Eikōn basilikē The porvtraictvre of His sacred Maiestie in his solitudes and svfferings. Together with His Maiesties praiers delivered to Doctor Juxon immediately before his death. Also His Majesties reasons, against the pretended jurisdiction of the high court of justice, which he intended to deliver in writing on Munday January 22, 1648. 1649 Approx. 363 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 127 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A69969 Wing E311 ESTC R39418 99834110 99834110 38600 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A69969) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 38600) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1632:1, 2170:3; 2170:4) Eikōn basilikē The porvtraictvre of His sacred Maiestie in his solitudes and svfferings. Together with His Maiesties praiers delivered to Doctor Juxon immediately before his death. Also His Majesties reasons, against the pretended jurisdiction of the high court of justice, which he intended to deliver in writing on Munday January 22, 1648. Charles I, King of England, 1600-1649. Reliqiæ sacræ Carolinæ. Marshall, William, fl. 1617-1650, engraver. Dugard, William, 1602-1662. aut [4], 247, [17] p., [2] leaves of plates (1 folded) : ill., port. s.n.], [London : M.DC. XLIX. [1649] First two words of title in Greek characters. Attributed both to Charles I and John Gauden. cf. NUC pre-1956 imprints. Place of publication from Wing. Signatures: A² B-Q R⁴ S⁶ T² . Intended to be issued with: Charles I, "Reliquiæ sacræ Carolinæ" (1651), this was also issued separately in three states; this state has title page in red and black, with a border of black type ornaments, the corner ornaments printed in red; the "Explanation of the embleme" by William Dugard, printed in Latin and English and bound before the frontispiece, begins: "Ponderibus genus omni mali"; it is not part of any signature and is on a slightly smaller leaf than the text. Frontispiece engraving signed: "Guil: Marshal delin:" (Madan frontis. no. 11); portrait of Charles II as Prince of Wales is on p. 212 (P2v) (Madan port. no. 4). The "Prayers" follow p. 247. The "Epitaph" on S6v signed: J.H. (i.e. James Howell). Bodleian copy on UMI reel 2170:3 imperfect; frontis. is torn with loss of left half; portrait of Charles has part of caption missing; lacking all after title page of the "Prayers"; pages stained, tightly bound with loss of print; title page appears to be of a variant impression not described in Madan: Greek words at beginning of title set closer to upper border than on other copies. Bodleian copy on UMI reel 2170:4 imperfect; lacks frontis. and "Explanation"; slight print fade. Harvard copy at 1632:1 imperfect: frontis., p. 231-234 lacking; stains, tears with loss of print. Numerous pagination errors. Reproductions of the originals in: Bodleian Library and Harvard Univeristy Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. 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In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Charles -- I, -- King of England, 1600-1649 -- Early works to 1800. Great Britain -- History -- Civil War, 1642-1649 -- Early works to 1800. Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1642-1649 -- Early works to 1800. 2007-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-07 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-01 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2008-01 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Coeli Specto Beatam et A●ternum Gloria Asperam at Levem IN VERBO TUO SPES MEA Gratia Christi Tracto Splendidam at Gravem Vanita● Mundi C 〈…〉 〈…〉 all delin : The Explanation of the Embleme . POnderibus genus omne mali , probrique gravatus , Vizque ferenda ferens , Palma ut depressa , resurgo . Ac , velut undarum Fluctûs Ventique , furorem Irati Populi Rupes immota repello . Clarior è tenebris , coelestis stella , corusco . Victor aeternùm ▪ foelici pace triumpho . Auro fulgentem rutilo gemmisque micantem , At curis Gravidam spernendo calco Coronam . Spinosam , at ferri facilem , quo spes mea , Christi Auxilio , Nobis non est tractare molestum . Aeternam , fixis fidei , semper que beatam In Coelos occulis specto , Nobisque-paratam . Quod vanum est , sperno ; quod Christi Gratia praebet Amplecti studium est : Virtutis Gloria merces . THough clogg'd with weights of miseries , Palm-like depress'd , I higher rise . And as th' unmoved Rock out-braves The boyst'rous winds , and raging waves ; So triumph I. And shine more bright In sad Affliction 's darksom night . That splendid , but yet toilsome Crown , Regardlesly I trample down . With joy I take this Crown of Thorn , Though sharp , yet easie to be born . That heav'nly Crown , already mine , I view with eyes of faith divine . I slight vain things ; and do embrace Glory , the just reward of Grace . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ΕΙΚΩΝ ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΗ . THE PORVTRAICTVRE OF HIS SACRED MAIESTIE IN HIS SOLITUDES AND SVFFERINGS . Together with His MAIESTIES Praiers delivered to Doctor Juxon immediatly before His Death . Also His Majesties REASONS , Against the pretended Jurisdiction of the high Court of Justice , which he intended to deliver in Writing on Munday January 22. 1648. ROM . 8. More then Conquerour &c. Bona agere , & mala pati , Regium est . M. DC . XLIX . THE CONTENTS 1. UPon His Maiestyes calling this last Parliament . p. 15 2 Upon the Earle of Strafford's death . 3. Upon His Maiesties going to the House of Commnos . 11 4. Vpon the Insolency of the Tumults . 15 5. Upon His Maiestyes passing the Bil for the trienniall Parliaments : and after setling this , during the pleasure of the two Houses . 23 6. Upon His Maiesties retirement from Westminster . 30. 7. Upon the Queenes departure , and absence out of England . 37 8. Upon His Majestyes repulse at Hull , and the fates of the Hothams . 42 9. Upon the Listing , and raysing armyes against the King. 48 10. Upon their seizing the Kings Magazines , Forts , Navy , and Militia . 59 11 Upon the 19. Propositions first sent to the King ; and more afterwards . 67 12 Vpon the Rebellion and troubles in Ireland . 81 13. Upon the calling in of the Scots , and their Comming . 90 14. Upon the Covenant . 99 15. Upon the many Jealousies raised , and Scandalls cast upon the King , to stirre up the People against him 110 16. Vpon the Ordinance against the Common-Prayer-Book . 124 17. Of the differences between the King , and the 2. Houses , in point of Church-Government . 133 18. Vpon Uxbridge-Treaty , and other Offers made by the King. 150 19. Vpon the various events of the Warre ; Victories , and Defeats . 155 20. Vpon the Reformations of the Times . 164 21. Vpon His Maiesties Letters , taken , and divulged . 172 22. Vpon His Maiesties leaving Oxford , and going to the Scots . 178 23. Vpon the Scots delivering the King to the English ; and his Captivity at Holmeby . 183 24. Vpon their Denying his Maiesty the Attendance of his Chaplains . 187 25. Penitentiall Meditations and Vowes in the Kings solitude at Holmeby . p. 199 ●6 . Vpon the Armies Surprisall of the King at Holmby , and the ensuing distractions in the two houses , the army , and the City . 204 27. To the Prince of Wales . 213 28. Meditations upon Death , after the Votes of Non-addresses , and his Maiesties closer Imprisonment in Carisbrook Castle . ●32 ΕΙΚΩΝ ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΗ . 1. Vpon His Maiesties calling this last Parliament . THis last Parliament I called not more by others advice , and necessity of My affairs , then by my owne choice and inclination ; who have alwayes thought the right way of Parliaments most ●afe for my Crown , and best pleasing to My People : And although I was not forgetfull of ●hose sparks , which some mens distempers for●erly studied to kindle in Parliaments , ( which ●y forbearing to convene for some yeares , I ●oped to have extinguished ) yet resolving with ●y selfe to give all just satisfaction to modest ●nd sober desires , and to redresse all pub●que greivances in Church and State : I hoped ●y My [ freedome and their moderation ] to pre●ent all misunderstandings , and miscariages in ●is ; In which , as I feared affaires would meet ●ith some passion and prejudice in other men , ●o I resolved they should finde least of them in ●y selfe ; not doubting but by the weight of Reason I should counterpoise the over-ballancings of any factions . I was , indeed , sorry to hear , with what partiality and popular heat Elections were carried in many places ; yet hoping that the gravity and discretion of other Gentlemen would allay and fix the Commons to a due temperament , ( guiding some mens wel-meaning zeal by such rules of moderation as are best , both to preserve and restore the health of all States and Kingdomes ) No man was better pleased with the convening of this Parliament , then My selfe ; who knowing best the largenesse of My owne Heart toward My peoples good and just contentment pleased my selfe most in that good and firm● understanding , which would hence grow between Me and My people . All Jealousies being laid aside , My owne an● my Children Interests gave me many obligations to seek and preserve the love and welfare o● my Subjects . The only temporall blessing tha● is left to the ambition of just Monarchs , as thei● greatest honour and safety , next Gods protection ; I cared not to lessen my self in some thing of my wonted prerogative ; since I knew I coul● be no loser , if I might gain but a recompen● in My Subjects affections . I intended not only to obliege My Friends , b● Mine Enemies also : exceeding even the desire of those , that were factiously discontented , ● they did but pretend to any modest and sobe● sense . The odium and offences which some mens rigour or remissness in Church & State had contracted upon my Government , I resolved to have expiated by such Laws , & regulations for the future , as might not only rectifie what was amisse in practise , but supply what was defective in the constitution : No man having a greater zeal to see Religion setled in Unity , and Order , than My selfe ; whom it most concernes both in piety , and policy ; as knowing that no flames of civill dissentions are more dangerous then those which make Religious pretensions the grounds of Factions . I resolved to reform , what I should by free and full advice in Parliament be convinced to be amisse , and to grant whatever My Reason & Conscience told me was fit to be desired ; I wish I had kept my selfe within those bounds , and not suffered My own Iudgement to have been over-born in some things , more by others Importunities , then their Arguments ; My confidence had lesse betrayed My self , and My Kingdomes to those advantages which some men sought for , who wanted nothing but power and occasion to do mischiefe . But our sinnes being ripe , there was no preventing of Gods Iustice , from reaping that glory in our Calamities , which we robb'd him of in our Prosperity . For thou ( O Lord ) hast made us see , that Resolutions of future Reforming do not alwaies satisfie thy Justice , nor prevent thy vengeance for former miscarriages . Our sins have over laid our hopes , Thou hast taught us to depend on thy mercies to forgive , not on our purpose to amend . When thou hast vindicated thy glory by thy Iudgement , and hast shewed us how unsafe it is to offend thee upon presumptions afterwards to please thee ; Then I trust thy mercies wil restore those blessings to us , which we have so much abused , as to force thee to deprive us of them . For want of timely repentance of our sins , thou givest us cause to repent of those Remedies we too late apply . Yet I do not Repent of my calling this last Parliament , because [ O Lord , ] I did it with an upright intention to Thy glory , and My Peoples good . The miseries which have ensued upon Me and My Kingdomes , are the just effects of thy displeasure upon us ; and may be yet ( through thy mercy ) preparatives of us to future blessings , and better hearts to enioy them . O Lord , though thou hast deprived us of many former comsorts ; yet grant Me and my People the benefit of our afflictions , and thy chastisements , that thy rod as well as thy Staffe may comfort us : Then shall we dare to account them the strokes not of an Enemy but , a Father , when thou givest us those humble affections , that measure of patience in repentance , which becoms thy Children ; I shall have no cause to repent the miseries this Parliament hath occasioned , when by them thou hast brought Me and My People , unfeignedly to repent of the sins we have committed . Thy Grace is infinitely better with our sufferings then our peace could be with our sins . O thou Soveraign goodness and wisdom who over-rulest all our Counsels , over rules also all our hearts , that the worse things we suffer by thy iustice , th● better we may be by thy Mercy . As our sinnes have turned our Antidotes into poyson , so let thy grace turn our poysons into Antidotes . As the sins of our peace disposed us to this unhappy war , so let this Warre prepare us for thy blessed Peace . That although I have but troublesome Kingdoms here , yet I may attain to that kingdom of peace in My Heart , and in thy Heaven , which Christ hath purchased , and thou wilt give to thy servant , [ though a Sinner ] for my Saviours sake . Amen . 2 : Vpon the Earle of Straffords death . I Looked upon my Lord of Strafford , as a Gentleman , whose great abilities might make a Prince rather afraid , then ashamed to employ him in the greatest affaires of State. For , those were prone to create in him great confidence of undertakings , and this was like enough to betray him to great errours , and many Enemies ; whereof he could not but contract good store , while moving in so high a spheare , and with so vigorous a lustre , he must need , [ as the sun ] raise many envious exhalations , which condensed by a popular Odium , were capable to cast a cloud upon the brightest merit and integrity . Though I cannot in my judgement approve all he did , driven ( it may be ) by the necessities of times , and the Temper of that people , more then led by his own disposition to any height and rigour of actions , yet I could never be convinced of any such criminousnesse in him , as willingly to expose his life to the stroak of Justice , and malice of his Enemies . I never met with more unhappy conjuncture of affaires , then in the businesse of that unfortunate Earl : when between My own unsatisfiednesse in Conscience , and a necessity ( as some told me ) of satisfying the importunities of some people , I was perswaded by those , that I think wished me well , to chuse rather what was safe , then what seemed just ; preferring the outward peace of My Kingdoms with men , before that inward exactnesse of Conscience before God. And indeed , I am so farre from excusing or denying that complyance on my part ( for plenary consent it was not ) to his destruction , whom in my judgement I thought not , by any clear Law , gilty of death ; That I never bare any touch of Conscience with greater regret : which , as a sign of my repentance , I have often with sorrow confessed both to God and men , as an act of so sinfull frailty , that it discovered more a feare of Man , than of God , whose name and place on Earth no man is worthy to bear , who will avoid inconveniences of State , by acts of so high injustice , as no publique convenience can expiate or compensate . I see it a bad exchange to wound a mans own Conscience , thereby to salve State sores ; to calme the stormes of popular discontents , by stirring up a tempest in a mans own bosome . Nor hath Gods justice failed in the event and sad consequences , to shew the world the falacy of that Maxime , Better one man perish ( though uniustly ) then the people be displeased , or destroyed . For , In all likelyhood I could never have suffered with My People greater calamities ( yet with greater comfort ) had I vindicated Strafford s innocency , at least by denying to signe that destructive Bill , according to that justice , which my Conscience suggested , to me , then I have done since I gratified some mens unthankfull importunities with so cruell a favour . And I have observed , that those , who counselled me to sign that Bill , have been so farre from receiving the rewards of such ingratiatings with the people , that no men have bin harassed and crushed more than they : He only hath bin least vexed by them , who counselled me not to consent against the vote of my owne Conscience , I hope God hath forgiven me and them the sinfull rashnesse of that busines . To which being in my Soul so fully conscious , those judgments God hath pleased to send upon me , are so much the more welcome , as a meanes ( I hope ) which his mercy hath sanctified so to me , as to make me repent of that unjust act , ( for so it was to me ) and for the future to teach me , That the best rule of policy is to prefer the doing of Iustice before all enjoyments , and the peace of my conscience before the preservation of my Kingdoms . Nor hath any thing more fortified my ●esolutions against all those violent importunityes , which since have sought to gaine alike consent from me , to Acts , wherein my conscience is unsatisfied , then the Sharp touches I have had for what passed Me , in My Lord of Straffords Busines . Not that I resolved to have imployed him in My affaires , against the advice of my Parliament , but I would not have had any hand in his Death , of whose Guiltlesnesse I was better assured than any man living could be . Nor were the Crimes objected against him so clear , as after a long and fair hearing , to give convincing satisfaction to the major part of both Houses ; especially that of the Lords , of whom scarce a third part were present , when the Bill passed that House : And for the House of Commons , many Gentlemen , disposed enough to diminish My L. of Straffords greatnes and power , yet unsatisfied of his guilt in Law , durst not condemne him to die ; who for their integrity in their Votes , were by poasting their names , exposed to the popular calumny , hatred and fury : which grew then so exorbitant in their clamours for Justice , [ that is , to have both my self and the two Houses vote , and do as they would have us ] that many [ 't is thought ] were rather terrified to concur with the condemning party , then satisfied that of right they ought so to do . And that after Act vacating the authority of the precedent , for future imitation , sufficiently tells the world , that some remorse touched even his most implacable Enemies , as knowing he had very hard measure , and such as they would be very loath should be repeated to themselves . This tendernesse and regret I find in my soul , for having had any hand [ and that very unwillingly God knows ] in shedding one mans bloud unjustly ( though under the colour and formalities of Justice , and pretences of avoiding publike mischiefs : ) which may , I hope , be some evidence before God and Man , to all posterity , that I am far from bearing justly the vast load and guilt of all that bloud which hath been shed in this unhappy War : which some men will needs charge on Me , to case their own soules , who am , and ever shall be more afraid to take away any mans life unjustly , then to lose my own . But thou , O God of infinite mercies , forgive me that act of sinfull complyance , which hath greater aggravations upon Me , then any Man. Since I had not the least temptation of envie , or malice against him , and by my place should , at least so farre ; have bin a preserver of him , as to have denied my consent to his destruction . O Lord , I acknowledge my transgression , and my sin is ever before me . Deliver me from bloudguiltiness , O God , thou God of my salvation , and my tongue shal sing of thy righteousness . Against thee have I finned , and done this evill in thy sight , for thou sawest the contradiction between my heart and my hand . Yet cast me not away from thy presence , purge me with the blood of my Redeemer , and I shall be clean ; wash me with that pretious efusion , and I shall be whiter then snow . Teach me to learn Righteousnesse by thy Judgements , and to see my frailtie in thy Justice : while I was perswaded by shedding one mans bloud to prevent after-troubles , thou hast for that , among other sins , brought upon Me , and upon My Kingdomes , great , long , and heavie troubles . Make me to preferre Justice , which is thy wil , before all contrarie clamours , which are but the discoveries of mans iniurious will. It is too much that they have once overcome me , to please them by displeasing thee ; O never suffer me for any Reason of State , to go against my Reason of Conscience , which is highly to sin against thee , the God of Reason , and Iudg of our Consciences . Whatever , O Lord , thou seest fit to deprive me of , yet restore unto me the ioy of thy Salvation , and ever uphold me with thy free Spirit ; which subiects my will to none , but thy light of Reason , Justice , and Religion , which shines in my Soule , for thou desirest Truth in the inward parts , and integritie in the outward expressions . Lord hear the voice of thy Sons , and my Saviours Bloud , which speaks better things : O make me , and my people , to hear the voice of ioy & gladness , that the bones which thou hast broken may reioice in thy Salvation . 3 Upon His Maiestes going to the House of Commons . MY going to the House of Commons to demand justice upon the 5. Members , was an act , which my enemies loaded with all the obloquies and exasperations they could . It filled indifferent men with great jealousies and fears ; yea ; and many of my freinds resented it as a motion rising rather from Passion than Reason , and not guided with such discretion as the touchines of those times required . But these men knew not the fast motives , and pregnant grounds , with which I thought my self so furnished , that they needed nothing to such evidence , as I could have produced against those I charged , save only a free & legall Triall , which was all I desired . Nor had I any temptation of displeasure or revenge against those mens persons , further then I had discovered those [ as I thought ] unlawful correspondencies they had used , & engagements they had made to embroyle my Kingdomes ; of all which I missed but little to have produced writings under some mens owne hands , who were the chief contrivers of the following innovations . Providence would not have it so , yet I wanted not such probabilities as were sufficient to raise jealousies in any Kings heart , who is not wholly stupid and neglective of the publick peace , which to preserve by calling in question halfe a dozen men , in a fair and legall way , ( which God knows was all my design ) could have amounted to no worse effect , had it succeeded , then either to do me and my Kingdome right , in case they had bin found guilty ; or else to have clear'd their innocency , and removed my suspitions ; which , as they were not raised out of any malice , so neither were they in Reason to be smothered . What flames of discontent this spark ( though I sought by all speedy and possible means to quench it ) soon kindled , all the world is witnes : The aspersion which some men cast upon that action , as if I had designed by force to assault the House of Commons , and invade their priviledge , is so false , that as God best knows , I had no such intent ; so none that attended Me could justly gather from any thing I then said , or did , the least intimation of any such thoughts . That I went attended with some Gentlemen as it was no unwonted thing for the Majesty and safety of a King so to be attended , especially in discontented times , so were my followers at that time short of my ordinary guard , and no way proportionable to hazard a tumultuary conflict . Nor were they more scared at my comming , then I was unassured of not having some affronts cast upon me , if I had none with me to preserve a reverence to me ; For many people had , [ at that time ] learned to think those hard thoughts , which they have since abundantly vented against Me , both by words and deeds . The summe of that businesse was this . Those men and their adherents were then looked upon by the afrighted vulgar as greater Protectors of their Lawes and Liberties , then my self , and so worthier of their protection . I leave them to God , and their own Consciences , who , if guilty of evill machinations ; no present impunity , or popular vindications of them will be subter fuge sufficient to rescue them from those exact Tribunalls . To which , in the obstructions of justice among men , we must religiously appeale , as being an argument to us Christians of that after unavoidable judgement , which shall rejudge , what among men is but corruptly decided , or not at all . I endeavoured to have prevented , if God had seen fit , those future commotions , which I foresaw , would in all likelyhood follow some mens activity [ if not restrained ] and so now hath don to the undoing of many thousands , the more is the pitty . But to over-awe the freedom of the Houses , or to weaken their just Authority by any violent impressions upon them , was not at all my design : I thought I had so much justice and reason on my side , as should not have needed so rough assistance : and I was resolved rather to bear the repulse with patience , then to use such hazardous extremities . But thou O Lord art my witnesse in heaven , and in my Heart : if I have purposed anie violence or oppression against the innocent , or if there were anie such wickednesse in my thoughts . Then let the enemie persecute my soule , and tread my life to the ground , & lay mine Honour in the dust . Thou that seest not as a man seeth , but lookest beyond all popular appearances , searching the heart , and trying the reins , & bringing to light the hidden things of darknesse , shew thy self . Let not my afflictions be esteemed , as ( with wise and godly men they cannot be ) any argument of my sinne in that matter , more then their impunity among good men is any sure token of their innocency . But forgive them wherein they have done amiss● , though they are not punished for it in this world . Save thy servant , from the privie conspiracies & open violence of bloodie and unreasonable men , according to the uprightnes of my heart , & the innocency of my hands in this matter . Plead my cause , and maintain My Right , O thou that sittest in the Throne , iudging rightlie , that thy Servant may ever reioyce in thy Salvation . 