrength of My years , in the midft of My King- doms , My Friends and loving Subjedts being helplefte Spedatours , My Enemies infblent Rc- vilers and Triumphcrs over Me , living, dying, and deadj is fo probable in humane reafon , that God hath taught Me not to hope otherwifc, as to mans ciuclcie 5 however, I delpair not of Gods infinite mercy. I know My life is the objcd of the Devils and wicked mens malice , buc yet under Gods Pole cuftodie and difpolall : Whom I do not chink to flatter for longer life, by feeming prepared to dic; but I humbly defire to depend upon him , and to fubmit to his will both in life and death , in what order foever he is pleafcd to lay them out to Me. I confeffe it is not eafie for Me to con- tend with thofc many horrours of death, where- with God fuffers Me to he tempted ; which are equally horrid, either in the fuddenncffe of a bar-«» barous AiTafination, or in thole greater formali- ties, whereby My Enemies (being more folemnly cruel} will, ic may befeek to acide (as thole did, who Crucified Chrift) the mockery of Ju- fticc, to the crucltie of Malice : Thacl may be deftroyed, as with greater pomp and artifice. To wicb with leffe pitic , it will be but a ncceflary policic to make My death appear as an adt of Juftice^ done by Subjects upon their Sovereignc ; who know that no Law of God or Man^invefts them with any power of Judicature without Me, much leffe againft Me : and who, being fworn, and bound by all that is facred before God and man, to endeavour My prefervation , muft pre- tend Juftice to cover their Perjurie. It IS, indeed, a fad fate for any man to have his Enemies to be Accufcrs , Parties , and Judges, but moft defperate, when this is a€ted by the in- folence of Subjects againft their Sovereigne. wherein thofe, who have had the chicfeft hand^ and are moft guilty ot contriving the publick Troubles , muft by (liedding My bloud, feem to wafli their own hands of that innocent bloud , whereof they are now moft evidently guilty before God and man 5 and I beHeve in their own confciences too, while they carried on unreafonable demands, firft by Tumults , after by Armies. Nothing makes mean fpirits more cowardiy-cruclin managing their u'iirped power againft their latv'lill Superiours, then this, the Guilt of their wijuB UJurpation*^ noiwichftanding, thofe fpecious and popular prettnGons of Juftice againft Dehnquents , applied oncly to difguifc at firft the mo;iftrournciTj of their dcilgne;, who deipaired, inde:d , of pDfTefsing thepDwerand profits profits of the Vineyard, till the Heir, whofe right it is, be caft out and flain. With them ^ my greateft fault mufl: be , that I would not either deftroy my Self with the Church and State by my Word,or not fufFer them to do it unrefifted by the Swordj whofe covetous ambition no Concefsions of mine could ever yet either latisfie or abate. Nor is it likely they will ever think , that Kingdome of Brambles, which Ibme men feek toered: ( at once weak, fliarp, and fruitlefle, either to God or man ) is like to thrive/ till wa- tered with the Royall bloud of thofc, whofe right the Kingdome is. Well, Gods will be done: I doubt not but my Innocencie will find him both my Prote6tour, and my Advocate, who is my onely Judgc^, whom I own as King ofKings, not onely for the cmmency of his power and majeftie above them; but alfo for that fingular care and proted:ion^ which he hath over them j who knows them tc^i be expofed to as many dangers (being the greateft Patrons of Law, Juftice^ Order, and Religion on earth ) as there be either Men or devils, which loveconfufion. Nor will he fufFer thofe men long to profper in their Bahel^ who build ic with the boncs^ and cement it with the bloud of their Kinc;s. I am confident they will find Avengers of my R death ^4^ Ei'xwy 3oLffi\m* death among themftlves : the injuries I have (ii- ftained from them , fliall be firfl: puniflicd by them,who agreed in nothing fo much, as in op- pqfing Me. Their impatience to bear the loud cry of my bloud, fhall make them think no way better to expiate ir, then by fhcdding theirs, who with them moft thirfted after mine. The fad confufions following my defl:m(5tion, are already prcfaged and confirmed to Me , by tho(e I have lived to fee fince my troublesj in which God alone (who onely could) hath many wayes pleaded my caufe^not