4Vpon the Insolency of the Tumults ▪ I Never thought any thing ( except our sins ) more ominously presaging all these mischeifs , which have followed , then those Tumults in LONDON and WESTMINSTER , soon after the Convening of this Parliament ; which were not like a storm at Sea , [ which yet wants not its terror ] but like an Earth-quake , shaking the very foundations of all ; then which nothing in the world hath more of horrour . As it is one of the most convincing Arguments that there is a God , while his power sets bounds to the raging of the Seas , so 't is no lesse , that he restraines the madnesse of the people . Nor doth any thing portend more Gods displeasure against a Nation , then when he suffers the confluence and clamours of the vulgar , to passe all boundaries of Lawes , and reverence to Authority . VVhich those Tumults did to so high degrees of insolence , that they spared not to invade the Honour and Freedome of the two Houses , menacing , reproaching , shaking , yea and assaulting some Members of both Houses , as they fancyed , or disliked them ; nor did they forbeare most rude and unseemly deportments both in contemptuous words and actions , to my selfe and my Court. Nor was this a short fit or two of shaking , as an Ague , but a quotidian feaver , always encreasing to higher inflamations , impatient of any mitigation , restraint , or remission . First , they must be a guard against those fears which some men scared themselves and others withall , when indeed nothing was more to be feared and lesse to be used by wise men , then those tumultuary confluxes of meane and rude people , who are taught first to petition , then to protect , then to dictate , at last to command and overawe the Parliament . All obstructions in Parliament [ that is , all freedome of differing in Votes , and debating matters with reason and candour ) must be taken away with these Tumults : By these must the Houses be purged , and all rotten Members ( as they please to count them ) cast out ; By these the obstinacy of men resolved to discharg their Consciences , must be subdued ; by these all factious , seditious , and schismaticall proposalls against Government Ecclesiasticall or Civill , must be backed and abetted , till they prevailed . Generally , who ever had most mind to bring forth confusion and ruine upon Church and State , used the midwifery of those Tumults : whose riot and impatience was such , that they would not stay the ripening & season of counsells or fair production of Acts , in the order , gravity , and deliberatenesse befitting a Parliament ; but ripped up with barbarous cruelty , & forcibly cut out abortive Votes , such as their inviters and incouragers most fancyed . Yea , so enormous and detestable were their outrages , that no sober man could be without an infinite shame and sorrow to see them so tolerated , and connived at by some , countenanced , encouraged and applauded by others . What good man had not rather want any thing he most desired for the publique good , then obtain it by such an unlawfull and irreligious means ? But mens passions and Gods direction seldome agree ; violent designes and motions must have sutable engins , such as too much attend their own ends , seldome confine themselves to Gods means . Force must croud in , what reason will not lead . VVho were the chief Demagogues and Patrons of Tumults , to send for them , to flatte● and emboulden them , to direct and turne thei● clamorous importunities , some men yet living are too conscious to pretend ignorance ; God in his due time will let these see , that those were no fit means to be used for attaining his ends . But , as it is no strange thing for the Sea , to rage when strong winds blow upon it , so neither for multitudes to become insolent , when they have Men of some reputation for part● and piety to fet them on . That which made their rudenesse most formidable , was that many Complaints being made , and Messages sent by My self and some of both Houses ; yet no order for redresse could be obtained with any vigour and efficacy , proportionable to the malignity of that now far spread disease , and predominant mischiefe . Such was some mens stupidity , that they feared no inconvenience : Others petulancy , that they joyed to see their betters shamefully outraged and abused , while they knew their only security consisted in vulgar flattery : So insensible were they of mine , or the two Houses common safety and honours . Nor could ever any order be obtained , impartially to examine , censure , & punish the know● Boutefeus , and impudent Incendiaries , who boasted of the influence they had , and used to convoke those Tumults as their advantages served . Yea , some ( who should have bin wiser Statesmen ) owned them as friends , commending their Courage , Zeal , and industry ; which to sober men could seem no better then that of the Devill , who goes about seeking whom he may deceive and devoure . I confesse when I found such a deafnes , that no Declaration from the Bishops , who were first fouly insolenced and assaulted ; nor yet from other Lords and Gentlemen of Honour , nor yet from my self , could take place for the due repression of these Tnmults : and securing not only Our freedom in Parliament , but Our very Persons in the streets ; I thought My self not bound by My presence , to provoke them to higher boldnesse and contempts ; I hoped by My withdrawing to give time , both for the Ebbing of their tumultuous fury , and others regaining som degrees of modesty and sober sense . Some may interpret it as an effect of Pusillanimity in any man for popular terrours to desert his publique station . But I think it a hardinesse beyond true valour , for a wise man to set him self against the breaking in of a Sea ; which to resist , at present , threatens imminent danger ; but to withdraw , gives it space to spend its fury , and gaines a fitter time to repaire the breach ▪ Certainly a Gallant man had rather sight to great disadvantages for number and place in the sield , in an orderly way , then skuffle with an undisciplined rabble . Some suspected and affirmed that I meditated a Warre ( when I went from Whitehall , only to redeem My Person and Conscience from violence ) God knowes I did not then thinke of a Warre . Nor will any prudent man conceive that ● would by so many former , and some after-acts ▪ have so much weakned my self , if I had purposed to engage in a War , which to decline by all means , I denyed My self in so many particulars ▪ T is evident I had then no Army to flie unto , fo● protection , or vindication . Who can blame Me , or any other , for withdrawing our selves from the daily baitings o● the Tumults , not knowing whether their fur● and discontent might not fly so high , as to worry and tear those in peices , whom as yet they bu● played with in their Pawes ? God , who is M● sole Judge , is My Witnes in Heaven , that I never had any thoughts of going from My Hous● at Whitehall , if I could have had but any reasonable fair Quarter ; I was resolved to bear much and did so , but I did not think My self bound t● prostitute the Majesty of my place and Person the safety of My Wife and Children , to those who are prone to insult most , when they hav● objects and opportunity most capable of the● rudenesse and petulancy . But this businesse of the Tumults ( whereof some have given already an account to God , others , yet living know themselves desperately guilty ) Time and the guilt of many hath so smothered up , and buried , that I think it best to leave it , as it is . Onely I beleive the just Avenger of al disorders , will in time make those men , and that City , see their sin in the glasse of their punishment . 'T is more then an even-lay that they may one day see themselves punished by that way they offended . Had this Parliament , as it was in its first Election and constitution , sate full and free , the Members of both houses being left to their freedom of Voting , as in all reason , honour , and Religion , they should have bin ; I doubt not but things would have bin so carried , as would have given no lesse content to all good men , then they wished or expected . For I was resolved to hear reason in all things , & to consent to it so far as I could comprehend it : but as Swine are to Gardens , and orderly Plantations , so are Tumults to Parliaments , and Plebeian concourses to publick Councels , turning all into disorders and sordid confusions . I am prone sometimes to think , that had I called this Parliament to any other place in England ( as I might opportunly enough have don ) the sad consequences in all likelyhood , with Gods blessing might have been prevented . A Parliament would have bin welcom in any place , no place afforded such confluence of various and vitious humours , as that where it was unhappily convened . But we must leave all to God , who orders our disorders , and magnifies his wisdom most , when our follies and miseries are most discovered . But thou O Lord art My refuge and defence , to thee J may safely flie , who rulest the raging of the Sea , and the madnesse of the People . The flouds , O Lord , the flouds are come in upon me , and are readie to overwhelme me . J look upon My sinnes , and the sinnes of My people , ( which are the tumults of our soules against thee O Lord ) as the iust cause of these popular inundations which thou permittest to overbeare all the banks of loyaltie , modestie , Lawes , Justice , and Religion . But thou that gatheredst the waters into one place ▪ and madest the dry land to appeare , and after did'● asswage the floud which drowned the world , by th● word of thy power : Rebuke those beasts of th● People ▪ and deliver Me from the rudeness and striving● of the multitude . Restore , we beseech thee unto us , the freedomes o● our Councells , and Parliaments , make us unpassi●na●ly to see the light of reason , and Religion , an● wi●h all order and gravitie to follow it , as it becom● Men and Christians , so shall we praise thy name who art the God of Order and Councell . What man cannot , or will not repress , thy ●mnip●tent Justice can and will. O Lord , give them that are yet living a timely s●●ce and sorrow for their great si●ne , whom thou knowest guiltie of raising or not suppressing those disorders : Let shame here , and not suffering hereafter be their punishment . Set bounds to our passions by Reason , to our errour by Truth , to our seditions by lawes duly executed , and to our schisms , by Charitie , that we may b● as thy Jerusalem , a Citie at unitie in it selfe . This grant , O My God , in thy good time for Iesus Christs sake Amen . 5Vpon his Maiesties passing the bill for Trieniall Parliaments , and after , setling this , during the pleasure of the two houses . THat the world might be fully confirmed in My purposes at first , to contribute what in Justice , Reason , Honour , and Conscience I could , to the happy successe of this Parliament ( which had in me no other designe but the generall Good of My Kingdoms ) I willingly passed the Bill for Trieniall Parliaments ; which , as gentle and seasonabl● Physick , might ( if well applyed ) prevent any distempers from getting any head , or prevailing ; especially , if the remedy proved not a desease beyond all remedy . I conceived this Parliament would sind work with convenient Recesses for the first 3. yeares ; But I did not imagine that some Men would thereby have occasioned more work then they found to do , by undoing so much as they found well don to their hands . Such is some mens activity , that they will needs make worke rather then want it ; & chuse to be doing amisse , rather then doe nothing . When that first Act seemed too scanty to satisfy some mens fears , and compasse publick affairs ; I was perswaded to grant that BILL of Sitting during the pleasure of the Houses , which amounted , in some mens sense , to as much as the perpetuating of this Parliament . By this Act of highest confidence , I hoped for ever to shut out , and lock the door upon all present jealousies , and future mistakes . I confesse I did not thereby intend to shut My selfe out of doores , as some men have now requited Me. True , it was an Act unparallel'd by any of My Predecessors ; yet cannot in reason admit of any worse interpretation then this , of an extream confidence I had , That my Subjects would not make ill use of an Act , by which I declared so much to trust them , as to deny my self in so high a point of my Prerogative . For , good Subjects will never think it just or fit that my condition should be worse by my bettering theirs ▪ Nor indeed would it have been so in the events , if some men had known as well with moderation to use , as with earnestnes to defire advantages of doing good or evill . A continuall Parliament ( I thought ) would but keep the commonweal in tune , by preserving Laws in their due execution and vigour ; wherein my Interest lyes more then any mans , since by those Laws , My Rights as a King , would be preserved no lesse then My Subjects , which is al I desired . More then the Law gives Me I would not have , and lesse the meanest Subject should not . Some ( as I have heard ) gave it out , that I soon repented Me of setling that act ; & many would needs perswade Me , I had cause so to do ; But I could not easily nor sudenly suspect such ingratitude in Men of Honour . That the more I granted them , the lesse I should have and enjoy with them . I still counted my Selfe undiminished by my largest Concessions , if by them I might gain and confirme the love of my people . Of which , I do not yet despair , but that God will still blesse me with increase of it , when men shall have more leisure , and lesse prejudice ; that so with unpassionate representations they may reflect upon those ( as I think ) not more Princely then freindly Contributions , which I granted toward the perpetuating of their happines ; who are now only miserable in this , That some mens ambition will not give them leave to enioy what I intended for their good . Nor do I doubt , but that in Gods due time , the Loyall and cleared affections of My people , will strive to returne such retributions of Honour and love to Mee , or my posterity , as may fully compensate both the acts of my confidence and my sufferings for them ; which ( God knowes ) have been neither few , nor small , nor short ; occasioned chiefly by a perswasion I had , that I could not grant too much , or distrust too little , to men , that being professedly My Subjects , pretended singular piety , and religious strictnesse . The Injury of all Injuries , is , That which some men will needs load me withall ; as if I were a wilfull and resolved Occasioner of My owne , and My Subjects miseries , while ( as they confidently , but ( God knowes ) falsly divulge ) I repini●g at the establishment of this Parliament , endeavoured by force and open hostility , to undoe what by My Royall assent I had done . Sure it had argued a very short sight of things , and extreme fatuity of minde in Me , so farre to binde My owne hands at their request , If I had shortly meant to have used a Sword against them . God knowes , though I had then a sense of injuries ; yet not such as to think them worth vindicating by a Warre : I was not then compelled , as since , to injure my selfe by their not using favours , with the same candour wherewith they were conferred . The Tumults indeed threatned to abuse all Acts of Grace , and turne them into wantonnesse ; but I thought at length their owne feares , whose black arts first raised up those turbulent Spirits , would force them to conjure them down againe . Nor if I had justly resented any indignities put upon Me , or others ; was I then in any capacity to have taken just revenge in an Hostile and Warlike way , upon those whom I knew so wel fortified in the love of the meaner sort of the people , that I could not have given my enemies greater and more desired advantages against Me , then by so unprincely inconstancy , to have assaulted them with Armes , thereby to scatter them , whom but lately I had solemly setled by an Act of Parliament . God knows , I longed for nothing more then that My selfe , and My Subjects might quietly enjoy the fruits of my many condescendings . It had been a Course full of sin , as well as of Hazard , and Dishonour , for me to go about the cutting up of that by the Sword , which I had so lately planted , so much ( as I thought ) to my Subjects content , and Mine owne too , in all probability : if some men had not feared where no feare was , whose security consisted in scaring others . I thank God , I knew so well the sincerity and uprightnesse of My owne heart , in passing that great Bill , which exceeded the very thoughts of former times ; That although I may se●m lesse a Politition to men , yet I need no secret distinctions or evasions before God Nor had I any reservations in my own soul , when I passed it ; nor repentings after , till I saw that my letting some men go up to the pinacle of the temple , was a temptation to them to cast me downe headlong . Concluding , that without a miracle , Monarchy it self , together with Me , could not but be dashed in peices by such a precipitious fall as they intended , whom God in mercy forgive , and make them see at length , That as many Kingdomes as the Devill shewed our Saviour , and the glory of them ) if they could be at once enioyed by them ] are not worth the gaining , by wayes of sinfull ingratitude and dishonour , which hazards a Soule worth more worlds , then this hath Kingdoms . But God hath hitherto preserved Me , & made Me to see , That it is no strange thing for men , left to their own passions , either to do much evill themselvs , or abuse the over-much goodness of others , whereof an ungratefull surfet is the most desperate and incurable disease , I cannot say properly that I repent of that Act , since I have no reflections upon it as a sin of my will , though an errour of too charitable a iudgment ; only I am sorry other mens eyes should be evill , because mine were good . To thee ( O My God ) do I still appeale , whose Aldis●erning Justice sees through all the disguises of mens pre●ensions , and deceitfull darknesses , of their Hearts . Thou gavest Me a heart to grant much to my subiects , and now I need a heart fitted to suffer much from some of them . Thy will be don , though never so much to the crossing of ours , even when we hope to doe what might be most conformable to thine & theirs too ; who pretended they aimed at nothing else . Let thy Grace teach me wisely to enioy as w●ll the frustratings , as the fulfillings of My best hopes , and most specious desires : I see while I thought to allay others fears ; I have raised My Own ; and by setling them , have unsetled My self . Thus have they requited Me evill for good , and hatred for My good will towards them . O Lord be thou my Pilot in this dark & dangerous storme , which neither admits My return to the Port whence I set out , nor My making any other , with that safety and honour which I designed . T is easie for thee to keep Me safe in the love and confidence of my people ; nor is it hard for Thee to preserve Me amidst the uniust hatred and iealousies of to many , which thou hast suffered so far to prevail upon Me , as to be able to pervert and abuse my Acts of greatest Indulgence to them , and assurance of them . But no favours from Me can make others more guilty then my selfe may be , of misusing those many and great ones , which Thou , O Lord , hast conferred on me . I beseech thee give ME and them such Repentance as thou wilt accept , and such graces as we may not abuse . Make me so far happy as to make a right use of others abuses , and by their failings of Me , to reflect with a reforming displeasure upon my offences against thee . So , although for my sins I am by other mens sins deprived of thy temporall blessings , yet I may be happy to enioy the comfort of thy mercies , which often raise ●he greatest Sufferers to be the most glorious Saints . 6Vpon his Maiesties retirement from VVestminster , WIth what unwillingnesse I withdrew from WESTMINSTER , let them judge , who , unprovided of tackling and victuall , are forced to Sea by a storme ; yet better do so , then venture splitting or sinking on a Lee-shore . I stayed at White-Hall , till I was driven away by shame , more then fear , to see the barbarous rudenesse of those Tumults , who resolved they would take the boldnesse to demand any thing , and not leave either My self , or the Members of Parliament , the liberty of our Reason , and Conscience to deny them any thing . Nor was this intollerable oppression my case alone , ( though cheifly Mine ) For the Lords and Commons might be content to be over-voted by the Major part of their Houses , when they had used each their owne freedome . Whose agreeing Votes were not by any Law or reason conclusive to my Judgement ; nor can they include , or carry with them , My consent , whom they represent not in any kinde ; Nor am I further bound to agree with the votes of both Houses , then I see them agree with the will of God , with my just Rights , as a King , and the generall good of my people . I see that as many men ; they are seldome of one minde , and I may oft see , that the major part of them are not in the right . I had formerly declared to sober and moderate mindes , how desirous I was to give all just content , when I agreed to so many Bills , which had been enough to secure and satisfie all : If some mens Hydropick insatiablenesse had not learned to thirst the more by how much more they drank ; whom no fountaine of Royall bounty was able to overcome : so resolved they seemed , either utterly to exhaust it , or barbarously to obstruct it . Sure , it ceases to be Councell : when not reason is used , as to men to perswade ; but force and terrour as to beasts , to drive and compell men to assent to what ever tumultuary patrons shall project . Hee deserves to be a slave without pitty , or redemption , that is content to have the rationall soveraignty of his Soule , and liberty of his will , and words so captivated . Nor do I think my Kingdoms so considerable as to preserve them with the forfeiture of that freedom , which cannot be denyed me as a King ; because it belongs , to me as a man , and a Christian , owning the dictates of none , but God to be above me , as obliging me to consent . Better for me to die , enjoying this Empire of my soul , which subjects Me only to God , so farre as by Reason or Religion he directs me , then live with the Title of a King , if it should carry such a vassallage with it , as not to suffer Me to use My Reason and Conscience , in which I declare as a King , to like or dislike . So far am I from thinking the Majesty of the Crown of England to be bound by any Coronation Oath , in a blind and bruitish formality , to consent to what ever its subjects in Parliament shall require ; as some men will needs infer ; while denying Me any power of a Negative voice as KING , they are not ashamed to seek to deprive me of the liberty of using My Reason with a good Conscience ; which themselves , and all the Commons of ENGLAND enjoy proportionable to their influence on the publique ; who would take it very ill to be urged , not to deny , what ever my selfe , as King , or the House of Peers with Mee should , not so much desire , as enjoyne them to passe . I think my Oath fully discharged in that point , by my governing only by such Lawes , as my People with the House of Peers have chosen , and my selfe have consented to . I shall never think my selfe conscientiously tied to go as oft against my Conscience , as I should consent to such new Proposalls , which my Reason , in Justice , Honour , and Religion bids me deny . Yet so tender I see some men are of their being subject to Arbitrary Government , ( that is , the Law of anothers will , to which themselves give no consent ) that they care not wi h how much dishonour and absurdity they make their King the only man , that must be subject to the will of others , without having power left Him , to use His own Reason , either in Person , or by any Representation . And if my dissentings at any time were ( as some have suspected , and uncharitably avowed ) out of error , opiniativenesse , weaknesse , or wilfullnesse , and what they call Obstinacy in me ( which not true Judgement of things , but some vehement prejudice or passion hath fixed on my mind ) yet can no man think it other then the Badge and Method of Slavery , by savage rudenesse , and importunate obtrusions of violence , to have the mist of His Errour and Passion dispelled , which is a shadow of Reason , and must serve those that are destitute of the substance ▪ Sure that man cannot be blameable to God or Man , who seriously endeavours to see the best reason of things , and faithfully followes what Hee takes for Reason : The uprightnesse of his intentions will excuse the possible failings of his understanding ; If a Pilot at Sea cannot see the Pole-star , it can be no fault in him to steere his course by such sta● as do best appear to him . It argues rather thos● men to be conscious of their defects of Reason and convincing Arguments , who call in the assistance of meere force to carry on the weaknesse of their Councells , and Proposalls . I may , in the Truth and Vprightnesse of my heart , protest before God and men , that I never wilfully opposed , or denyed any thing , that was in a fai● way , after full and free debates propounded to me by the two Houses , Further then I thought in good reason I might , and was bound to do ▪ Nor did any thing ever please me more , the● when my judgement so concurred with theirs ▪ that I might with good conscience consent to them : yea , in many things where not absolut● and morall necessity of Reason but temporary convenience in point of honour was to be considered ; I chose rather to deny my selfe , the● them ; as preferring that which they thought necessary for my peoples good , before what I saw but convenient for my self . For I can be content to recede much from my owne interests , and Personall Rights , of whic● I conceive my self to be Master ; but in wha● concernes Truth , Justice , the Right of th● Church , and My Crowne , together with the generall good of My Kingdomes : ( all which I am bound to preserve as much as morally lies in Me , ) here I am , and ever shall be fixt and resolute , nor shall any man gain My consent to that , wherein My Heart gives My tongue or hand the Lie ; nor will I be brought to affirme that to men , which in My Conscience I deny before God. I will rather chuse to wear a Crown of Thorns with My Saviour , then to exchange that of Gold ( which is due to me ) for one of lead , whose embassed flexiblenesse shall be forced to bend , and comply to the various , and oft contrary dictates of any Factions ; when instead of Reason , and Publick concernments , they obtrude nothing but what makes for the interest of Parties , and flowes from the partialities of private wills , and passions . I know no resolutions more worthy a Christian King , then to prefer His Conscience before His Kingdomes . O my God , preserve thy servant in this Native , Rationall and Religious freedom ; For this I believe is thy will , that we should maintain : who , though thou dost iustly require us , to submit our understandings & wills to thine ; whose wisdome and goodnes can neither erre , nor misguide us ; and so farre to deny our carnall reason , in order to thy sacred mysteries , and Commands , that we should believe and obey , rather then dispute them ; yet dost thou expect from us , only such a reasonable service of thee , as not to do any thing for thee , against our consciences , & as to the desires of men , enioynest us to try all things by the touch-stone of Reason & Laws , which are the rules of Civill Justice ; and to declare our consent to that only which our Judgment approve . Thou knowest , O Lord , how unwilling I was to desert that place , in which thou hast set me , and whereto the affairs of my Kingdoms at present did call me . My People can witness how far I have bin content for their good , to deny My Selfe , in what thou hast subjected to my disposall . O Let not the unthankfull importunities , & tumultuary violence of some mens immoderate demands , ever betray Me to that degenerous & unmanly slavery , which should make me strengthen them by my consent in those things , which I think in my Conscience to be against thy glory the good of my Subiects , and the discharge of my owne duty to reason and Justice . Make me willíng to suffer the greatest indignities , & iniuries they presse upon Me , rather then commit the least sinne against my Conscience . Let the just liberties of my people be ( as well they may ) preserved in fair , and equall wayes , without the slavery of My Soul. Thou that hast invested Me by thy favours , in the power of a Christian King , suffer me not to subiect My Reason to other mens passions , and designs , which to Me seem unreasonable , unìust , and irreligious : So shall I serve thee in the truth and uprightnesle of my heart , thovgh I cannot satisfie these men . Though I be driven from among them , yet give Me grace to walk alwayes uprightly before thee . Lead Me in the way of Truth and Iustice ; for these , I know , will bring Me at last to peace and happinesse with thee ; though for these I have much trouble among men . This I beg of thee for My Saviours sake . 7 Vpon the Queenes departure , and absence out of England , ALthough I have much cause to be troubled at My Wifes departure from Me , and out of My Dominions ; yet not Her absence , so much , as the scandall of that necessity , which drives her away , doth afflict Me. That She should be compelled by My own Subjects , and those pretending to be Protestants , to withdraw for Her safety : This being the first example of any Protestant Subjects , that have taken up Arms against their King , a Protestant : For I look upon this now done in England , as another Act of the same Tragedie which was lately begun in Sootland ; the brands of that fire being ill quenched , have kindled the like flames here . I fear such motions ( so little to the adorning of the Protestant profession , may occasion a farther alienation of mind , & divorce of affections in her from that religion , which is the only thing wherin we differ . Which yet God can , & I pray he would in time take away , & not suffer these practises to be any obstruction to her judgement ; since it is the motion of those men ( for the most part ) who are yet to seek and settle their Religion for Doctrine , Government , and good manners , and so not to be imputed to the true English Protestants ; who continue firme to their former setled Principles and Lawes . I am sorry My relation to so deserving a Lady , should be any occasion of her danger and affliction ; whose merits would have served her for a protection among the savage Indians ; while their rudenesse and barbarity knows not so perfectly to hate all Virtues , as some mens subtilty doth ; among whom I yet think few are so malicious as to hate Her for Her self . The fault is , that She is my Wife . All justice then as well as affection commands me , to study her security , who is only in danger for my sake : I am content to be tossed , weather-beaten , & shipwrackt , so as she may be in safe ▪ Harbour . This comfort I shall enjoy by her safety in the midst of My Personal dangers , that I can perish but halfe , if she be preserved : In whose memory , and hopefull Posterity , I may yet survive the malice of my enemies , although they should be satiated with my bloud . I must leave Her , and them to the love & loyalty of my good subjects ; & to his protection , who is able to punish the faults of Princes , and no lesse severely to reveng the injuries done to Them , by those , who , in all duty and Allegiance , ought to have made good that safety , which the Lawes chiefly provide for Princes . But common civility is in vaine expected from those , that dispute their Loyalty : Nor can it be safe for any relation to a King , to tarry among them who are shaking hands with their Allegiance , under pretence of laying faster hold on their Religion . 'T is pitty so noble and peacefull a soule should see , much more suffer , the rudenesse of those who must make up their want of justice , with inhumanity , and impudence . Her sympathy with Me in My afflictions , will make her vertues shine with greater lustre , as stars in the darke st nights ; & assure the envious world , that she loves me , not my fortunes . Neither of us but can easily forgive , since we do not much blame the unkindnesse of the Generality , and Vulgar ; for we see God is pleased to try both our patience , by the most self-punishing sin , the Ingratitude of those , who having eaten of our bread , and being enriched with Our bounty , have Scornfully lift up themselves against Vs ; and those of Our owne Houshold are become Our Enemies . I pray God lay not their sin to their charge ; who think to satisfie all obligations to duty , by their Corban of Religion ; and can lesse endure to see , then to sin against their benefactours , as well as their Soveraignes . But even that policy of my Enemies is so far veniall , as it was necessary to their designes , by scandalous Articles , and all irreverent demeanour , to seek to drive her out of my Kingdomes ; lest , by the influence of Her example , eminent for love as a Wife , and Loyalty as a Subject , Shee should have converted to , or retained in , their love , and Loyalty all those whom they had a purpose to pervert . The lesse I may be blest with Her company , the more I wil retire to God , and my owne Heart , whence no malice can banish Her. My Enemies may envy , but they can never deprive me of the enjoyment of her virtues , while I enjoy my self . Thou , O Lord , whose Iustice at present sees fit to scatter us , let thy mercy in thy due time , re ▪ unite us , on earth , if it be thy will ; however bring us both at last , to thy heavenly Kingdome . Preserve us from the hands of our despitefull and deadly Enemies ; and prepare us by our sufferings for thy presence . Though we differ in some things , as to Religion , ( which is My greatest temporall infelicity ) yet Lord give , and accept the sincerity of our affections , which desire to seek , to find , to embrace every truth of thine . Let both our Hearts agree in the love of thy selfe , and Christ crucified for us . Teach us both what thou wouldst have us to know , in order to thy glory , our publique relations , and our soules eternall good , and make us carefull to doe what good we know . Let neither ignorance of what is necessary to be known , nor unbelief , or disobedience to what we know , be our misery or our wilfull default . Let not this great scandall of those my Subiects , which professe the same Religion with me , be any hindrance to her love of any Truth thou wouldst have her to learne , nor any hardning of her in any errour , thou wouldst have cleared to her . Let mine , and other mens constancy be an Antidote against the poyson of their example . Let the Truth of that Religion I professe , be represented to her Iudgement , with all the beauties of Humility , Loyalty , Charity , and Peaceablenesse ; which are the proper fruits , & ornaments of it : Not in the odious disguises of levity , Schisme , Heresie , Novelty , Cruelty , and Disloyalty , which some mens practises have lately put upon it . Let her see thy sacred and saving Truths , as Thine ; that she may believe , love and obey them as Thine , cleared from all rust and drosse of humane mixtures . That in the glasse of thy Truth shee may see thee , in those mercies which thou hast offered to us , in thy Son Iesus Christ , our only Saviour , & serve thee in all th●se Holy duties , which most agree with his Holy Doctrine , and most imitable example . The experience we have of the vanity and uncertainty of all humane glory and greatnesse in our scattering and eclypses , let it make us both so much the more ambitious to be invested in those durable honours , and perfections , which are only to be found in thy selfe , and obtained through Jesus Christ . 8. Vpon His Maiesties repulse at Hull , and the fates of the Hothams . MY repulse at Hull seemed at the first view an act of so rude disloyalty , that My greatest Enemies had scarce confidence enough to abett , or owne it : It was the first overt Essay to be made , how patiently I could beare the Losse of My Kingdomes . God knowes , it affected me more with shame and sorrow for others , then with anger for My ●elfe ; nor did the affront done to Me trouble Me so much as their sinne , which admitted no colour or excuse . I was resolved how to beare this , and much more , with patience : But I foresaw they could hardly conteine themselves within the compasse of this one unworthy act , who had effrontery enough to commit , or countenance it : This was but the hand of that cloud , which was soone after to overspread the whole Kingdom , and cast all into disorder and darknesse . For 't is among the wicked Maximes of bold and disloyall Undertakers , that bad actions must alwaies be seconded with worse , and rather not be begun then not carried on ; for they think the retreat more dangerous then the assault , & hate repentance more then perseverance in a fault . This gave me to see clearly through all the pious disguises , and soft palliations of some men ; whose words were somtime smoother then oyl , but now I saw they would prove very Swords . Against which I having ( as yet ) no defence , but that of a good conscience , thought it my best pollicy [ with patience ] to bear what I could not remedy : And in this ( I thank God ) I had the better of HOTHAM , that no disdain , or emotion of passion transported me , by the indignitie of his carriage , to do or say any thing , unbeseeming my selfe , or unsutable to that temper , which , in greatest injuries , I think , best becoms a Christian , as coming nearest to the great example of Christ . And , indeed , I desire alwayes more to remember I am a Christian , than a King ; for , what the Majesty of one might justly abhor , the charity of the other is wiling to bear ; what the height of a King tempteth to revenge , the humility of a Christian teacheth to forgive . Keeping in compasse all those impotent passions , whose excesse injures a man , more then his greatest Enemies can ; for these give their malice a full impression on our soules , which otherwaies cannot reach very farre , nor do us much hurt . I cannot but observe how God not long after , so pleaded , and avenged My cause , in the eye of the world , that the most wilfully blind cannot avoid the displeasure to see it , and with some remorse and fear to own it as a notable stroke , and prediction of divine vengeance . For , Sir Iohn Hotham unreproached , unthreatned , uncursed by any language or secret imprecation of Mine , only blasted with the conscience of his own wickednesse , and falling from one inconstancy to another , not long after paies his owne and his eldest Sons heads , as forfeitures of their disloyalty , to those men from whom surely he might have expected another reward then thus to divide their heads from their bodies , whose hearts with them were divided from their KING . Nor is it strange that they who imployed them at first in so high a service , and so successefull to them , should not find mercy enough to forgive Him , who had so much premerited of them For , Apostacy unto Loyalty some men account the most unpardonable sinne . Nor did a solitary vengeance serve the turne , the cutting off one head in a Family is not enough to expiate the affront don to the head of the commonweal . The eldest son must be involved in the punishment , as he was infected with the sinne of the Father , against the Father of his country : root & branch God cuts off in one day . These observations are obvious to every fancy : God knows , I was so far from rejoycing in the Hotham's ruine , ( though it were such as were able to give the greatest thirst for revenge a ful draught , being executed by them , who first imployed him against Me ) that I so far pitied him , as I thought he at first acted more against the light of his Conscience , then I hope many other men do in the same cause . For , he was never thought to be of that superstitious sowrnesse , which some men pretend to , in matters of Religion ; which so darkens their judgment that they cannot see any thing of Sin and Rebellion in those means they use , with intents to refrom to their Models , what they call Religion ; who think all is Gold of piety , which doth but glister with a shew of Zeale & fervency . Sir John Hotham was ( I think ) a man of another temper , and so most liable to those downright temptations of ambition , which have no cloak or cheat of religion to impose upon themselves or others . That which makes me more pity him is , that after he begun to have some inclinations towards a repentance for his sinne , and reparations of his duty to Me , He should be so unhappy as to fall into the hands of their Justice , and not my Mercy , who could as willingly have forgiven him , as he could have asked that favour of Me. For I think clemency a debt , which wee ought to pay to those that crave it , when wee have cause to beleive they would not after abuse it , since God himself suffers us not to pay any thing for his mercy but only prayers and praises . Poor Gentleman , he is now become a noteable monument of unprosperous disloyalty , teaching the world by so sad and unfortunate a spectacle , that the rude carriage of a Subject towards his Soveraigne carries alwayes its own vengeance , as an unseparable shadow with it , and those oft prove the most fatall , and implacable Executioners of it , who were the first imployers in the service . After-times will dispute it , whether Hotham were more infamous at Hull , or at Tower-hill , though 't is certain that no punishment so stains a mans Honour , as wilfull perpetrations of unworthy actions , which besides the conscience of the sin , brands with most indelible characters of infamy , the name & memory to posterity , who not engaged in the Factions of the times , have the most impartiall reflections on the actions . But thou , O Lord who hast in so remarkable a way avenged thy servant , suffer me not to take any secret pleasure in it , for as his death hath satisfyed the iniury he did to me , so let me not by it gratifie any passion in me , lest I make thy vengeance to be mine , & consider the affront against me , more then the sinne against thee . Thou indeed , without any desire or endeavour of mine , hast made his mischief to return on his own head , and his violent dealing to come down on his own pate . Thou hast pleaded my cause , even before the sons of men , and taken the matter into thine own hands ; that men may know it was thy work , and see that thou , Lord , hast done it . I do not , I dare not say , so let mine enemies perish O Lord ! yea Lord , rather give them repentance , pardon , and impunity , if it be thy blessed will. Let not thy iustice prevent the obiects and opportunities of my mercy : yea , let them live and amend who have most offended me in so high a nature : that I may have those to forgive , who beare most proportion in their offences to those trespasses against thy Maiesty , which I hope thy mercy hath forgiven me . Lord lay not their sins ( who yet live ) to their charge for condemnation , but to their consciences for amendment : Let the lightning of this Thunderbolt , which hath been so severe a punishment to one , be a torrour to all . Discover to them their sinne , who know not they have done amisse : and scare them from their sinne , that sin of malicious wickednesse . That , preventing thy Iudgements by their true repentance , they may escape the strokes of thine eternall vengeance . And do thou , O Lord , establish the Throne of thy servant in mercy , and truth meeting together : let my Crown ever flourish in righteousnesse and peace , kissing each other . Heare my prayer , O Lord , who hast taught us to pray for , to do good to , and to love our Enemies , for thy sake : who hast prevented us with offertures of thy love , even when we were thine Enemies , and hast sent thy Son Iesus Christ to die for us , when we were disposed to crucifie him . 9. Vpon the listing , and raising Armies against the King. I Finde that I am at the same point and posture I was when they forced Me to leave White-Hall : what Tumults could not doe , an Army must ; which is but Tumults listed , and enrolled too a better order , but as bad an end : My recesse hath given them confidence that I may be conquered . And so I easily may as to any outward strength ▪ which , God knowes , is little or none at all : But I have a Soule invincible through Gods grace enabling Me ; here I am sure to be Conqueror , if God will give Me such a measure of Constancy , as to feare him more then man : and to love the inward peace of My Conscience , before any outward tranquility . And must I be opposed with force ; because they have not reason wherewith to convince Me ? O My Soule ! be of good courage , they confesse their knowne weaknesse , as to truth and Justice , who choose rather to contend by Armies then by Arguments . Is this the reward and thanks that I am to receive for those many Acts of Grace I have lately passed , and for those many Indignities I have endured ? Is there no way left to make Me a glorious KING but by My sufferings ? It is a hard and disputable choice for a King , that loves his People , and desires their love , either to kill his own Subjects , or to be killed by them . Are the hazards and miseries of Civill War in the bowels of My most flourishing Kingdome , the fruits I must now reap , after 17. years living and reigning among them , with such a measure of Justice , Peace , Plenty , and Religion , as all Nations about either admired , or envied ? notwithstanding some miscarriages in Government , which might escape ; rather through ill counsell of some men driving on their private ends , or the peevishnes of others envying the publike should be managed without them , or the hidden and insuperable necessities of State , then any propensity , I hope , of my selfe either to injuriousnes or oppression . Whose innocent bloud during My Reign have I shed , to satisfie My lust , anger , or covetousnes ? what Widdowes or Orphans tears can witnesse against me , the just cry of which must now be avenged with My own bloud ? For the hazards of War are equall , nor doth the Cannon know any respect of Persons . In vaine is My Person excepted by a Parenthesis of words , when so many hands are armed against Me with Swords . God knowes how much I have studied to se● what ground of Justice is alledged for this Wa against Me ; that so I might ( by giving just satisfaction ) either prevent , or soone end so unnaturall a motion ; which ( to many men ) seem● rather the productions of a surfeit of peace , an● wantonnesse of minds , or of private discontents Ambition and Faction ( which easily find , o make causes of quarrell ) then any reall obstructions of publick Justice , or Parliamentary Priviledge . But this is pretended , and this I must be ab● to avoid and answer before God in My ow● Conscience ; however some men are not wi●ling to believe Me , lest they should condem● themselves . VVhen I first with drew from White-hall , ● see if I could allay the insolency of the Tumul● of the not suppressing of which no account i Reason can be given , ( where an orderly Gua● was granted , but only to oppresse both Mine a● the Two Houses freedome of declaring and voting according to every mans Conscience ) wh● obstructions of Justice were there further the this that what seemed just to one man , might n● seeme so to another ? VVhom did I by pow● protect against the Justice of Parliament ? That some men withdrew , who feared t● partiality of their tryal , ( warned by My Lo● of Straffords death ) while the vulgar threatned to be their Oppressors , and Judgers of their judges , was from that instinct , which is in all creatures to preserve themselves . If any others refused to appear , where they evidently saw the cur : rent of Iustice & freedom so stopped and troubled by the Rabble , that their lawfull Judges either durst not come to the houses , or not declare their sense with liberty & safety , it cannot seem strange to any reasonable man ; when the sole exposing them to publick odium was enough to ruine them , before the cause could be heard or tryed . Had not factious Tumults overborn the Freedom and Honour of the two Houses ; had they asserted their Iustice against them , & made the way open for all the Members quietly to come and declare their Consciences ; I know no man so dear to Me , whom I had the least inclination to advise either to withdraw himselfe , or deny appearing upon their summons , to whose sentence according to Law , I think every Subject bound to stand . Distempers ( indeed ) were risen to so great a height , for want of timely repressing the vulgar insolencies ; that the greatest guilt of those which were Voted & demanded as Delinquents was this , That they would not suffer themselves o be over-aw'd with the Tumults , and their Pa●ons ; nor compelled to abet by their suffrages , ●r presence ; the designs of those men who agiated innovations , and ruine both in Church & ●●ate . In this point I could not but approve their generous constancy and catiousnesse ; further then this I did never allow any mans refractorinesse against the Priviledges and Orders of the Houses ; to whom I wished nothing more , then Safety , Fulnesse , and Freedom . But , the truth is , some men , and those not many , despairing in fair and parliamentary ways , by free deliberations and Votes , to gain the concurrence of the Major part of Lords and Common● betook themselves ( by the desperate activity o factious Tumults ) to sift and terrifie away a● those Members whom they saw to be of contrary minds to their purposes . How oft was the businesse of the Bishops enjoying their Ancient places , and undoubted Priviledges in the House of Peers , carried for the● by far the Major part of Lords . Yet after fi● repulses , contrary to all Order and Custome , ● was by tumultuary instigations obtruded again and by a few carried , when most of the Pee● were forced to absent themselvs . In like manner , was the Bill against Root a● Branch brought on by tumultuary Clamours , ● schismaticall Terrours ; which could never pas● till both houses were sufficiently thinned a● over-awed . To which Partiality , while in all re●son , Justice , and Religion , My conscience forb● Me by consenting to make up their Votes ● Acts of Parliament , I must now be urged wi● an Army , and constrained either to hazard M owne , and My Kingdoms ruins , by My Defence ; or prostrate My Conscience to the blind obedience of those men , whose zealous superstition thinks , or pretends , they cannot do God and the Church a greater service , than utterly to destroy that Primitive , Apostolicall , and anciently Universall Government of the Church by Bishops . Which if other mens Iudgements bind them to maintaine , or forbids them to consent to the abolishing of it , Mine much more , who , besides the grounds I have in My Iudgement , have also a most strikt and indispensable Oath upon My Conscience , to preserve that Order , and the Rights of the Church ; to which , ( most Sacrilegious and abhorred Perjury , ) most un-beseeming a Christian King , should I ever by giving My consent , be betrayed , I should account it infinitely greater misety , then any hath , or can befall Me ; in as much , as the least sinne hath more evill in it , then the greatest affliction . Had I gratified their Anti-episcopall Faction at first in this point , with My consent ; and sacrificed the Ecclesiasticall Government , and Revenues , to the fury of their covetousnesse , ambition , and Revenge , I believe they would then have found no colourable necessity of raising an Army to fetch in , and punish Delinquents . That I consented to the Bill of putting the Bishops out of the House of Peers , was done with a firme perswasion of their contentedn● to suffer a present diminution in their Rights and Honour for My sake , and the Common weals ; which I was confident they would readily yeeld unto rather then occasion ( by the lea● obstruction on their part ) any dangers to Me , o to My Kingdome . That I cannot adde My consent for the totall extirpation of that Government ( which I have often offered to all fit regulations ) hath so much further tie upon My Conscience , as what I think Religious and Apostolicall ; and so very Sacred and Divine , as no to be dispensed with , or destroyed ; when what ● only of civill Favor , and priviledge of Hono● granted to men of that Order , may with the● consent , who are concerned in it , be annu● led . This is the true state of those obstruction pretended to be in point of Justice and Authority of Parliament ; when , I call God to witne● I knew none of such consequence as was wort speaking of a VVarre , being only such as J●stice , Reason , and Religion had made in My ow and ther mens Consciences . Afterwards indeed a great shew of Delinquents was made ; which were but conseque●ces necessarily following upon Mine , or other withdrawing from , or defence against vi●lence : but those could not be the first occasion of raising an Army against Me. VVherein was so far from preventing them , ( as the have declared often , that they might seeme to have the advantage and Justice of the defensive part , and load Me with all the envy & injuries of first assaulting them ) that God knows , I had not so much as any hopes of an army in My thoughts . Had the Tumults been Honourably and effectually repressed by exemplary Iustice , and the liberty of the Houses so vindicated , that all Members of either house might with Honour and Freedome , becoming such a Senate , have come and discharged their Consciences , I had obtained all that I designed by My withdrawing , and had much more willingly , and speedily returned then I retired ; this being my necessity driving , the other my choise desiring . But some men knew , I was like to bring the same judgement and constancy , which I carry with me , which would never fit their designes ▪ and so while they invited me to come , and greivously complain'd of my absence , yet they could not but be pleased with it : especially when they had found out that plasible and popular pretext of raising an Army to fetch in Delinquents : when all that while they never punished the greatest and most intolerable Delinquency of the Tumults , and their Exciters , which drave my selfe , and so many of both Houses from their places , by most barbarous indignities , which yet in all reason and Honour , they were as loath to have deserted as those others were willing they should , that so they might have occasion to persecute them with the Injuries of an Army , for not suffering more tamely the Injuries of the Tumults . That this is the true state , and first drift and designe in raising an Army against Me , is by the sequell so evident , that all other pretences vanish . For when they declared by Propositions , or Treaties , what they would have to appease them ; there was nothing of consequence offered to Me , or demanded of Me , as any originall difference in any point of Law , or order of Justice . But among other lesser Innovations , this chiefly was urged , The Abolition of Episcopall , and the Establishment of Presbyterian Government . All other things at any time propounded were either impertinent as to any ground of a War , or easily granted by Me , and only to make up a number , or else they were meerly consequentiall , and accessary , after the Warre was by them unjustly began . I cannot hinder other mens thoughts , whom the noise and shew of piety , and heat for Reformation and Religion , might easily so fill with prejudice , that all equality and clearnesse of judgement might be obstructed . But this was , and is , as to my best observation , the true state of affaires betweene us , when they first raised an Army , with this designe , either to stop My mouth , or to force My consent : and in this truth , as to My conscience , ( who was ( God knowes ) as far from meditating a VVar , as I was in the eye of the world from having any preparation for one ) I find that comfort , that in the midst of all the unfortunate successes of this VVar , on My side , I do not think My Innocencie any whit prejudiced or darkned ; Nor am I without that integrity , and Peace before God , as with humble confidence to addresse My Prayer to Him. For Thou , O Lord , seest clearly through all the cloudings of humane affaires ; Thou Judgest without preiudice : Thy Omniscience eternally guids thy unerrable Iudgement . O my God , the proud are risen against me , and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soule , and have not set Thee before their eyes . Consider my Enemies , O Lord , for they are many , & they hate me with deadly hatred , without a cause . For Thou knowest , I had no passion , designe or preparation to embroyle My Kingdoms in a Civill War ; whereto I had least temptation ; as knowing I must adventure more then any , and could gaine least of any by it . Thou O Lord , art my witnesse how oft I have deplored , and studied to divert the necessity thereof , wherein I cannot well be thought so prodigally thirsty of my Subiects blood , as to venture my own life , which I have bin oft compelled to do● in this unhappy Warre ; and which were better spent to save then to destroy my People . O Lord ; I need much of thy grace , with patience to bear the many afflictions thou hast suffered some men to bring upon me ; but much more to bear the uniust reproaches of those , who not content that I suffer most by warre , will needs perswade the world that I have raised first , or given just cause to raise it . The confidence of some mens false tougues is such , that they would make me almost suspect my own Innocency yea , I could be content ( at least by my silence ) to take upon me so great a guilt before men , If by that I might allay the malice of my Enemies , & redeeme My People from this miserable Warre ; since thou O Lord knowest my Innocency in this thing . Thou wilt find out bloudy & deceitfull men ; many of whom have not lived out half their dayes , in which they promised themselvs the enioyment of the fruits of their violent and wicked Councells . Save , O Lord thy servant , as hitherto thou hast ; and in thy due time scatter the people that delight in War. Arise O Lord , lift up thy selfe , because of the rage of mine Enemyes , which encreaseth more and more : Behold them that have conceived mischief , travelled with iniquity , and brought forth falshood . Thou knowest the chief designe of this Warre is , either to destroy my Person , or force My Iudgement , and to make Me renege my Conscience and thy Truth . I am driven to crosse Davids choice ; and desire rather to fall into the hands of men , by denying them , ( though their mercy be cruell ) then into thy hands by sinning against My Conscience , and in that against thee , who art a consuming fire ; Better they destroy Me , then thou shouldest damne Me. Be thou ever the defence of My soule , who wilt save the upright in heart . If nothing but My bloud will satisfie My Enemies , or quench the flames of My Kingdomes , or thy temporall Iustice , I am content , if it be thy will , that it be shed by Mine owne Subiects hands . But O let the bloud of Me , though their King , yet a sinner , be dashed with the bloud of My Innocent and peace-making Redeemer , for in that thy Iustice , will find not only a temporary expiation , but an eternall plenary satisfaction ; both for my sins , and the sins of my People ; whom I beseech thee still owne for thine ; and when thy wrath is appeased by my Death , O Remember thy great mercies toward them , and forgive them , O my Father , for they know not what they doe . 10 ▪ Vpon their seizing the Kings Magazines , Forts , Navy , and Militia . HOw untruly I am Charged with the first raising of an ARMY , and beginning this Civill Warre , the eyes that only pitty me , and the Loyall hearts that durst only pray for me , at first , might witnesse , which yet appeare not so many on my side , as there were men in Arms listed against me ; my unpreparednesse for a War ma● well dis-hearten those that would help me ; while it argues ( truly ) my unwillingnesse to fight , yet it testifies for Me , that I am set on the defensive part ; having so little hopes or power to offend others , that I have none to defend my selfe , or to preserve what is mine own from their prereption . No man can doubt but they prevented Me , in their purposes , as well as their injuries , who are so much before-hand in their preparations against Me , and surprizalls of My strength . Such as are not for Them , yet dare not be for Me ; so overaw'd is their Loyalty by the others numbers and terrours . I beleive my Innocency , and unpreparednesse to assert my Rights and Honour , makes Me the more guilty in their esteem ; who would not so easily have declared a war against Me , if I had first assaulted them . They knew my chiefest Arms left Me , were those only , which the ancient Christians were wont to use against their Persecutors , Prayers and Tears . These may serve a good mans turn , if not to Conquer as a Souldier , yet to Suffer as a Martyr . Their preventing of Me , and surprizing My Castles , Forts , Armes , and Navy , with the Militia , is so far best for Me , That it may drive me from putting any trust in the arme of flesh , and wholy to cast my self into the protection of the living God , who can save by few , or none , as well as by many . He that made the greedy Ravens to be ELYAS Caterers , and bring him foode , may also make their surprizall of outward force and defence , an opportunity to shew me the speciall support of his power and protection . I thank God I reckon not now the want of the Militia so much in reference to My owne protection as My Peoples ▪ Their many and sore oppressions greive Me , I am above My Owne ; what I want in the hands of Force and Power , I have in the wings of faith and Prayer . But this is the strange method these Men will needs take to resolve their riddle of making me a glorious King , by taking away my Kingly power : Thus I shall become a support to My Freinds , and a Terrour to My Enemies , by being unable to succour the one , or suppress the other . For thus have they designed , & proposed to Me the new-modelling of Soveraignty and kingship ; as without any reality of power , so without any necessity of subjection and obedience ; That the Majesty of the Kings of England might hereafter hang like Mahomets Tomb , by a magnetique Charm , between the Power and Priviledges of the two Houses in an aiery imagination of Regality . But , I believe , the surfet of too much Power , which some men have greedily seiz'd on , & now seek wholly to devour , wil ere long make the Common-wealth sick both of it and them , since they cannot well digest it ; Soveraigne Power in Subjects seldome agreeing with the stomacks of fellow Subjects . Yet I have even in this point of the constant Militia sought , by satisfying their feares , and importunities , both to secure My Freinds , & overcom Mine enemies , to gain the peace of al , by depriving My self of a sole power to helpe , or hurt any : yeilding the Militia ( which is my undoubted Right no lesse than the Crowne ) to be disposed of ; as the two Houses shall thinke fit , during My time . So willing am I to bury all jealousies of me , in them , & to live above all jealousies of them , as to My self ; I desire not to be safer than I wish them & My People , if I had the sole actuall disposing of the Militia , I could not protect My People , further than they protected Me , & themselvs : so that the use of the Militia is mutuall . I would but defend My self so far , as to be able to defend My good Subjects from those mens violence and fraud , who conscious to their own evill merits and designes , will needs perswade the world , that none but Wolves are fit to be trusted with the custody of the Shepheard and his Flock . Miserable experience hath taught My Subjects , since Power hath beene wrested from Me , and imployed against Me and Them , that neither can be safe , if both be not in such a way as the Law hath entrusted the publique safety and welfare . Yet even this Consession of Mine as to the exercise of the Militia , so vast and large , is not satisfactory to some men ; which seeme to be Enemies not to Me onely , but to all Monarchy ; and are resolved to transmit to posterity such Jealousies of the Crowne , as they should never permit it to enjoy its just and necessary Rights , in point of Power ; to which ( at last ) all Law is resolved , while thereby it is best protected . But here Honour and Justice , due to My Successors , forbid Me to yeild to such a totall alienation of that power from them , which civility and duty ( no lesse then justice and honour ) should have forbad them to have asked of Me. For , although I can be content to Eclypse My owne beames , to satisfie their feares , who think they must needs be scorched or blinded , if I should shine in the full lusture of Kingly Power , wherewith God and the Lawes have invested Me ; yet I will never consent to put out the Sun of Soveraignty to all Posterity , and succeeding Kings ; whose just recovery of their Rights , from unjust usurpations and extortions , shall never be prejudiced or obstructed by any Act of Mine ; which indeed would not be more injurious to succeeding Kings , than to My Subjects ; whom I desire to leave in a condition not wholly desperate for the future ; so as by a Law to be ever subjected to those many factious distractions , which must needs follow the many-headed Hydra of Government : which , as it makes a shew to the People to have more eyes to foresee , so they wil find it hath more mouths too , which must be satisfied : and ( at best ) it hath rather a monstrosity , than any thing of perfection , beyond that of right Monarchy ; where counsell may be in many as the senses , but the supreame Power can be but in One as the Head. Happily , when men have tried the horrours and malignant influence which will certainly follow My enforced darknesse and Eclypse , ( occasioned by the interposition and shaddow of that body , which as the Moon receiveth its chiefest light from Me ) they will at length more esteem and welcome the restored glory and blessing of the Suns light . And , if at present I may seem by My receding so much from the use of My Right in the power of the Militia , to come short of the discharge of that trust , to which I am sworne for My Peoples protection . I conceive those men are guilty of the enforced perjury , ( if so it may seem ) who compell Me to take this new and strange way of discharging My trust , by seeming to desert it ; of protecting My Subjects , by exposing My selfe to danger or dishonour , for their safety and quiet . VVhich , in the conflicts of Civill VVar and advantages of Power , cannot be effected but by some side yeilding ; to which the greatest love of the publique Peace , and the firmest assurance of Gods protection ( arising from a good conscience ) doth more invite Me , than can be expected from other mens fears ; which arising from the injustice of their Actions ( though never so successefull ) yet dare not adventure their Authors upon any other way of safety then that of the Sword and Militia ; which yet are but weak defences against the stroaks of divine vengeance , which will overtake ; or of mens owne Consciences , which alwayes attend injurious perpetrasions . For my selfe , I do not think that I can want any thing which providentiall necessity is pleased to take from Me , in order to my Peoples tranquillity and Gods glory , whose protection is sufficient for me ; and he is able , by his being with me , abundantly to compensate to Me , as he did to Iob , what ever honour , power , or liberty the Caldeans , the Sabeans , or the Devill himselfe can deprive Me of . Although they take from Me all defence of Armes and Militia ; all refuge by Land , of Forts , and Castles ; all flight by Sea in My Ships , and Navie ; yea , though they study to Rob me of the Hearts of my Subjects , the greatest Treasure & best Ammunition of a King , yet cannot they deprive me of my own innocency , or Gods mercy nor obstruct My way to Heaven - Therefore , O my God , to thee I flye for help , if th● wilt be on my side , J shall have more with we the can be against me . There is none in Heaven , or in Earth , that I d●sire in comparison of thee ; In the loss of all , ● thou more then all to me : Make hast to succour 〈◊〉 thou that never failest them , that put their trust ● thee . Thou seest I have no power to oppose them th● come against me , who are encouraged to fight und● the pretence of fighting for me : But my eyes a● toward thee . Thou needest no help , nor shall I , if I may ha● thine ; If not to conquer , yet at least to suffer . If thou delightest not in my safety , & prosperi● behold here am I , willing to be reduced to what th● wilt have me ; whose Judgements oft begin with 〈◊〉 own Children . I am content to be nothing , that thou mayst be all ▪ Thou hast taught me , That no King can be sav● by the multitude of an Host ; but yet thou canst sa● me by the multitude of thy mercyes , who art the L● of Hosts , and the Father of mercies . Help Me , O Lord , who am sore distressed on e●ry side ; yet be thou on my side , and I shall not fe● what man can do unto me . I will give thy justi the glory of mydistresse . O let thy mercy have the glory of my delivra● from them that persecute my Soule ! By my sinnes have I fought against thee , a● robbed thee of thy glory , who am thy subiect ; and iustly mayst thou , by my owne Subiects , strip me of my strength , and eclypse my glory . But shew thy selfe , O my hope , and only refuge ! Let not mine Enemies say , There is no help for him in his God. Hold up my goings in thy paths , that my footsteps slip not . Keep me as the apple of thine eye , hide me under the sh●ddow of thy wings . Shew thy marveilous loving kindnesse , O thou that savest by thy right hand them that put their trust in thee , from those that rise up against them . From the wicked that oppresse me , from my deadly Enemies that compasse me about . Shew me the path of life . In thy presence is fulnesse of Ioy , at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore . 11. Vpon the 19 ▪ Propositions first sent to the King ; and more afterwards . ALthough there be many things , they demand , yet if these be all , I am glad to see at what price they set My owne safety , and My Peoples peace ; which I cannot thinke I buye at too deare a rate , save onely the parting with my Conscience and Honour . If nothing else will satisfye , I must chuse rathe● to be as miserable , and inglorious , as My Enemies can make or wish Me. Some things here propounded to me have bi● offered by me ; Others are easily granted ; The rest ( I think ) ought not to be obtruded upon me with the point of the Sword ; nor urged with th● injuries of a war ; when I have already declare● that I cannot yeild to them , without violatin● my Conscience : 't is strange , there can be n● method of peace , but by making Warre upo● My Soul. Here are many things required of me ; but ● see nothing offer'd to me , by the way of grate ▪ full exchange of Honour ; or any requitall fo● those favours , I have , or can yet grant them . This Honour they doe me , to put me o● the giving part , which is more princely an● divine . They cannot ask more than I can give , may I but reserve to my self the incommunicable Jewell of my Conscience ; and not be forced to part with that , whose loss nothing ca● repair or requite . Some things ( which they are pleased to propound ) seem unreasonable to Me ; and whil● I have any mastery of My Reason , how ca● they think I can consent to them ? who kno● they be such as are inconsistent with being eithe● a KING , or a good Christian . My yeilding so much ( as I have already ) makes some men confident I will deny nothing . 