fufFering them to go unpuniflied;, whofe confederacy in fin was their onely fccuricyj who have caufe to fear ^ that God will both further divide, and by mutuall venge- ance, afterward dcftroy them. My greateft conqucft of death, is from the power and love of Chrifl, who hath fwallowed up death in the vfdory of his Relurre6tion, and the glory of his Afcenfion, ' My next comfort is, that he gives Me not one, ]y the honour to imitate his example in fuffering for righteoufnelTe lake^ ( though obfcured by the fouleft charges of Tyranny and Injustice) butal- fo that charity,which is the noblest revenge upon, and victory over my Destroyers : By which I thank God, I can both forgive them, and pray for them, that God would not impute my bloud to them them further, then to convince them what heed they have of Christs bloud to wafli their fouls from the guilt of fliedding mine. Atprefcrit, the will of ray Enemies (ecnis to be their onely rule, their power the mealiirc^ and their fuccefle the Exa6tour^ of what they pleale to call Justice, while they flatter themftlves wich the fancie of their own fafcty by my danger^ and the KecUritic of their lives and defignes by my Death: forgetting, that as the greatest temptations to firi are wrapped up in fceming profpericies, Co the (e« verest vengeances of God are then most accom* pliflied, when men are fuffered to complete their wicked purpofes, IblefTe God, I pray not fo much that this bitter tup of a violent death may pafle from Me,as that of his wrath may palTe fr5 all thofe, whole hands by deferting Me^are fprinkledjOr by a(fllng6c con^ fenting to my death,are embrued with my bloudi The will of God hath confined and concluded raincj I fliall have the pleafure of dying, without any pleafure of defired vengeance. This I think becomes a Christian toward his Enemies, and a King toward his Subjcds. They cannot deprive Me of more then I am content to lofe^ when God fees fii by their hands to take it from Me- whofe mercy i believe, will more then infinitely tecompence, what ever by inansinjustice he is pkAled to deprive Me of. 244 Ej'x'av BfitflpjXiX/H. ; The glory attending my death will far furpafle all 1 could enjoy, or conceive in life. I fhall not want the heavie and envied Crowns of this world , when my God hath mercifully crowned and confummated his graces vvith glo- ry, and exchanged the fhadows of my earthly Kmsdoms among men^ for the fubftancc of that heavenly Kingdome with himfelf. For the cenfurcs of the world , I know the fliarp and neceflary Tyrannic of my Deftroyers, will fufficiently confute the calumnies of Tyran- ny againfl: Me. lam perfwaded, I am happie in the judicious love of the ablefl: Sc beft of my Sub- jedb^who do not onely pity and pray for Me, but would be content even to die with Me,or for Me. 5 Thefc know, how to excufe my failings as a Man, and yet to retain, and pay their duty to Me as their King^ there being no ircHgiousnecefsitie binding any Subjedis by pretending to puni{h,in- finitely to exceed the faults and errours of their Princes- efpecially there where more then fuffici- ent fatisfac^ion hath been made to the publickj the enjoyment of which, private ambitions have hitherto fruftrated. Others^ I believe jof fofter tempers , and lefle advantaged by my ruine, do already feel fliarp convictions, and fome remorfe in their confcien- cesj where they cannot but fee the proportions of their evil dealings againft Me in ^c mcalure of Gods Gods retaliations upon tlienij who cannot hope long to enjoy their own thumbs and coes,having under pretence of paring others naik, been (0 crucll as to cut ofFtheir chiefeft ftrengch* The puniflirhent of the more infoknt and ob- ftinate, may be Hke that of I^rah and his Com- pHces (at once mutining againft both Prince and Prieft ) in fuch a method of Divine Juftice, as is not ordinaryjthe earth of the loweft and meaneft people opening upon them , and fwallowing them up in a juft difdain of their ill-goccen and worfe-ufed Authority: upon whofc fupporc and ftrength they chiefly depended for their building, and eflabUfhing their defignes againft Me, the Churchj and State. My chiefeft comfort in death confifts in my peace, which I truft, is made with God • before whole cxa6t Tribunall 1 fliail not fear to appear, as to the Caufe fo long difputed by the Sword, between Me and my caufelelfe Enemies : where I doubt notj but his righteous judgement will confute their fallacy, who from worldly fucceffe ( racherlike Sophifters, then found Cbriftians) draw thofc popular conclufions for Gods appro- bation of their actions j whofe wife providence (we know) oft permits many events, which his revealed Word ( the onely clear , fafe, and fixed rule of good adtionsand goodconfcienccsj in no fort approves. ^4^ Ej')£,4»y BcLdiKm* i am confident, the Juftice of my Caufe, and clearnefle my Confcience before God, and to- ward ray People, will carrie Me as much above them in Gods decifion, as their fucceffes have lifted them above Me in the vulgar opinion: who confida- not,that many times thofe undertakmgs pr men are lifted up to Heaven in the pro.fpcritic and applaufe of the world, whole rife is from Hell, as to the injurioufneffe and opprefsion of ^he defigne. The profperous winds which ofc fill the fails of Piracs, do not juftifie their piracie and rapine. I look upon it with infinite more content and quiet of Soul, to have been worfied in my cn» forced conteftation for, and vindication of the. Laws of the Laud, the freedome and honour of Parliaments, the rights of my Crown, the juft li- bertic of my Subjefts, and the tr^e Chriftian Re- ligion in its Doarine, Government, and due en- couragements, then if I had with the greaceft ad» vantages of SucceiTc, over-born them all. as fome men have now evidcndy done^, whatever dcfigns they at firfl pretended. The prayers and patience of my Friends and loving Subjeds v^ill contribute much to the u^^T^^^ o^ this bitter cup, which I dpubt not but I fhali more cheerfully take, and drink as trom Gods hand (if it muft be fp ) then they can give It tpMe, whofe hands are unjuftly and bar- baroufly lifted up againft Me. And EiV«y BouriW. 247 And^ as to the laft event, I may fecm to ow more to my Enemies, then my Friends : while thoft will put a period to the finnes and forrows attending this miicrable life; wherewith theft de- fire I might ftill contend, I fiiall be more then Conqucrour through Chrift enabling Me , for whom I have hitherto fufFered : As he is the Authour of Truth^ Order^ and Peace j for all which I have been forced to contend againft errour, faction, and confufion. If I mull fufFcr a violent death, with my Savi'* our, it is but mortalitic crowned with Martyr- dome : where the debt of death, which I ow for finne to nature, fliall be raiftd, as a gift of faith and patience offered to God. Which I humbly beftech him mercifully toac^' ceptrand although death be the wages of ray own fin^asfrom God, and the effect of other finnes^ as men, both againft God and Me^ yet as I hope my own finnes are fo remitted, that they fliall be no ingredients to imbitter the cup of my death; foIdefireGodtopardon their finnes, who arc moft guilty cf my deftruftion. The Trophies of my charitie will be mord glorious and durable over them , then their ill- managed vi(5lorics over Me. Though their finne be profperous, yet they had need to be penitent, that they may be pardoned : both v^hich I pray God they may obtain, that my R 4 tern 240 Eijtcav BctaiAix^. tcmporall death iinjuftly inflid:cci by them , may not be revenged by Gods juft inflidtiog eter- nail death upon them : for 1 look upon the tcmporall deftru(5tion of the grea^cft King, as far kdedcfrccable, then the eternall damnation of the meanefi: Subjed. Nor do I wifli other, then the fafe bringing of the lliip to fliorc, when they have caft me over- bord.though it be very ftrange^that Mariners can find no other means to appcafc the ftorm themt felves have raifed^but by drownig their Pilot. I thank God, my enemies crueltie cannot pre- vent my preparation; whofc mahce in this I fliall defeat^ that they fliall not have the fatisfa(5tion to have deftroyed my Soul with my body:of whoie falvation, while lomc of them have themfclves feemed, and taught others to defpair, they have onely difcovcred this^ that they do not much de- fire it. Whole uncharitable and cruel Reftraints, deny- ing Me even the afsiftance of any of my Chap, lams^haih rather enlarged,then any way obftru(5t- ed my acc€ire to the Throne of Heaven. TPljere TIjou dwelleU^ Kjng of K^ngs-^ whofllleU '^eaven and Earth^^ho art the Fountain efEternailtfe^ m it?ho7n is no flyadow of death, ThjUj God^ art both the juH niflicler of death upon Sy andche mm'tfidl SaViour of us in it, and from it, Yea^ EiVws Bct(TiA«Mi. 249 Je4, it is better for m to he dead to our fehes, and live in thee^ then by Imng in ourfehes to he deprived of thee. Omake the many bitter aggravations of my Death as a Man^ and a I{ing, the opportunities and advantages of thy fpeciall graces and comforts in my Soul, as a Chrijlian, Ifthou^ Lordy tipilt he fi?ith Me , / JJmll neither fear^ nor feel any evil^ though I'^alk through the Valley of the P?adow of death* To contend ^ith death is the l0ork of a "^eak and mor- tal! man: to overcome it ^ is the grace of thee alone ^ who art the Almighty and iminortall God. my Saviour ) who knolVefi ')Vhat it ii to die fli^ith Me^ as a Man J make Me to kno^ "^hat it is to pajfe through death to life wh thee my God. Though I die, yet I knoliP, that thou My ^deemer li- Vefl for ever : though thou flayeU me jet thou haft in^ couraged me to trufl in thee for eternall life. Vpithdra'lif not thy favour from me^ 'which is better then life- he not farre from me , for I know not ho"^ mar a violent and cruel death is to me. As thy Omnifcience^ God^ dtfcoVers ^ fo thy Omnu potence can defeat the defignes ofthofe , who haVe , or JJ?all confpire my dejlruclion. fl?ew me thegoodnejse of thy ^ill , through the wic* kednejje of theirs, Thougivefl me leave as a man to pray , that this cup may pajjefrom me-J)Ut thou haj} taught Me as a Chrijlian by the the example of Chrijl , to adJe^ not My f^ill^ hut Thine be done. ~ Jea IJO Ei'^c-iv BotfflAiJMf. Yea^ Lord Jet our tt>ills be onejyy wholly, refolying mine into thine: let not the dejtre of Itfe in Me he fo great ^ as that cf doing or fujfering thy. yipill in either life or death* As 1 believe , thott haft forgiven all the errours of my life, fo I hope thou, Tiiilt faVe me from the errours of 7ny death. Make me content to leave the worlds nothings that I may come really to enjoy all in thee^ Tbto haji made Chrifl unto me in life,gai}i-^ and in death^ advantage. Though my Veflroyers forget their duty to thee and me, yet do not thoufl Lord ^forget to be merctfull to them. For , liphat profit is there in my hloud , or in their gaining my I^ngdoms^ if they lofe their oivn Soulsl Such as have not onely reftUed my jufl Tolt^er , but "wholly ufurped and turned it againfl my Selfy thugh they may deferVe , yet let them not receive to themfelves dur mnation. Thou madefl thy Sonne a Saviour to many that cruci- fied him^ li?hile at once hefujfered violently by them^ and yet H^illinglyfor them. let the Voice of his bloud be heard for my Murder* ers, louder then the cry of mine againfl them» Prepare tlwn for thy mercy by due cotiVtStions of their ftn^ and let them not at once deceive and damn their own Souls , by fallacious pretenfions of Juftice in de/Jroying me , ^vhile the confcience of their unjuH ufurpation of po^Ver againfl tne^ chiefly tempts them toufe all extremis ties againfl me, Lord^ thou knowefl , / have found their mercies to me me as yeryfalfe^fo Very cruel -^ '^ho pretending topreferVS mCy have meditated nothing hut my ruine» deal 7iotmth them as bloud-thirjiy and deceitfull tnen-^ but overcome their cruelty 'pith thy compafsion and my charity, Jnd Dphen thou makejl inquijltion for My hloud^ fprinkie their polluted^ yet penitent Souls J S^ith thehUud of thy Son^ that thy dejiroying Angel may pajfe oyer them. Though they think my i\ingdoms on earth too little to entertain at once both them and nn^ yet let the capacious JQngdome of thine infinite mercy at lajl receive both me and my enemies: Where being reconciled to thee in the bloud of the fame ^deemery 'ti>e.p9all livefarre above thefe ambitious de- fires J l^hich beget fuch mortall enmities. When their hands [hall be heaViefl , and cruelefl upon upon me , let me fall into the arms of thy tender and eternall mercies: That what is cut off of my life in this miferable mo* menty 7nay be repaied in thy ever blejfed eternity* Lordy let thy Servant depart in peace ^ for my eyes haVe feen thy falvation, Vota dabunt, qaae bcUa ncgarunt. FINIS. Ejxwv BotffiAijcij. ^5J AferfeEl Cople of private Trayers ufed by His M A J ES T I E , i« (k time of His Sufferings. j{ Grayer in time of Captivity. Powerful! and Eternall God ! to whom nothing is fo great, that it may refift j