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 some things they require , I should not so much weaken My outward state of a King ; as wound that inward quiet of My Conscience , which ought to be , is , and ever shall be ( by Gods grace ) dearer to Me than My kingdomes . Some things which a King might approve yet in Honour & Policy are at some time to be denyed , to some men , lest he should seeme not to dare to deny any thing ; and give too much incouragement to unreasonable Demands , or importunities . But to bind My selfe to a generall and implicite consent , to what ever they shall desire , or propound , ( for such is one of their Propositions ) were such a latitude of blind obedience , as never was expected from any Free-man , nor fit to be required of any man , much lesse of a King , by His owne Subjects ; any of whom he may possibly exceed as much in wisdome , as he doth in place and power . This were as if Sampson should have consented , not only to bind his owne hands , and cut off his hair , but to put out his own eyes , that the Philistins might with the more safety mock , and abuse him ; which they chose rather to doe , then quite to destroy him , when he was become so tame an object , & fit occasion for their sport and scorne . Certainly , to exclude all power of deniall seemes an arrogancy , least of all becomming those who pretend to make their addresses in a● humble and loyall way of petitioning ; who , by that , sufficiently confesse their owne inferiority ▪ which obligeth them to rest , if not satisfied , y● quieted with such an answer as the will and reason of their Superiour thinks fit to give ; wh● is acknowledged to have a freedome and powe● of Reason , to Consent , or Dissent ; else it wer● uery foolish and absurd to ask , what anothe having not liberty to deny , neither hath powe to grant . But if this be My Right belonging to Me , i● Reason , as a Man , and in Honour as a Soveraign King , ( as undoubtedly it doth ) how can i be other then extream injury to confine my Reason to a necessity of granting all they have● mind to ask , whose minds may be as differin● from mine both in Reason and Honour , as thei● aims may be , and their qualities are ; which la● God and the Laws have sufficiently distinguish● making me their Soveraigne , and them my Subjects : whose Propositions may soone prov● violent oppositions , if once they gaine to be necessary impositions upon the Regall Authority Since no man seeks to limit & confine his King in Reason , who hath not a secret aime to shar● with him , or usurp upon him in power & domion . But they would have me trust to their moderation , and abandon mine own discretio● that so I might verifie what representations some have made of me to the world , that I am fitter to be their Pupill then their Prince . Truly I am not so confident of my own sufficiency , as not willingly to admit the Counsell of others : But yet I am not so diffident of my self , as brntishly to submit to any mans dictates , & at once to betray the Soveraignty of Reason in my soul , and the Majesty of my own Crown to any of my Snbjects . Least of all have I any ground of credulity , to induce me fully to submit to all the desires of those men , who will not admit , or , do refuse , and neglect to vindicate the freedome of their own and others , Sitting and Voting in Parliament . Besides , all men that know them , know this , how young States-men ( the most part ) of these Propounders are ; so that , till experience of one seven yearts hath shewed me , how well they can Govern themselves , and so much power as is wrested from me , I should be very foolish indeed , & unfaithfull in my Trust , to put the reins of both Reason and Government , wholly out of my own , into to their hands , whose driving is already too much like Iehues ; and whose forwardnesse to ascend the Throne of Supremacy portends more of Phaeton then of Phoebus ; God divert the Omen if it be his will. They may remember , that at best they sit in Parliament as My Subjects , not my superiours , called to be my Counsellours , not Dictators ▪ Their Summons extends to Recommend thei● advice , not to command my Duty . VVhen I first heard of Propositions to be sen● Me , I expected either some good Lawes , whic● had been antiquated by the course of time , o● overlayd by the corruption of manners , had bi● desired to a restauration of their vigour an● due execution ; or some evill customes preter-legall , and abuses personall had been to be removed ; or some injuries done by My selfe , an● others , to the Common-weale , were to be repaired ; or some equable offertures were to b● tendred to Me , wherein the advantages of my Crowne , being considered by them , might fairly induce me to condescend , to what tended to my Subjects good , without any great diminution o● My selfe ; whom Nature , Law , Reason , an● Religion , bind me ( in the first place ) to preserve : without which , 't is impossible to preserve my People according to my Place . Or ( at least ) I looked for such moderate desires of due Reformation of what was ( indeed ) amisse in Church and State , as migh still preserve the foundation and essentialls o Government in both ; not shake and quite ove● throw either of them , without any regar● of the Lawes , inforce , the wisdome and piet● of former Parliaments , the ancient and universall practise of Christian Churches ; th● Rights and Priviledges of particular men Nor yet any thing offered in lieu , or in the roome of what must be destroyed , which might at once reach the good end of the others Institution , and also supply its pretended defects , reforme its abuses , and satisfie sober and wise men , not with soft and specious words , pretending zeale and speciall piety , but with pregnant & solid reasons both divine and humane , which might justifie the abruptnesse and necessity of such vast alterations . But in all their Propositions I can observe little of these kinds , or to these ends ; Nothing of any Lawes dis-joynted , which are to be restored ; of any right invaded ; of any Justice to be unobstructed ; of any compensations to be made ; of any impartiall reformation to be granted ; to al , or any of which , reason , Religion , true Policy , or any other humane motives , might induce me . But , as to the maine matters propounded by them at any time , in which is either great novelty , or difficulty , I perceive that what were formerly look't upon as Factions in the State , and Schismes in the Church , and so , punishable by the Lawes , have now the confidence , by vulgar clamours , and assistance ( chiefly ) to demand not only Tolerations of themselves , in their vanity , novelty , and confusion ; but also Abolition of the Lawes against them ; and a totall extirpation of that Government , whose Rights they have a mind to invade . This , as to the maine ; other Propositions are ( for the most part ) but as waste paper , in those which are wrapped up , to present them somewhat more handsomely . Nor do I so much wonder at the variety , & horrible novelty of some Propositions ( therebeing nothing so monstrous , which some fancies are not prone to long for . This casts me into , not an admiration , but an extasie , how such things should have the fortun to be propounded in the name of the two Houses of the Parliament of England : among whom , I am very confident , there was not a fourth part of the Members of either House , whose judgements free , single , and apart did approve or desire such dstructive changes in the Government of the Church . I am perswaded there remaines in far the major part of both Houses , ( if free and full ) so much learning , Reason , Religion , and just moderation as to know how to sever between the use an● the abuse of things ; the institution , & the corruption , the Government and the Mis-government , the Primitive Patterns ; and the abberrations or blottings of after Copies . Sure they could not all , upon so little , or n● reason ( as yet produced to the contrary ) so soon renounce all regard to the Lawes in force , to antiquity , to the piety of their reforming Progenitors , to the prosperity of former times in this Church & state , under the present Government of the Church . Yet , by a strange fatality , these men suffer , either by their absence , or silence , or negligence , or supine credulity ( believing that all is Gold , which is guilded with shewes of Zeale and Reformation ) their private disse nting in judgement to be drawne into the common sewer or stream of the present vogue and humour ; which hath its chief rise and abetment from those popular clamours and Tumults , which served to give life and strength to the infinite activity of those men , who studied with all diligence , and policy , to improve to their Innovating designes , the present distractions . Such Armies of Propositions having so little , in My Judgement , of reason , J ustice , and Religion on their side , as they had Tumult and Faction for their rise , must not go alone , but ever be backt and seconded , with Armies of Souldiers : Though the second should prevaile against My Person , yet the first shall never overcome Me , further than I see cause ; for , I look not at their number and power so much , as I weigh their Reason and Justice . Had the two Houses first sued out their livery , and once effectually redeemed themselves from the Wardship of the Tumults , ( which can be no other than the Hounds that attend the cry , and hollow of those Men , who hunt after Factious and private Designes , to the ruine of Church and State. ) Did my judgement tell Me , that the Proposions sent to Me were the Results of the Major part of their votes , who exercise their freedome , as well as they have a right to sit in Parliliament , I should then suspect My own judgement ; for not speedily & fully concurring with every one of them . For , I have charity enough to think , there are wise men among them : and humility to think , that , as in some things I may want ; so t is fit I should use their advise ; which is the end for which I called them to a Parliament . But yet I cannot allow their wisdom such a compleatnesse and inerrability as to exclude My self ; since none of them hath that part to Act , that Trust to discharge , nor that Estate and Honour to preserve as My self ; without whose Reason concurrent with theirs ( as the Suns influence is necessary in Nallatures productions ) they cannot beget , or bring forth any one compleat and authoritative Act of publick wisdom , which makes the Laws . But the unreasonablenesse of some Propositions not is more evident to Me , than this is , That they are not the joynt and free desires of those in their Major number , who are of right to Sit and Vote in Parliament . For , many of them savour very strong of that old leaven of Innovations , masked vnder the name of Reformation ; which , in my two last famous Predecessours daies , heaved at , and sometime threatned both Prince and Parliaments : But , I am sure was never wont so farre to infect the whole masse of the Nobility and Gentry of this Kingdome ; however it dispersed among the vulgar : Nor was it likely so suddenly to taynt the Major part of both Houses , as that they should unanimously desire , and affect so enormous and dangerous innovations in Church & State , contrary to their former education , practice , and judgement . Not that I am ignorant , how the choice of many Members was carried by much faction in the Countryes ; some thirsting after nothing more , than a passionate revenge of what ever displeasure they had conceived against me , my Court , or the Clergy . But all reason bids me impute these sudden and vast desires of change to those few , who armed themselves with the many-headed , and many ▪ handed Tumults . No lesse doth Reason , Honour ; and Safety both of Church and State command me , to chew such morsells , before I let them down ; If the straitnes of my coscience will not give me leave to swallow down such Camels , as others do of sacriledg , & injustice both to God & man , they have no more cause to quarrell withme , than for this , that my throat is not so wide as theirs . Yet , by Gods help , I am resolved , That nothing of passion , or peevishnesse , or list to contradict , or vanity to shew my negative power , shal have any byas upon my judgement , to make me gratifie my will , by denying any thing , which my Reason and Conscience commands me not . Nor on the other side , will I consent to mor● than Reason , Justice , Honour , and Religion perswade me , to be for Gods glory , the Churches good , my Peoples welfare , and my own peace . I will study to satisfie my Parliament , and my People ; but I wil never , for feare , or flattery , gratifie any Faction , how potent soever ; for this were to nourish the disease , & oppres the body . Although many mens loyalty and prudence are terrified from giving me that free , and faithfull counsell , which they are able and willing to impart , and I may want ; yet none can hinde● me from craving the counsell of that mighty Counsellour , who can both suggest what is best , and incline my heart stedfastly to follow it . O thou first and eternall Reason , whose wisdom● is fortified with omnipotency , furnish thy Servant ▪ first , with cleare discoveries of Truth , Reason , an● Iustice , in My understanding ; then so confirme My will and resolution to adheere to them ▪ that no terrours , Iniuries , or oppressions of my Enemies may ever inforce me against those rules , whic● thou by them hast planted in My Conscience . Thou never madest me a King , that I should 〈◊〉 lesse then a Man ; and not dare to say , Yea , or Na● as I see cause ; which freedom is not denied to th● meanest creature , that hath the use of Reason , an● liberty of speech . Shall that be blameable in Me , which is commendable veracity and constancy in others ? Thou seest , O Lord , with what partiality , an● iniustice , they deny that freedom to me their KING , which Thou hast given to all Men ; & which Themselves pertinaciously challenge to themselves ; while they are so tender of the least breach of their priviledges . To thee I make my supplication , who canst guide us by an unerring rule , through the perplexed labyrinths of our own thought , and other mens proposalls ; which , I have some cause to suspect , are purposely cast as snares , that by My granting or denying them , I might be more eutangled in those difficultyes , wherewith they lie in wayt to afflict Me. O Lord , make thy way playn before Me. Let not my own sinfull passions cloud , or divert thy sacred suggestions . Let thy glory be my end , thy word my rule , and then thy will be done . I cannot please all , I care not to please some men ; If I may be happy to please thee , I need not fear whom I displease . Thou that makest the wisdome of the world foolishnesle , and takest in their own devices , such as are wise in their own conceits , make Me wise by thy truth , for thy Honour , my Kingdomes generall good , and my own soules salvation ; and J shall not much regard the worlds opinion , or diminution of me . The lesse wisdome they are willing to impute to me , the more they shall be convinced of thy wisedome directing me , while I deny nothing fit to be granted , out of crosseness , or humour ; nor grant any thing which is to be denied , out of any feare , o● flattery of men . Suffer me not to be guilty , or unhappy , by willing or inconsiderate advancing any mens designes , which are iniurious to the publique good , while confirme them by my consent . Nor let me be any occasion to hinder or defrau● the publique of what is best , by any morose or perverse dissentings . Make me so humbly charitable , as to follow their advise , when it appears to be for the publique good ▪ of whose affections to me , I have yet but few evidences to assure Me. Thou canst as well blesse honest errours , as bl●● fraudulent counsells . Since we must give an account of every evill an● idle word in private , at thy tribunall ; Lord ma● me carefull of those solemne Declarations of m● minde which are like to have the greatest influent upon the Publique , either for woe , or weale . The lesse others consider what they aske , make 〈◊〉 the more solicitous what I answer . Though Mine . owne , and My Peoples pressur● are grievous , and peace would be very pleasing yet , Lord , never suffer Me to avoid the one , or purchase the other , with the least expense or waste● My Conscience ; whereof thou , O Lord , one● art deservedly more Master then My selfe . 12 Vpon the Rebellion and troubles in Ireland : THe Commotions in Ireland were so sudden , and so violent , that it was hard at first either to discerne the rise , or apply a remedy to that precipitant rebellion . Indeed , that Sea of bloud , which hath there bin cruelly & barbarously shed , is enough to drown any man in eternall both infamy and misery , whom God shall find the malicious Author or Instigator of its effusion . It fell out , as a most unhappy advantage to some mens malice against me , that , when they had impudence enough to lay any thing to my charge , this bloudy opportunity should be offered them , with which I must be aspersed . Although there was nothing which could be more abhorred to me , being so full of sin against God , disloyalty to my selfe , and destructive to my Subjects . Some men took it very ill not to be believed , when they affirmed , that what the Irish Rebells did , was done with my privitie ( at least ) if not by my Commission : But these knew too well , ●hat it is no newes for some of my Subjects to ●ight , not only without my Commission , but against my Command , and Person too ; yet all the while to pretend , they fight by my Authori●y , and for my safety . I would to God the Irish had nothing to a ledge for their imitation against those , who blame must neede be the greater , by how mu● Protestant Principles are more against all R●bellion against Princes , then those of Papi● Nor wil the goodnes of mens intentions exc● the scandall , & contagion of their Examples . But , who ever fail of their Duty toward me , must bear the blame ; this Honour my Enemi● have always don me , to think moderate injuri● not proportionate to me , nor competent trial● either of my patience under them , or my pard● of them , Therefore , with exquisite malice , they ha● mixed the gall & vinegar of falsity & contem● with the cup of My Afflicton ; Charging Me 〈◊〉 only with untruths , but such , as wherein I ha● the greatest share of losse & dishonour by wh● is committed ; whereby ( in all Policy , Reaso● and religion , having least cause to give , the le● consent , and most grounds of utter detestation might be represented by them to the world , 〈◊〉 more inhumane & barbarous : Like some C● clopick monster , whom nothing will serve to 〈◊〉 and drink , but the flesh and bloud of my ow● Subjects ; in whose common welfare my in●rest lies , as much as som mens doth in their pe●turbations ; who think they cannot do well 〈◊〉 in evill times , nor so cunningly as in laying 〈◊〉 odium of those sad events on others , where w● themselves are most pleas'd , & whereof they ha● bin not the least occasion . And certainly , t is thought by many wife men , that the preposterous rigour , and unreasonable severity , which some men carried before them in England , was not the least incentive , that kindled , and blew up into those horrid flames , the sparks of discontent , which wanted not pre-disposed fewell for Rebellion in Ireland ; where , despaire being added to their former discontents , and the fears of utter extirpation to their wonted oppressions , it was easie to provoke to an open Rebellion , a people prone enough , to break out to all exorbitant violence , both by some Principles of their Religion , and the naturall desires of liberty ▪ both to exempt themselves from their present restraints , and to prevent those after rigours wherewith they saw themselves apparently threatned , by the covetous zeal and uncharitable fury of some men , who think it a great argument of the Truth of their Religion , to endure no other but their own . God knowes , as I can with Truth wash my hands in Innocency , as to any guilt in that rebellion ; so I might wash them in my Tears , as to the sad apprehensions I had , to see it spread so farre , and make such waste . And this in a time , when distractions , and jealousies here in Eugland , made most men rather intent to their owne safety , or designes they were driving , then to the reliefe of those , who were every day inhumanely butchered in IRELAND : Whose ●eares and bloud might , if nothing else , have quenched , or at least , for a time ▪ repressed a● smothered those sparks of Civill dissentions 〈◊〉 Jealousies , which in England some men mo● industriously scattered . I would to God no man had been lesse affect● with Irelands sad estate than my self , I offer● to go my self in Person upon that expedition But some men were either afraid I should ha● any one Kingdome quieted ; or loath they we● to shoot at any mark here lesse then my self● or that any shonld have the glory of my destr●ction but themselves . Had my many offers b● accepted , I am confident neither the ruine h● bin so great , nor the calamity so long , nor t● remedy so desperate . So that , next to the sin of those , who began th● Rebellion , theirs must needs be , who either hi●dred the speedy suppressing of it , by domesti● dissentions , or diverted the Aides , or exasper●ted the Rebells to the most desperate resolu●ons and actions , by threatning al extremities , n● only to the known heads , & chief incendiary● but even to the whole community of that Na●on ; Resolving to destroy Root and Branch , Me● Women , and Children ; without any regard 〈◊〉 those usuall pleas for mercy , which Couqu●rours , not wholly barbarous , are wont to hea● from their owne breasts , in behalfe of thos● whose oppressive fears , rather then their m● lice , engaged them ; or whose imbecility f● Sex and Age was such , as they could neith● lift up a hand against them , nor distinguish between their right hand & their left : Which preposterous , and ( I think ) un-evangelical Zeale is too like that of the rebuked Disciples , who would go no lower in their revenge , then to call for fire from Heaven upon whole Cityes for the repulse or neglect of a few ; or like that of Iacobs sons ▪ which the Father both blamed and cursed : chusing rather to use all extremityes , which might drive men to desperate obstinacy , then to apply moderate remedies ; such as might punish some with exemplary justice , yet disarm others , with tenders of mercy upon their submission ▪ & our protection of them , from the fury of those , who would soon drown them , if they refused to swim down the popular stream with them ; But some kind of Zeal counts all merciful moderation , luke-warmnesse ; and had rather be cruell then counted cold , & is not seldome more greedy to kill the Bear for his skin , then for any harm he hath done . The confiscation of mens estates being more beneficiall , then the charity of saving their lives , or reforming their Errours . When all proportionable succours of the poor Pretestants in Ireland ( who were daily massacred , and over-borne with numbers of now desperate Enemies ) were diverted and obstructed here ; I was earnestly entreated , and generally advised by the chief of the Protestant Party there , to get them some respite and breathing by a cessation , without which they saw ●o probability ( unlesse by miracle ) to preserve the remnant that had yet escaped : Go knows with how much commiseration and sol●citous caution I carried on that bnsinesse , by pe●sons of Honour and Integrity , that so I mig● neither incourage the rebells Insolence , nor discourage the Protestants loyalty and patience . Yet when this was effected in the best so● that the necessity and difficulty of affaires woul● then permit , I was then to suffer againe in m● reputation and Honour , because I suffered n● the Rebels utterly to devoure the remaini● handfulls of the Protestants there . I thought , that , in all reason , the gaining 〈◊〉 that respite could not be so much to the Rebe● advantages ( which some have highly calumni●ted against me ) as it might have been for t● Protestants future , as well as present safety ; during the time of that Cessation , some men h● had the grace to have laid Irelands sad conditio more to heart ; and laid aside those violent m●tions , which were here carried on by those , th● had better skill to let bloud then to stanch it . But in all the misconstructions of my actio● ( which are prone to find more credulity in m● to what is false and evill , than love or charity 〈◊〉 what is true and good ) as I have no Judge 〈◊〉 God above me , so I can have comfort to app● to his omniscience , who doth not therefo● deny my Innocence , because he is pleased ▪ far to try my patience , as he did his servant Iob● I have enough to doe to look to My own Conscience , and the faithfull discharge of My Trust as a KING ; I have scarce leisure to consider those swarmes of reproaches , which issue out of some mens mouths & hearts , as easily as smoke , or sparks do out of a Fornace ; Much lesse to make such prolix Apologies , as might give those men satisfaction , who , conscious to their owne depth of wickednesse , are loath to beleive any man not to be as bad as themselves . 'T is Kingly to do well , and heare ill : If I can but act the one , I shall not much regard to bear the other . I thank God I can hear with patience , as bad as my worst enemies can falsly say . And I hope I shall still doe better than they desire , or deserve I should . I beleive it will at last appear , that they who first began to embroyle my other Kingdomes , are in great part guilty , if not of the first letting out , yet of the not-timely stopping those horrid effusion of bloud in Ireland . Which ( what ever my Enemies please to say , or think ) I look upon , as that of my other Kingdomes , exhausted out of my own veins ; no man being so much weakned by it , as my selfe ; And I hope , though mens unsatiable cruelti●s never wil ▪ yet the mercy of God wil at length say to his justice , It is enough : & command the sword of civil wars to sheath it self : his mercifull justice intending I trust not our utter confusion ; but our cure ; the abatement of our sins , or the desolating of these Nations . O my God , let those infinite mercies prevent us once againe , which I and my Kingdomes have formerly abused , and can never deserve should be restored . Thou seest how much cruelty among Christians is acted under the colour of Religion ; as if we could not be Christians , unlesse we crucifie one another . Because we have not more loved thy Truth , and practised in Charity , thou hast suffered a Spirit of Errour and bitternesse , of mutuall and mortall hatred to rise among us . O Lord , forgive wherein we have sinned , and sanctifie what we have suffered . Let our repentance be our recovery , as our great sins have been our ruine . Let not the miseries I and my Kingdoms have hitherto suffered seem small to thee : but make our sins appear to our consciences , as they are represented in the glasse of thy judgements ; for thou never punishest small failings with so severe afflictions . O therefore , according to the multitude of thy great mercies , pardon our sinnes , and remove thy iudgements which are very many , and very heavy . Yet let our sinnes be evermore grievous to us , tha● thy Iudgements ; and make us more willing to repent , then to be relieved ; first , give us the peace of penitent consciences , and then the tranquillity of united Kingdomes . In the Sea of our Saviours bloud drowne our sinnes , and throngh this red Sea of our own bloud bring us at last to a state of piety , peace , and plenty . As my publique relations to all , make me share in all my Subiects sufferings ; so give me such a pious sense of them , as becomes a Christian King , and a loving Father of my people . Let the scandalous and uniust reproaches cast upon me , be as a breath , more to kindle my compassion : Give me grace to heap charitable coales of fire upon their heads to melt them , whose malice or truell Zeal hath kindled , or hindred the quenching of those flames , which have so much wasted my three Kingdoms . O rescue and assist those poore Protestants in Ireland , whom thou hast hitherto preserved . And lead those in the wayes of thy saving Truths , whose ignorance or errours have filled them with Rellellious and destructive principles ; which they act under an opinion , That they do thee good service . Let the hand of thy Iustice be against those , who maliciously and dispitefully have raised , or fomented those cruell and desperate Wars . Thou that art far from destroying the Innocent with the Guilty , and the Erroneous with the Malicious ; Thou that hadst pity on Niniveh for the many Children that were therein , give not over the whole stock of that populous and seduced Nation , to the wrath of those , whose covetousnesse makes them cruell ; nor to their anger , which is too fierce , and therefore iustly cursed . Preserve , if it be thy will , in the midst of the fornace of thy severe iustice a Posterity , which may praise thee for thy mercy . And deale with Me , not according to mans uniust reproaches , but according to the innocency of my hands in thy sight . If I have desired , or delighted in the wofull day of my Kingdoms calamities ; if I have not earnestly studied , and faithfully endeavoured the preventing and composing of these bloody distractions ; then let thy hand be against me , and my Fathers house . O Lord , thou seest I have enemies enough of men as I need not , so I should not dare thus to imprecate thy curse on me and mine , if my Conscience did not witnesse my integrity , which thou , O Lord , knowest right will ; But I trust not to My own merit , but thy mercies ; spare us O Lord , and be not angry with us for ever . 13Vpon the Calling in of the Scots , and their Comming . THe Scots are a Nation , upon whom I have not onely common ties of Nature , Soveraignty , and Bounty , with My Father of blessed memory ; but also special and late obligations of favours , having gratified the active Spirits , among them so far , that I seemed to many , to prefer the desires of that party , before my own interest and Honour . But , I see , Royall bounty emboldens some men to aske , & act beyond all bounds of modesty and gratitude . My charity , and Act of Pacification , forbids me to reflect on former passages ; wherein I shall ever be farre from letting any mans ingratitude , or inconstancy , make Me repent of what I granted them , for the publique good : I pray God it may so prove . The comming againe of that Party into England , with an Army , onely to conforme this Church to their late New modell , cannot but seem as unreasonable , as they would have thought the same measure offered from hence to themselves . Other errand I could never understand they had , ( besides those common and vulgar flourishes for Religion and Liberty ) save onely to confirme the Presbyterian Copy they had set , by making this Church to write after them , though it were in bloudy Characters . Which designe and end , whether it will justifie the use of such violent means , before the divine Justice , I leave to their Consciences to judge , who have already felt the misery of the means , but not reaped the benefit of the end , either in this Kingdome , or that . Such knots and crosnesse of grain being objected here , as will hardly suffer that forme , which they cry up as the only just reformation , and setling of Government and Discipline in Churches , to goe on so smoothly here , as it might doe in Scotland ; and was by them imagined would have done in ENGLAND , when so many of the English Clergy , through levity or discontent , if no worse passion , suddenly quitted their former engagements to Episcopacy , and faced about to their Presbytery . It cannot but seem either passion , or some self-seeking , more then true Zeal , and pious Discretion , for any forraign State or Church to prescribe such medicines only for others , which themselves have used , rather successefully than commendably ; not considering that the same Physick on different constitutions , will have different operations ; That may kill one , which doth but cure another . Nor doe I know any such tough and malignant humours in the constitution of the English Church , which gentler applications then those of an Army , might not easily have removed : Nor is it so proper to hew out religious Reformations by the Sword , as to polish them by fair and equal disputations among those that are most concerned in the diferences ; whom not force , but Reason ought to convince . But their designe now seemed rather to cut of all disputation here , than to procure a fair and equall one : For , it was concluded , there , that the English Clergy must conform to the Scots pattern , before ever they could be heard , what they could say for themselves , or against the others way . I could have wished fairer proceedings both for their credits , who urge things with such violence ; and for other mens Consciences too , who can receive little satisfaction in these points which are maintained rather by Souldiers fighting in the Field , than Schollars disputing in free and learned Synods . Sure , in matters , of Religion those truths gain most on mens Judgements and Consciences , which are least urged with secular violence , which weakens Truth with prejudices ; and is unreasonable to be used , till such means of rationall conviction hath beene applied , as , leaving no excuse for ignorance , condemns mens obstinacy to deserved penalties . Which no charity will easily suspect of so many learned and pious Church-men in England ; who being alwayes bred up , and conformable to the Government of Episcopacy , cannot so soon renounce both their former opinion and practise , only because that Party of the Scots wil needs , by force , assist a like Party here , either to drive all Ministers , as sheep into the common fold of Presbytery , or destroy them ; at least fleece them ▪ by depriving them of the benefit of their Flocks . If the Scotch sole Presbytery were proved to be the only institution of Jesus Christ , for all Churches Government , yet I beleive it would be hard to prove that Christ had given those Scots , or any other of my Subjects , Commission , by the sword to set up in any of My Kingdomes without My Consent . What respect and obedience Christ and his Apostls pai'd to the chief Governours of States , where they lived is very clear in the Gospell ; but that he , or they ever commanded to set up such a parity of Presbyters , and in such a way as those Scots endeavour , I think is not very disputable . If Presbytery in such a supremacy be an institution of Christ , sure it differs from all others ; and is the first and only point of Christianity , that was to be planted and watred with so much Christian bloud ; whose effusions run in a stream so contrary to that of the primitive Planters , both of Christianity & Episcopacy , which was with patient shedding of their own bloud , not violent drawing other mens ; sure there is too much of Man in it , to have much of Christ , none of whose institutions were carried on , or begun with the Temptations of Covetousnesse or Ambition ; of both which this is vehemently suspected . Yet was there never any thing upon the point , which those Scots had by Army or Commissioners to move me with , by their many Solemne obtestations , and pious threatnings , but only this ; to represent to me the wonderfull necessity of setting up their Presbytery in England , to avoid the further miseries of a Warre ; which some men chiefly on this designe at first had begun , and now further ingaged themselves to continue ▪ What hinders that any Sects , Schismes , or Heresies , if they can get but numbers , strength and opportunity , may not , according to this opinion and pattern , set up their wayes by the like methods of violence ? all which Presbytery seeks to suppres , & render odious under those names ; when wise and learned men think , that nothing hath more marks of Schisme , and Sectarisme , then this Presbyterian way ▪ both as to the Ancient , and still most Universall way of the Church-government , and specially as to the particular Laws and Constitutions of this English Church , which are not yet repealed , nor are like to be for me , till I see more Rationall and Religious motives , then souldiers use to carry in their Knapsacks . But we must leave the successe of all to God , who hath many waies ( having first taken us off from the folly of our opinions , and fury of our passion ) to teach us those rules of true Reason , & peaceable wisdom , which is from above , tending most to Gods glory , & his Churches good ; which I think my self so much the more bound in Conscience to attend , with the most judicious Zeal and care , by how much I esteem the church above the State , the glory of Christ above mine Own ; & the salvations of mens souls above the presevation of their Bodies and Estates . Nor may any men , I think , without sinne and presumption , forcibly endeavour to cast the Churches under my care and tuition , into the moulds they have fancied , and fashioned to their designes , till they have first gained my consent , and resolved both my own and other mens Consciences by the strength of their reasons . Other violent motions , which are neither Manly , Christian , nor Loyall , shall never either shake or settle my religion ; nor any mans else , who knowes what Religion means ; and how farre it is removed from all Faction , whose proper engine is force ; the arbitrator of beasts , no● of reasonable men , much lesse of humble Christians , and loyall Subjects , in matters of religion . But men are prone to have such high conceits of themselves , that they care not what cost they lay out upon their opinions ; especially those , that have some temptation of gaine , to recompence their losses and hazards . Yet I was not more scandalized at the Scots Armies comming in against my will , and their forfeiture of so many obligations of duty , and gratitude to me ; then I wondred , how those here could so much distrust Gods assistance ; who so much pretended Gods cause to the People , as if they had the certainty of some divine Revelation ; considering they were more then competently furnished with my Subjects Armes and Ammunition ; My Navy by Sea , my Forts , Castls , and Cities by Land. But I find , that men jealous of tue Jnstifiablenesse of their doings . and designes before God. never think they have hnmane strength enough to carry their work on , seem it never so plausible to the People ; what cannot be justified in Law or Religion , had need be fortified with Power . And yet such is the inconstancy that attends all minds engaged in violent motion , that whom some of them one while earnestly invite to come into their assistance , others of them soone after are weary of , and with nauseating cast them out : what one Party thought to rivet to a setlednesse by the strength and influence of the Scots , that the other rejects and contemnes at once , despising the Kirk Government , and ●iscipline of the Scots , and frustrating the successe of so chargable , more then charitable assistance : For , sure the Church of England might have purchased , at a farre cheaper rate , the truth and happinesse of Reformed government and discipline ( if it had been wanting ) though it had entertained the best Divines of Christendome for their advice in a full and free Synod ; which I was ever willing to , and desirous of , that matters being impartially setled , might be more satisfactory to all , and more durable . But much of Gods justice , and mans folly will at length be discovered , through all the filmes and pretensions of Religion , in which Politicians wrap up their designes ; In vaine do men hope to build their piety on the ruines of Loylty . Nor can those confederations or designes 〈◊〉 durable , when Subjects make bankrupt of their Allegiance , under pretence of setting up a quicker trade for Religion . But , as my best Subjects of Scotland never deserted Me , so I cannot think that the most are gone so far from Me , in a prodigality of their love and respects toward Me , as to make Me to despair of their return ; when , besides the bonds of nature and Conscience , which they have to Me , all Reason and true policy will teach them ; that their chiefest interest consists in their fidelity to the Crown , not in their serviceablenesse to any party of the People , to a neglect and betraying of My Safety and Honour for their advantages : However , the lesse cause I have to trust to men , the more I shall apply my self to God. The Troubles of My Soul are enlarged , O Lord , bring thou Me out of My distresse . Lord direct thy Servant in the wayes of that pious simplicity , which is the best policy . Deliver Me from the combined strength of those , who have so much of the Serpents subtilty , that they forget the Doves Innocency . Though hand ioyne in hand , yet let them not prevaile against My soule , to the betraying of My Conscience and Honour . Thou , O Lord , ca●st turne the hearts of th●se Parties in both Nations , as thou didst the men of Judah and Israel , to restore David with as much loyall Zeal , as they did with inconstancy and eagernesse pursve him . Preserve the love of thy Truth , and uprightnes in me , and I shall not despair of My Subjects affections returning towards me . Thou canst soone cause the overflowing Seas to ebb , and retire back again to the bounds which thou hast appointed for them . O my God , I trust in thee ; let me not be ashamed ; let not my Enemies triumph over me . Let them be ashamed who transgress without a cause ; let them be turned back that persecute my Soule . Let integrity and uprightnesse preserve me , for I wait on thee , O Lord. Redeem thy Church , O God , out of all its Troubles . 14 ▪ Vpon the Covenant , THe Presbyterian Scots are not to be hired at the ordinary rate of Auxiliarie ; nothing will induce them to engage , till those that call them in , have pawned their Soules to them , by a Solemne League and Covenant . Where many engines of religious and faire pretensions are brought chiefly to batter , or rase Episcopacy . This they make the grand evill Spirit , which , with some other Imps purposely added , to make it more odious , and terrible to the Vulgar , must by so solemne a charme and exorcisme be cast out of this Church , after more than a thousand yeares possession here , from the first plantation of Christianity in this Island , and an universall prescription of time & practise in all other Churches since the Apostles times till this last Century But no Antiquity must plead for it . Presbytery ; like a young Heyr , thinks the Father hath lived long enough ; and impatient not to be in the Bishops Chair & Authority ( though Lay-men go away with the Revenues ) all art is used to sink Episcopacy , and lanch Presbytery in England ; which was lately boyed up in Scotland by the like artifice of a Covenant Although I am unsatisfyed with many passages in that covenant ( some referring to My self with very dubious & dangerous limitations yet I chiefly wonder at the designe & drift touching the Discipline and Government of the Church ; and such a manner of carying them on to new ways , by Oaths and Covenants , where it is hard for men to be engaged by no less , then swearing for , or against those things , which are of no cleare morall necessity , but very disputable , & controverted among learned & godly men : whereto the application of Oaths can hardly be made and enjoyned with that judgement , and certainty in ones self , or that charity and candour to others of different opinion , as I think Religion requires , which never refuses faire and equable deliberations ; yea , & dissentings too , in matters only probable . The enjoyning of oaths upon people must needs in things doubtfull be dangerous , as in things unlawfull , damnable ; and no lesse superfluous , where former religious and legall Engagements bound men sufficiently , to all necessary duties . Nor can I see how they will reconcile such an Innovating Oath and Covenant , with that former protestation which was so lately taked , to maintain the Religion established in the Church of England : since they count Discipline so great a part of Religion . But ambitious minds never thinke they have laid snares and ginnes enough to catch and hold the Vulgar credulity : for by such politique and seemingly-pious stratagems , they think to keep the populacy fast to their Parties under the terrour of perjury : Whereas certainly all honest and wise men ever thought themselvs sufficiently bound , by former ties of Religion , Allegiance , and Laws , to God and Man. Nor can such after-Contracts , devised and imposed by a few Men in a declared Party , without My Consent , and without any like power or precedent from Gods or mans lawes , be ever thought by judicious men sufficient either to absolve or slacken those morall & eternall bounds of duty which lie upon all My Subjects consciences both to God and Me. Yet , as things now stand , good men shal lest offend God or Me , by keeping their Covenant in honest & lawfull ways ; since I have the charity to think , that the chief end of the Covenat , in such mens intentions , was , to preserve Religion in purity , and the kingdoms in peace : To other then such ends and meanes they cannot think themselves engaged ; nor will those , that have any true touches of Conscience , endeavour to carry on the best designes ( much lesse such as are , and will be daily more apparently factious & ambitious ) by any unlawfull means , under that title of the Covenant : unlesse they dare preferre ambiguous , dangerous , and un-authorized novelties , before their known and sworn duties , which are indispensable , both to God and My self . I am prone to believe and hope , That many , who took the Covenant , are yet firm to this judgment , That such later Vows , Oaths , or Leagues , can never blot out those form●r gravings , and characters which by just & lawfull Oaths were made upon their Soul , That which makes such Confederations by way of solemn leagues & covenants more to be suspected , is , that they are the common road used in all factions and powerfull perturbations , of State or Church : where formalities of extraordinary zeal and piety are never more studied and elaborate , then , when Politicians most agitate desperate designes against all that is setled , or sacred in Religion , and Laws , which by such scrues are cunningly , yet forcibly , wrested by secret steps , and lesse sensible degrees , from their known rule & wonted practise , to comply with the humours of those men , who aym to subdue all to their own will and power , under the disguises of Holy Combinations . Which cords and wythes will hold mens Consciences no longer , then force attends and twists them : for every man soone growes his owne Pope , and easily absolves himselfe of those ties , which , not the commands of Gods word , or the Lawes of the Land , but only the subtilty and terrour of a Party casts upon him ; either superfluous and vaine , when they were sufficiently tied before ; or fraudulent and injurious , if by such after-ligaments they find the Imposers really ayming to dissolve , or suspend their former , just , and necessary obligations . Indeed , such illegall waies seldome , or never , intend the engaging men more to duties , but only to Parties ; therefore it is not regarded how they keep their Covenants in point of piety pretended , provided they adhere firmly to the Party and Designe intended . I see the Imposers of it are content to make their Covenant like Manna ( not that it came from heaven , as this did ) agreeable to every mans palate and relish , who will but swallow it : They admit any mens senses of it , though diverse or contrary ; with any salvoes , cautions , and reservations , so as they crosse not their chief Designe which is laid against the Church , and Me. It is enough if they get but the reputation of a seeming encrease to their Party ; So little do men remember that God is not mocked . In such latitudes of sense , I believe many that love Me , and the Church well , may have taken the Covenant , who yet are not so fondly and superstitiously taken by it , as now to act clearly against both all piety and loyalty ; who first yeil●ed to it , more to prevent that imminent violence and ruine , which hung over their heads , in case they wholly refused it , than for any value of it , or devotion to it . Wherein , the latitude of some generall Clauses may ( perhaps ) serve somewhat to relieve them , as of Doing and endeavouring what lawfully they may , in their Places and Callings , and according to the Word of God : for , these ( indeed ) carry no man beyond those bounds of good Conscience , which are certaine and fixed , either in Gods Lawes , as to the generall ; or the Lawes of the State and Kingdome , as to the particular regulation and exercise of mens duties . I would to God , such , as glory most in the name of Covenanters , would keepe themselves within those lawfull bounds , to which God hath called them : Surely it were the best way to expiate the rashnesse of taking it : which must needs then appeare , when besides the want of a full and lawfull Authority at first to enjoyne it , it shall actually be carried on beyond and against those ends which were in it specified and pretended . I willingly forgive such mens taking the Covenant , who keep it within such bounds of Piety , Law , and Loyalty , as can never hurt either the Church , My selfe , or the Publique Peace : Against which ; no mans lawfull Calling can engage him . As for that Reformation of the Church , which the Covenant pretends , I cannot think it just or comely , that by the partiall advice of a few Divines , ( of so soft and servile tempers , as disposed them to so sudden acting and compliance , contrary to their former judgements , profession and practise ) such foule scandalls and suspitions should be cast upon the Doctrine and Government of the Church of England , as was never done ( that I have heard ) by any that deserved the name of Reformed Churches abroad , nor by any men of learning and candour , at home : all whose judgments I cannot but perfer before any mens now factiously engaged . No man can be more forward than My selfe to carry on all due Reformations , with mature judgement , and a good Conscience , in what things I shall ( after impartiall advise ) be , by Gods Word , and right reason , convinced to be amisse , I have offered more than ever the fullest , freest , and wisest Parliaments did desire . But the sequele of some mens actions makes it evident , that the main Reformation intended , is the abasing of Episcopacy into Presbytery , and the robbing the Church of its Lands and Revenues : For , no men have beene more injuriously used , as to their legall Rights than the Bishops and Church-men . These , as the fattest Deer , must be destroyed ; the other Rascal-herd of Schismes , Heresies , &c. being lean , may enjoy the benefit of a Toleration ▪ Thus Naboth's Vineyard made him the onely Blasphemer of this City , and fit to die . Still I see , while the breath of Religion fills the Sailes , Profit is the Compasse , by which Factious men steer their course in all seditious Commotions . I thank God , as no man lay more open to the sacrilegious temptation of usurping the Churches Lands , and Revenues , ( which issuing chiefly from the Crowne , are held of it , and legally can revert onely to the Crowne , with My Consent ) so I have alwayes had such a perfect abhorrence of it in My Soule , that I never found the least inclination to such sacrilegious Reformings : yet no man hath a greater desire to have Bishops and all Church-men so reformed , that they may best deserve and use , not only what the pious munisicence of My Predecessours hath given to God and the Church , but all other additions of christian bounty . But no necssity shall ever , I hope , drive Me or Mine to invade or sell the Priests Lands , which both Pharaoh's divinity , and Ioseph's true piety abhorred to doe : So unjust I think it both in the eye of Reason and Religion , to deprive the most sacred imployment of all due encouragements ; and like that other hard-hearted Pharaoh , to withdraw the straw , and encrease the Taske ; so pursuing the oppressed Church , as some have done , to the read sea of a Civil Warre , where nothing but a miracle can save either It , or Him , who esteems it His greatest Title to be called , and His chiefest glory to be The Defender of the Church , both in its true faith & its iust fruitions , equally abhorring Sacriledge and Apostacy , I had rather live as My Predecessour HENRY 3 sometime did ; on the Churches Alms , then violently to take the bread out of Bishops and Ministers mouthes . The next work will be Ieroboam's reformation , consecrating the meanest of the People to be Preists in Israel , to serve those Golden Calves , who have enriched themselves with the Churches Patrimony and Dowry ; which how it thrived both with Prince , Priests , and People , is well enough knowne : And so it will be here , when from the tuition of Kings and Queenes , which have been nursing Fathers and Mothers of this Church , it shal be at their alowance , who have already discovered , what hard Fathers , and Stepmothers they will be . If the poverty of Scotland might , yet the plenty of England , cannot excuse the envy and rapine of the Churches Rights and Revenues . I cannot so much as pray God to prevent those sad consequences , which will inevitably follow the parity and poverty of Ministers , both in Church and State ; since I thinke it no lesse than a mocking and tempting of God , to desire him to hinder those mischiefs , whose occasions and remedies are in our own power ; it being every mans sin not to avoid the one , and not to use the other . There are wayes enongh to repair the breaches of the State without the ruins of the Church ; as I would be a Restorer of the one , so I would not be an oppressour of the other , under the pretence of Publiqu● Debts : The occasions contracting them were bad enough , but such a discharging of them would be much worse ; I pray God neither I , nor Mine , may be accessary to either . To thee , O Lord , doe I addresse My prayer , beseeching thee to pardon the rashnesse of My Subiects Swearings , and to quicken their sense and observation of those just , morall , and indispensable bonds , whi●h thy Word , and the Lawes of this Kingdome have laid upon their Consciences ; From which no pretensions of Piety and Reformation are sufficient to absolve them , or to engage them to any contrary practises . Make them at length seriously to consider , that nothing violent and iniurious can be religious . Thou allowest no mans committing Sacriledge under the Zeal of abhorring Idolls . Suffer not sacrilegious designs to have the Countenance of religious ties . Thou hast taught us by the wisest of Kings , that it is a snare to take things that are holy , and after V●ws to make enquiry . Ever keep thy servant from consenting to periurious and sacrilegious rapines , that I may not have the brand and curse to all posterity of robbing Thee and thy Church , of what thy bounty hath given us , and thy clemency hath accepted from us , wherewith to encourage Learning and Religion . Though My Treasures are Exhausted , My Revenues Diminished ; and My Debts Encreased , yet never suffer Me to be tempted to use such prophane Reparations ; lest a coal from thine altar set such a fire on My Throne and Conscience as will be hardly quenched . Let not the Debs and Engagements of the Publique , which some mens folly and prodigality hath contracted , be an occasion to impoverish thy Church . The State may soone recover , by thy blessing of peace upon us ; The Church is never likely in times , where the Charity of most men is grown so cold , & their Religion so illeberall . Continne to those that serve Thee and thy Church all those incouragements , which by the will of the pious Donours , and the Iustice of the Laws are due unto them ; and give them grace to deserve and us● them aright to thy glory , and the releif of the poor ; That thy Preists may be cloathed with righteousnesse , and the poor may be satisfyed with breád . Let not holy things be given to Swine ; nor the Churches bread to Dogs ; rather let them go about the City , grin like a Dog , and grudg that they are not satisfyed , Let those sacred morsells , which some men have already by violence devoured , never digest with them , nor theirs ; Let them be as Naboth's Vineyard to Ahab , gall in their mouths , rottennesse to their mames , a moth to their Families , and a sting to their Consciences . Break in sunder , O Lord , all violent and sacrilegious Confederations , to doe wickedly and in●uriously . Divide their hearts and tongues who have bandyed together against the Church and State , that the folly of such may be manifest to all men , and proceed no further . But so favour My righteous dealing , O Lord , that in the mercies of thee , the most High , I may never miscarry . 15. Vpon the many Jealousies raised , and Scandals cast upon the King , to stir up the People against Him ▪ IF I had not My own Innocency , and Gods protection , it were hard for Me to stand out against those stratagems and conflicts of malice , which by Falsities seek to oppresse the Truth ; and by Jealousies to supply the defect of Reall causes , which might seeme to justifie so unjust Engagements against Me. And indeed , the worst effects of open Hostility come short of these Designes : For , I can more willingly lose My Crowne● , than My Credit ; nor are My Kingdoms , so dear to Me , as My Reputation and Honour . Those must have a period with My life ; but these may survive to a glorious kind of Immortality , when I am dead and gon : A good name being the embalming of Princes , & a sweet consecrating of them to an Eternity of love & gratitude among Posterity . Those foule and false aspersions were secret engines at first employed against My peoples love of Me : that undermining their opinion & value of Me , My enemies ; and theirs too might at once blow up their affections , and batter down their loyalty . Wherein yet , I thank God , the detriment of My Honour is not so afflictive to Me , as the sin and danger of My peoples souls , whose eye once blinded with such mists of suspicions , they are soon mis-led into the most desperate precipices of actions : wherein they do not only , not consider their sin and danger , but glory in their zealous adventures ; while I am rendred to them so fit to be destroyed , that many are ambitious to merit the name of My Destroyers ; imagining they then fear God most , when they least honor their King. I thank God , I never found but My pity was above My anger ; nor have My passions ever so prevailed against Me , as to exclude My most compassionate prayres for them , whom devout errours more than their own malice have betraied to a most religious Rebellion . I had the Charity to interpret , that most pa●● of My Subjects fought against My supposed errours , not My Person ; and intended to mend Me , not to end Me : And I hope that God , pardoning their Errours , hath so farre accepted and answered their good intentions , that as he hath yet preserved Me , so he hath by these afflictions prepared Me , both to doe him better service , and My people more good , than hitherto I hav●don . I doe not more willingly forgive their seductions , which occasioned their loyall injuries then I am ambitious by all Princely merits to redeem them from their unjust suspicions , and reward them for their good intentions . I am too conscious to My own Affections toward the generality of My people , to suspect theirs to Me ; nor shall the malice of My Enemies ever be able to deprive Me of the comfort , which that confidence gives Me ; I shall never gratifie the spightfulnesse of a few with any sinister thoughts of all their Allegiance , whom pious frauds have seduced . The worst some mens ambition can do , shall never perswade Me , to make so bad interpretations of most of My Subjects actions ; who possibly may be Erroneous , but no● Hereticall in point of Loyaltie . The sense of the Injuries done unto My Subjects is as sharp , as those done to My selfe ; our welfares being inseparable ; in this onely they suffer more then My selfe , that they are animated by some seducers to injure at once both themselves and Me. For this is not enough to the malice of My enemyes , that I be afflicted : but it must be don by such instruments , that My afflictions grieve Me not more , then this doth , that I am afflicted by those , whose prosperity I earnestly desire , & whose seduction I heartily deplore . If they had been My open and forreign Enemies , I could have born it ; but they must be My own Subjects , who are , next to My Children ; dear to Me : And for the restoring of whose tranquility , I could willingly be the Ionah ; If I did not evidently fore-see , that by the divided Interests of their & Mine enemies , as by contrary winds , the storm of their miseries would be rather encreased then allayed . I had rather prevent my peoples ruine then rule over them ; nor am I so ambitious of that Dominion , which is but My Right , as of their happinesse ; if it could expiate or countervaile such a way of obtaining it , by the highest injuries of Subjects committed against their Soveraign . Yet I had rather suffer all the miseries of life , and dy many deaths , then shamefully to desert , or dishonourably to betray My own just rights and Soveraignty ; thereby to gratify the ambition , or justifie the malice of My Enemies ; between whose malice ; and other men mistakes , I put as great a difference , as betweene an ordinary AGUE and the PLAGUE ; or th● Itch of Novelty , and the Leprosie of Disloyalty . As Lyars need have good Memories , so Malicious Persons need good inventions ; That their calumnies may fit every mans fancy ; and what their reproaches want of truth , they may make up with number and shew . My patience ( I thank God ) will better serve Me to bear , and My charity to forgive , then My leisure to Answer the many false Aspersions which some men have cast upon Me. Did I not more consider My Subjects Satisfaction , then my own Vindication : I should never have given the malice of some men that pleasure , as to see Me take notice of , or remember what they say , or object . I would leave the Authors to be punished by their own evil manners and seared Consciences , which will , I beleive , in a shorter time then they be aware of , both confute and revenge all those black and false scandals , which they have cast on Me ; And make the world see , there is as little truth in them , as there was little worth in the broaching of them ; or Civility ( I need not say Loyalty ) in the not-suppressing of them ; whose credit & reputation , even with the People , shall ere long be quite blasted by the breath of that same fornace of popular obloquy and detraction , which they have studied to heat and inflame to the highest degree of infamy , & wherein they have sought to cast and consume My Name and Honour . First , nothing gave Me more cause to suspect and search My owne Innocency , then when I observed so many forward to engage against Me , who had made great professions of singular piety ; For this gave to vulgar minds so bad a reflection upon Me , and My Cause , as if it had been impossible to adhere to Me , and not withall part from God ; to think or speak well of Me , and not to Blaspheme Him ; so many were perswaded that these two were utterly inconsistent , to be at once Loyall to Me , and truly Religious toward God. Not but that I had ( I thank God ) many with Me , which were both Learned and Religious ( much above that ordinary size , and that vulgar proportion , wherein some men glory so much ) who were so well satisfied in the cause of My sufferings , that they chose rather to suffer with Me , then forsake Me. Nor is it strange that so religious Pretensions , as were used against me , should be to many wel-minded Men a great temptation to oppose Me ; Especially , being urged by such popular Preachers , as think it no sin to lie for God , and what they please to call Gods Cause , cursing all that will not curse with them ; looking so much at , and crying up the goodnesse of the end propounded , that they consider not the lawfullnesse of the means used , nor the depth of the mischief , chiefly plotted and intended . The weaknesse of these mens judgements must be made up by their clamours and activity . It was a great part of some mens Religion to scandalize Me & Mine ; they thought theirs could not be true , if they cried not down Mine as false . I thank God , I have had more triall of his grace , as to the constancy of My Religion in the Protestant Profession of the Church of England , both abroad , and at home , than ever they are like to have . Nor do I know any exception , I am so liable to , in their opinion , as too great a fixednes in that Religion , whose judicious & solid grounds , both from Scripture , and Antiquity , wil not give My Conscience leave to approve or consent to those many dangerous and divided Innovations , which the bold Ignorance of some men would needs obtrud upon me , & my people . Contrary to those well tried foundations both of Truth , and Order , which men of far greater Learning , and clearer Zeal , have setled in the Confession and Constitution of this Church in England ; which many former Parliaments in the most calme , and unpassionate times , have oft confirmed ; In which I shall ever , by Gods help , persevere , as believing it hath most of Primitive Truth and Order . Nor did My using the assistance of some Papists , which were my Subjects , any way fight against My Religion , as some men would needs interpret it : especially those who least of all men cared whom they imployed , or what they said , or did , so they might prevaile . 'T is strange that so wise men , as they would be esteemed , should not conceive , That differences of perswasion in matters of Religion may easily fall out , where there is the fameness of duty , Allegiance , and subjection . The first they owe as men , and Christians to God ; the second , they owe to Me in Common , as their King : different professions in point of Religion , cannot ( any more than in Civill Trades ) take away the community of relations either to Parents , or to Princes : And where is there such an Oglio or medley of various Religions in the world again , as those men entertaine in their service ( who find most fault with me ) without any scruple , as to the diversity of their Sects and Opinions ? It was , indeed , a foule and indelible shame , for such as would be counted Protestants , to enforce Me , a declared Protestant , their Lord & King , to a necessary use of Papists , or any other , who did but their duty to help Me to defend My selfe . Nor did I more than is lawfull for any King , in such exigents to use the aid of any his Subjects . I am sorry the Papists should have a greater sense of their Allegiance , than many Protestant professors ; who seem to have learned , & to practise the worst principles of the worst Papists . Indeed , it had bin a very impertinent and unseasonable scruple in Me , ( and very pleasing no doubt to My enemies ) to have been then disputing the points of different beliefs in My Subjects , when I was disputed with by swords points ▪ and when I needed the help of My Subjects as men , no lesse then their prayers as Christians . The noise of My Evill Councellours was another usefull device for those , who were impatient any mens counsels but their owne , should be followed in Church or State ; who were so eager in giving Me better counsel , that they would not give Me leave to take it with freedome , as a Man , or honour , as a King ; making their counsels more like a drench that must be powred down , then a draught which might be fairly and leisurely drank , if I liked it . I will not justifie beyond humane errours and frailties My selfe , or My Counsellours : They might be subject to some miscariages , yet such as were far more reparable by second and better thoughts , than those enormous extravagances , where with some men have now even wil dred and almost quite lost both Church and State. The event of things at last will make it evident to My Subjects , that had I followed the worst Couucels , that My worst Counsellours ever had the boldnesse to offer to Me , or My self any inclination to use ; I could not so soon have brought both Church and State in three flourishing Kingdomes , to such a Chaos of confusions , and Hell of miseries , as some have done ; out of which they cannot , or will not in the midst of their many great advantages ; redeeme either Me or My Subjects . No men were more willing to complaine , than I was to redresse what I saw in Reason was either done or advised amisse ; and this I thonght I had done , even beyond the expectation of moderate men ; who were sorry to see me prone even to injure My self , out of a Zeal to releive my Subjects . But other mens insatiable desire of revenge upon Me , My Court , and My Clergy ; hath wholly beguiled both Church and State , of the benefit of all My , either Retractations , or Concessions ; & , withall , hath deprived all those ( now so zealous Persecutors ) both of the comfort & reward of their former pretended persecutions , wherein they so much gloryed among the vulgar ; and which , indeed , a truly humble Christian will so highly prize , as rather not be relieved , then be revenged , so as to be bereaved of that Crowne of christian Patience , which attends humble & injured sufferers . Another artifice used to withdraw My Peoples affections from Me , to their designes , was , The noise and ostentation of liberty , which men are not more prone to desire , then unapt to bear in the popular sense , which is to do what every man likes best . If the Divinest liberty be to will what men should , & to do what they so will , according to Reason ; Lawes , and Religion ; I envy not My subjects that Liberty , which is all I desire to enjoy My self ; So far am I from the desire of oppressing theirs : Nor were those Lords & Gentlemen which assisted Me , so prodigall of their liberties , as with their Lives and Fortunes to help on the enslaving of themselves and their posterities . As to Civill Immunities , none but such as desire to drive on their Ambitious and Covetous designes over the ruines of Church and State , Prince , Peers , and People , wil never desire greater freedoms then the Laws alow , whose bounds good men count their Ornament & protection ; others , their Menacles and Opression . Nor is it just any man should expect the reward & benefit of the Law , who despiseth its rule and direction , losing justly his safety , while he seeks an unreasonable liberty . Time will best inform my Subjects , that those are the best preserver of their true liberties , who allow themselves the least licentiousness against , or beyond the Laws . They will feele it at last to their cost , that it is impossible those men should be really tender of their fellow-Subjects libertyes , who have the hardinesse to use their King with so severe restraint , against all Laws , both Divine and Humane , under which ; yet , I wil rather perish , then complain to those , who want nothing to compleat their mirth , and triumph , but such musick . In point of true consciencious tendernes ( attended with humility and meeknes , not with proud & arrogant activity , which seeks to hatch every Egge of different opinion to a Faction or Schisme ) I have oft declared , how little I desire My Laws and Scepter should intrench on Gods Soveraignty , which is the only King of mens Consciences ; and yet he hath laid such restraints upon men , as commands them to be subject for Conscience sake , giving no men liberty to break the Law established , further then with meeknes and patience , they are content to suffer the penalties annexed , rather then perturb the publick peace . The truth is , some men thirst after Novelties , others despaire to relieve the necessities of their Fortunes , or satisfie their Ambition , in peaceable times , ( distrusting Gods providence , as well as their own merits ) were the secret ( but principal ) impulsives to those popular Commotions , by which Subjects have been discharged to expend much of those plentifull Estates they got & enjoyed under my government , in peaceable times ; which yet must now be blasted with all the odious reproaches , which impotent malice can invent ; & My self exposed to all those contempts , which may mostdiminish the Majesty of a King , and encrease the ungratefull Insolencies of My People . For Mine Honour , I am wel assured , that as mine Innocency is clear before God ; in point of of any calumnies they object ; so My reputation shall like the Son ( after Owles and Bats have had their freedome in the night and darker times ) rise and recover it selfe to such a degree of splendour , as those ferall Birds shall be greived to behold , and unable to bear . For never were any Princes more glorious thē those whom God hath suffer'd to be tried in the fornace of afflictions , by their injurious subjects . And who knows but the just and merciful God will do Me good , for some mens hard , false & evill speeches against Me ; wherein they spake rather what they wish , than what they believe or know . Nor can I suffer so much in point of honour , by those rude and scandalous Pamphlets ( which like fire , in great conflagration● , fly up & down to set all places on like flames ) than those men do , who pretending to so much piety , are so forgetfull of their duty to God and Me : By no way ever vindicating the Majesty of their KING against any of those , who , contrary to the precept of God , and precedent of Angels , speak evill of dignityes , and bring rayling accusations agaynst those , who are honoured with the name of Gods. But 't is no wonder , if men not fearing God , should not Honour their Kings They will easily contemn such shaddowes of God , who reverence not that Supreme , and adorable Majesty ; in comparison of whom all the glory of Men & Angels is but obscurity ; yet hath he graven such Characters of divine Authority , and sacred power upon Kings , as none may without sin seek to blot them out . Nor shal their black veiles be able to hide the shining of My face , while God gives Me a heart frequently & humbly to converse with him , from whom alone are all the traditions of true glory and Majesty . Thou , O Lord , knowest My reproach , and My dishonour , My Adversaries are all before thee . My Soule is among Lyons , among them that are set on fire , even the Suns of Men ; whose teeth are spears and arrows , their tongue a sharp sword . Mine Enemies reproach Me all the day long , and those that are mad against me are sworn together . O My God , how long shall the sons of men turne my glory into shame ? how long shall they love vanity , and seek after lies ? Thou hast heard the reproaches of wicked men on every side . Hold not thy peace , least My Enemies prevaile against me , and lay mine Honour in the dust . Thou , O Lord , shalt destroy them that speak lies : the Lord will abhor both the bloud thirsty , and deceitfull men . Make my righteousnesse to appear as the light , and mine innocency to shine forth as the Sun at noone day . Suffer not my silence to betray mine innocence , nor my displeasure , my patience ; That after my Saviours example , being reviled , I may not revile againe ; & , being cursed by them , I may blesse them . Thou that wouldst not suffer Shimei's tongue to go unpunished , when by thy iudgements on David he might seem to iustifie his disdainfull reproaches , give me grace to intercede with thy mercy for these my enemies , that the reward of false and lying tongues , even hot burning coals of eternall fire , may not be brought upon them . Let my prayers , and patience , be as water to coole and quench their tongues , who are already set on fire with the fire of Hell , and tormented with those malicious flames . Let me be happy to refute , and put to silence their evill-speaking by well-doing ; and let them enioy not the fruit of their lips , but of my prayer for their repentance , and thy pardon . Teach me Davids patience and Hezekiahs devotion , that I may look to thy mercy through mans malice , and see thy Iustice in their sin . Let Sheba's seditious speeches , Rabsheka's railing , & Shemei's cursing , provoke , as my humble prayer to thee , so thy renewed blessing toward Me. Though they curse , do thou blesse , and I shall be blessed ; and made a blessing to my people . That the stone , which some builders refuse , may become the head-stone of the corner . Looke downe from heaven , and save me , from the reproach of them that would swallow me up . Hide me in the secret of thy presence , from the pride of man , & keep me from the strife of tongues . 