or fo (mall, that it is con- ________ tcmnedj look upon My Milerie with thine eye of Mercy , and lee Thine infinite power vouchlafe to limit out fome proportion oFdelivc- rance unto Me, as to Thee fliall leem moft con* vcnient; let not Injuric, O Lord , triumph over Me; and lee My faults by Thy hand be corrediedj and make not My unjuft enemies the minifters of thy Jufiice: But yet My God, ifinThy wif- dome this be the apteft chaflifement for My un- excufablc tranfgrefsions; if this ungrateful! bon- dage be ficteft for My over-high defires ; if the pride of my ( not enough humble) heart be thus to be broken, O Lord, I yield unto Thy will, and cheerfully embrace what forrow Thou wilt have Mefuffer: Onely thus much lee Me crave of Thee, (Let my craving O Lord, be accepted of, fince it even proceeds from Thee ) th.ic by Thy gocd- neffe, which is Tliy felf. Thou wilt fuffer fome beam of thy Majeftie fo to fiiine in My mind, that 1 , who in My greateft Affiidions acknow- ledge it My nobleft Title co be Thy Creature, may V54 Ei'jtiy BoKriA.i)Mf, 1 may ftill depend confidently on Thee. Let Cala- mitic be the excrcifc, but not the overthrow of My virtue. O let not their prevailing power be to My deftrudion. And if it be Thy will that they more and more vex Me with punifliment, yet jO Lord J never let their wickedncfle have fuch a hand 3 but that I nlay ftill carry a pure mind, and ftedfaft refolution ever to ferve Thee, without fear or prefutiiption, yet with that hum- ble Confidence which may beft pleafe Thee j Co that at the laft I may come to thy ctcrnall King- dome, through the Merits of thy Son , our alone Saviour Jelus Chrift, Jmen. Another Trayer.^ ALmlghtic and moft mercifull Father, look down upon Me thy unworthy fervant, who> here proftrate My felf at the Fooc-ftool of Thy Throne of Grace- but look upon Me, O Father, through the Mediation, and in the Merits of Je- fus Chriftjin whom Thou art onely well pleafed: for, of My felf I am not worthy to ftand before Thee, or to fpeak with My unclean bps to Thee, moft holy and cternall God . for as in linne I was conceived and born , Co hkewifc I have broken all Thy Commandments by My finfull moti- ons , unclean thoughts , evil words, and wicked ^vorks. omitting many duties I ought to do^ and committing committing many vices which thou haft forbid- den under pain of thy heavie difplealure : as for my fins, O Lord, they are innumerable ; where- fore I ftand here liable to all the miftries in this life , and everlafting Torments in that to come^ ifThoufliouldft deal with Me according to My deftrts. I confeffc, O Lord, that it is Thy Mercie, (which endureth for ever J and Thy compafsion (which never fails, ) which is the caufe that I have not been long ago confumcd:but with Thee there is mercie and plenteous Redemption- in the multitude therefore of Thy Mercies, and by the Merits of Jefus Chrift> I intreat Thy Divine Ma- jeftie J that Thou wouldft not enter into judge- ment with thy fervant , nor be extreme to mark what is done amifle, but be Thou mercifuU unto Me J and wa(h. away all My fins with that pre^ ciousbloud that My Saviour filed for Me. And I bcfeech thee, O Lord, not onely to wafli away all My fins , but alfo to purge My heart by thy holy Spirit, from the droffe of my natural corru- ption J and as thou doeft adde daies to My life, fo good Lord, I befeech Thee,to addc repentance to My dales , that when I have paft this mortal life, I may be partaker of Thy everlafting King* dome , through the Merits of Jefus Chtift our Lord. Jmen. A 1J2 EiV6»y DAhile it Hood Tloat was the omly glory of the Wood ; Great C HJ^LESy thou earthly God, celeHial Man^ Whofe life J Itkfi others^ though it H^ere afpan • let in thatfpan "^as comj^relmided more Then Earth hath "Waters^ or the Ocean ^ore : Tl)y heavenly virtues Angels flwuld rehearfe^ It is a theam too high for humane Verfe : tie that would know thee righty then let him look Upon thy rare incomparable Booky And read it ore and ore : l^hich if he do. Heel find thee King, and Prieft, and Prophet too^ ^Andfadlyfee our lojfe^ and though in oww, Withfruitlejfe wipes call thee back again: ^rpall oblivion fit upon thy Herfe, Though there '^ere neither Monument^ nor Ferfe, Thy Sufferings and thy Death let no man name^ It Tijas thy Glory ^ but the l\ingdomes Shame* J. H. FINIS.