16. Vpon the Ordinance against the Common-Prayer-Booke . IT is no news to have all Innovations ushered in with the name of Reformations in Church and State , by those , who , seeking to gaine reputation with the Vulgar for their extraordinary parts and piety , must needs undoe whatever was formerly setled never so well and wisely . So hardly can the pride of those that study Novelties , allow former times any share or degree of wisdome or godlinesse . And because matter of prayer and devotion to God justly beares a great part in Religion , ( being the Souls more immediate converse with the divine Majesty ) nothing could be more plausible to the peopl than to tel them , They served God amisse in that point . Hence our publique Liturgy or Formes of constant Prayers must be ( not amended , in what upon free and publique advice might seeme to sober men inconvenient for matter or manner , to which I should easily consent , but ) wholly cashiered and abolished ; and , after many popular contempts offered to the Booke , and those that used it according to their Consciences , and the Lawes in force , it must be crucified by an Ordinance , the better to please either those men , who gloried in their extemporary veyn and fluency ; or others , who , conscious to their own formality in the use of it , thought they fully expiated their sin of not using it aright , by laying all the blame upon it , and a totall rejection of it as a dead letter , thereby to excuse the deadness of their hearts . As for the matter contained in the book , sober & learned men have sufficiently vindicated it against the cavils and exceptions of those , who thought it a part of piety to make what profan objections , they could against it , especially for Popery & Superstition ; whereas no doubt , the Liturgy was exactly conformed to the doctrine of the Church of Engl. and this by all reformed churches is confessed to be most sound and Orthodox . For the manner of using Set & prescribed Formes , there is no doubt but that wholsome words being known & fitted to mens understandings , are soonest received into their hearts , and aptest to excite and carry along with them judicious and fervent affections . Nor doe I see any reason why Christians should be weary of a wel-composed Liturgy ( as I hold this to be ) more than of all other things , wherein the constancy abates nothing of the excellency and usefulnesse . I could never see any Reason , why any Christian should abhor , or be forbidden to use the same forms of prayer , since he prayes to the same God , believes in the same Saviour , professeth the same Truths , reads the same Scriptures , hath the same duties upon him , and feels the same daily wants for the most part , both inward & outward , which are common to the whole Church . Sure we may as wel before-hand know what we pray , as to whom we pray ; & in what words , as to whatsense ; when we desire the same things , what hinders we may not use the same words ? our appetite and disgestion too may be good when we use , as we pray for , our daily bread . Some men , I heare , are so impatient not to use in all their devotion their own invention , and gifts , that they not only disuse ( as too many ) but wholly cast away & contemn the Lords Prayer ; whose great guilt is , that it is the warrant & originall pattern of all set Liturgies , in the Christian Church . I ever thought that the proud ostentation of mens abilities for invention , and the vain affectations of variety for expressions , in Publique Prayer , or any sacred Administrations , merits a greater brand of sinne , than that which they call Coldnesse and Barrennesse : Nor are men in those noveltyes lesse subject to formall and superficiall tempers ( as to their hearts ) than in the use of constant Formes , where not the words , but mens hearts are too blame . I make no doubt but a man may be very formal in the most extemporary variety ; and very fervently devout in the most wonted expressions : Nor is God more a God of variety , than of constancy : Nor are constant Forms of Prayers more likely to flat , & hinder the Spirit of prayer , & devotion , than un-premeditated & confused variety to distract , and lose it . Though I am not against a grave , modest , discreet , & humble use of Ministers gifts , even in publique , the better to fit , & excite their own , & the Peoples affections to the present occasions ; yet I know no necessity why private and single abilityes should quite justle out , and deprive the Church of the joynt abilityes & concurrent gift of many learned and godly men ; such as the Composers of the Service booke were ; who may in all reason be thought to have more of gifts and graces enabling them to Compose with serious deliberation & concurrent advise , such Forms of prayers , as may best fit the churches common want , inform the Hearers understanding ; and stir up that fiduciary and fervent application of their spirits , ( wherein consists the very life and soul of prayer , and that so much pretended Spirit of prayer ) than any private man by his solitary abilities can be presumed to have ; which , what they are many times ( even there , where they make a great noise and shew ) the affectations , emptinesse , impertinency , rudenesse , confusions , flatnesse , levity , obscurity , vain , and ridiculous repititions , the senselesse , and oft-times blasphemous expressions ; all these burthened with a most tedious and intolerable length , do sufficiently convince all men , but those who glory in that Pharisaick way . Wherein men must be strangely impudent , and flatterers of themselves , not to have an infinite shame of what they so do and say , in things of so sacred a nature , before God & the Church , after so ridiculous , & indeed , profane a manner . Nor can it be expected , but that in dutyes of frequent performance , as Sacramentall administrations , and the like , which are stil the same , Ministers must either come to use their own forms constantly which are not like to be sound , or comprehensive of the nature of the duty , as Forms of Publick composure ; or else they must euery time affect new expressions when the subject is the same ; which can hardly be presumed in any mans greatest sufficiencyes not to want ( many times ) much of that compleatnesse , order and gravity , becomming those duties , which by this means are exposed at every celebration to every Ministers private infirmities , indispositions , errours , disorders , & defects ; both for judgment and expression . A serious sense of which inconvenience in the Church unavoidably following every mans severall manner of officiating , no doubt , first occasioned the wisdom & piety of the Ancient churches , to remedy those mischiefs , by the use of constant Lyturgies of publick composure . The want of which I believe this Church will sufficiently feel , when the unhappy fruits of many mens un-governed ignorance , and confident defects , shall be discovered in more errours , scismes , disorders , and uncharitable distractions in Religion , which are already but too many ; the more is the pity . However , if violence must needs bring in , and abet those innovations , ( that men may not seem to have nothing to do ) which Law , Reason , & Religion forbids , at least to be so obtruded , as wholy to justle out the publick Lyturgy . Yet nothing can excuse that most unjust and partiall severity of those men , who either lately had subscribed to , used and maintained the Service-book ; or refusing to use , it cryed out of the rigour of the Laws and Bishops , which suffered them not to use the liberty of their consciences , in not using it . That these men ( I say ) should so suddenly change the Lyturgie into a Directory , as if the Spirit needed help for invention , though not for expressions ; or as if matter prescribed did not as much stint and obstruct the Spirit , as if it were cloathed in , and confined to , fit words : ( So slight and easie is that Legerdemain which will serve to delude the vulgar . ) That further , they should use such severity as not to suffer , without penalty , any to use the Common-Prayer-Book publickly , although their Consciences binde them to it , as a duty of piety to GOD , and Obedience to the Laws . Thus I see , no men are prone to be greater Tyrants , and more rigorus exacters upon others to conform to their illegall novelties , then such , whose pride was formerly least disposed to the obedience of lawfull Constitutions ; and whose licentious humours , most pretended Conscientious liberties ; which freedome , with much regret , they now allow to Me , and My Chaplains , when they may have leave to serue Me ; whose abilities , euen in their extemporary way , come not short of the other ▪ but their modesty and learning far exceeds the most of them . But this matter is of so popular a nature , as some men knew it would not bear learned and sober debates , least , being convinced by the evidence of Reason , as well as Laws , they shoul● have been driven either to sinne more agains● their knowledge , by taking away the Lyturgy ▪ or to displease some faction of the people by continuing the use of it . Though I believe they have offended more considerable men , not only for their numbers & estate , but for their weighty and judicious piety , than those are , whose weaknes or giddines they sought to gratifie by taking it away . One of the greatest faults some men found with the Common-Prayer-book , I beleive , was this , That it taught them to pray so oft for Me ; to which Petitions they had not Loyalty enough to say Amen , nor yet charity enough to forbear Reproaches , and even cursings of Me in their own forms , instead of praying for Me. I wish their Repentance may be their only punishment ; that seeing the mischiefs which the disuse of publique Liturgyes hath already produced , they may restore that credit , use , and reverence to them , which by the ancient Churches were given to Set Formes of sound and wholsome words . And thou , O Lord , which art the same God , blessed for ever : whose mercies are full of varie y ; & yet of constancy ; Thou denyest us not a new & fresh sense of our old and dayly wants : nor despisest renued affections ioyned to constant expressions . Let us not want the benefit of thy Churches united & wel-advised Devotions . Let the matters of our prayers be agreeable to thy will ▪ which is alwaies the same ; and the fervency of our spirits to the motions of thy holy Spirit in us . And then we doubt not , but thy spirituall perfections are such , as thou art neither to be pleased with affected Novelties for matter or manner , nor offended with the pious constancy of our petitions in them both . Whose variety or constancy thou hast no where either forbidden or commanded , but left them to the piety and prudence of thy Church , that both may be used , neither dispised . Keep men in that pious moderation of their Iudgments in matters of Religion ; that their ignorance may not offend others , nor their opinion of their own abilities tempt them to deprive others of what they may lawfully and devoutly use , to help their infirmities . And since the advantage of Errour consists in novelty and variety , as Truths in unity and constancy , Suffer not thy Church to be pestered with errours , and diformed with undecencies in thy service , under the pretence of variety and novelty . Nor to be deprived of truth , unity , and order , under this fallacy , That constancy is the cause of formality . Lord keep us from formall Hypocisie in our own hearts , and then we know that praying to thee , or praising of thee ( with David , and other holy men ) in the same formes cannot hurt us . Give us wisdome to amend what is amisse within us , and there will be lesse to mend without us . Evermore defend and deliver thy Church from the effects of blind zeal , and over-bold devotion . 17. Of the differences betweene the King and the two Houses , in point of Church-government . TOuching the GOVERNMENT of the Church by Bishops , the common Jealousie hath bin , that I am earnest and resolute to maintain it , not so much out of piety , as policy , and reason of State. Wherein so far indeed reason of State doth induce Me to approve that Government above any other , as I find it impossible for a Prince to preserve the State in quiet , unlesse he hath such an influence upon Church-men , and they such a dependance on Him , as may best restraine the seditions exorbitances of Ministers Tongues ; who with the Keys of Heaven have so far the Keys of the Peoples hearts , as they prevaile much by their Oratory to let in , or shut out , both Peace and Loyalty . So that , I being ( as King ) intrusted by God , & the Laws , with the good both of Church and State ; I see no reason I should give up , or weaken by any change , that power and influence which in right and reason I ought to have over both . The moving Bishops out of the House of Peers ( of which I have elsewhere given an account ) was sufficient to take off any suspicion , that I encline to them for any use to be made of their Votes in State affairs : Though indeed I never thought any Bishop worthy to sit in that House , who would not Vote according to his Conscience . I must now in charity be thought desirous to preserve that Government in its right constitution , as a matter of Religion ; wherein both My judgement is justly satisfyed , that it hath of all other the fullest Scripture grounds , and also the constant practise of all Christian Churches ; til of late years , the tumultuarinesse of People , or the factiousnesse and pride of Presbyters , or the covetousnesse of some States and Princes , gave occasion to some mens wits to invent new modells , aud propose them under specious titles of Christs Government , Scepter , and Kindome ; the better to serve their turns , to whom the change was beneficiall . They must give Me leave , having none of their temptations to invite Me to alter the Government of Bishops , ( that I may have a Title to their Estates ) not to believe their pretended grounds to any new wayes : contrary to the full , and constant testimony of all Histories , sufficiently convincing unbiased men ; that as the Primitive Churches were undoubtedly governed by the Apostls and their immediate Successors first & best Bishops ; so it cannot in reason or charity be supposed , that al churches in the world should either be ignorant of the rule by thē prescribed , or so soon deviate from their divine and holy patterne : That since the first Age , for 1500. years not one Example can be produced of any setled Church , wherein were many Ministers and Congregations , which had not some Bishop above them , under whose jurisdiction and government they were . Whose constant and universall practise agreeing with so large , and evident Scripture-directions , and examples , as are set down in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus , for the setling of that Government , not in the persons only of Timothy and Titus , but in the succession ; ( the want of Government being that , which the Church can no more dispense with , in point of wel-being , then the want of the Word & Sacraments , in point of being ) I wonder how men came to look with so envious an eye upon Bishops power and authority , as to oversee both the Ecclesiasticall use of them , and Apostolicall constitution : which to Me seems no lesse evidently set forth as to the maine scope & design of those Epistles ; for the setling of a peculiar Office , Power , and Authority in them as President-Bishops above others , in point of Ordination , Censures , and other acts of Ecclesiasticall discipline ; then those shorter Characters of the qualities and duties of Presbiter-Bishops , and Deacons , are described in some parts of the same Epistles , who in the latitude and community of the name , were then , and may now not improperly be called Bishops , as to the oversight and care of single Congregations , committed to them by the Apostles , or those Apostolicall Bishops , who ( as Timothy and Titus ) succeeded them in that ordinary power , there assigned over larger divisions , in which were many Presbyters The humility of those first Bishops avoiding the eminent title of Apostles , as a name in the Churches stile appropriated from its common notion ( of a Messenger or one sent ) to that speciall dignity which had extraordinary call , mission , gifts , and power immediatly from Christ : they contented themselves with the ordinary titles of Bishops and Presbyters ; untill use , ( the great Arbitrator of words , and Master of Language ) finding reason to distinguish by a peculiar name those persons , whose power and office , were indeed distinct from , and above all other in the Church , as suceeding the Apostles in the ordinary and constant power of governing the Churches , ( the honour of whose name they moderately , yet commendably declined ) all Christian Churches ( submitting to that special anthority ) appropriated also the name of Bishop , without any suspition or reproach of arrogancy , to those who were by apostolical propagation rightly descended & invested into that highest & largest power of governing even the most pure & primitive Churches : which , without all doubt , had many such holy Bishops , after the pattern of Timothy & Titus ; whose speciall power is not more clearly set down in those Epistles ( the chief grounds & limits of all Episcopall claim , as from divine Right ) then are the Characters of these perilous times , & those men that make them such , who , not enduring sound doctrine , & clear testimonies of all Churches practise , are most perverse disputers , and proud Usurpers , against true Episcopacy : who , if they be not Traytors and Boasters , yet they seem to be very covetous , heady , high-minded ; inordinate & feirce , lovers of themselves , having much of the form , litle of the power of godlines . Who , by popular heaps of weak , light , and unlearned Teachers , seeke to over-lay & smother the pregnancy and , authority of that power of Episcopall government , which ; beyond al equivocation & vulgar fallacy of names , is most convincingly set forth , both by Scripture , and all after-Historyes of the Church . This I write rather like a Divine , than a Prince that Posterity may see , ( if ever these Papers be publick ) that I had fair grounds both from scripture-Canons , & Ecclesiasticall examples , whereon My judgment was stated for Episcopall government . Nor was it any policy of State , or obstinacy of wil , or partiality of affection , either to the men , or their Function which fixed Me ; who cannot in point of worldly respects be so considerable to me as to recompence the injuries and losses I , and My dearest relations with My Kingdomes , have sustained , and hazarded , chiefly , at first , upon this quarrell . And not only in Religion , of which Scripture is the best rule , and the Churches Vniversall practice the best commentary , but also in right reason , and the true nature of Government , it cannot be thought that an orderly Subordination among Presbyters , or Ministers , should be any more against Christianity , then it is in all secular and civill Governments , where parity breeds Confusion and Faction . I can no more believe , that such order is inconsistent with true Religion , then good features are with beauty , or numbers with harmony . Nor is it likely that God , who appointed severall orders , and a Prelacy , in the Government of his Church , among the Jewish Priests , should abhor or forbid them among Christian Ministers ; who have as much of the principles of schisme and division as other men ; for preventing and suppressing of which , the Apostolicall wisdom ( which was divine ) after that Christians were multiplied to many Congregations , and Presbyters with them , appointed this way of Government , which might best preserve order and union with Authority . So that I conceive it was not the favour of Princes , or ambition of Presbyters , but the wisdome and piety of the Apostles , that first setled Bishops in the Church ; which Authority they constantly used , and injoyed in those times , which were purest for Religion , though sharpest for Persecution . Not that I am against the managing of this presidency and authority in one man ; by the joynt Counsell and consent of many Presbyters : I have offerd to restore that , as a fit means to avoid those Errours , Corruptions , and Partialities , which are incident to any one man ; Also to avoyd Tyranny , which becomes no Christians , least of all Church-men ; besides , it will be a means to take away that burden , and odium of afaires , which may lie too heavy on one mans shoulders , as indeed I think it formerly did on the Bishops here . Nor can I see what can be more agreeable both to Reason and Religion , then such a frame of Government which is paternall , not Magisterial ; and wherein not only the necessity of avoyding Faction and Confusion , Emulations and Cont●mps , which are prone to rise among equals in power and function ▪ but also the differences of some Ministers gifts , and aptitudes for Government above others , doth invite to imploy them , in reference to those Abilities , wherein they are eminent . Nor is this judgment of Mine , touching Episcopacy , any pre-occupation of opinion , which wil not admit any oppositions against it : it is well knowne I have endeavoured to satisfie my self in what the chiefe Patrons for other wayes can say against this , or for theirs : And I finde they have , as sarr lesse of Scripture grounds , and of Reason ; so for examples , and practise of the Church , or testimonies of Histories , they are wholy destitute , where in the whose stream runs so for Episcopacy , that there is not the least rivolet for any others . As for those obtruded examples of some late reformed Churches , ( for many retain Bishops still ) whom necessity of times and affaires rather excuseth , then commendeth for their inconformity to all Antiquity ; I could never see any reason why Churches orderly reformed and governed by Bishops should be forced to conforme to those few , rather then to the Catholick example of all Ancient Churches , which needed no Reformation ; and to those Churches at this day , who , Governed by Bishops in all the Christian world , are many more then Presbyterians or Independents can pretend to be ; All whom the Churches in My three Kingdoms , lately Governed by Bishops , would equalize ( I think ) if not exceed . Nor is it any point of wisdom or charity , where Christians differ , ( as many do in some points ) there to widen the differences , & at once to give all the Christian world ( except a handfull of some Protestants ) so great a scandall in point of Church-government ; whom though you may convince of their Errours in some points of Doctrine , yet you shal never perswade them , that to compleat their Reformation , they must necessarily desert , and wholly cast off that Government , which they , and all before them have ever owned as Catholick , Primitive , and Apostolicall : So farre , as never Schismaticks , nor Hereticks , ( except those Aerians ) have strayed from the Vnity , and Conformity of the Church in that point , ever having Bishops above Presbyters . Besides , the late generall approbation and submission to this Government of Bishops , by the Clergy , as well as the Laity of these Kindoms , is a great confirmation of My Judgement ; and their inconstancy is a great prejudice against their novelty ; I cannot in charity so far doubt of their learning or integrity , as if they understood not what heretofore they did , or that they did confirme contrary to their consciences ; So that their facility and levity is never to be excused , who , before ever the point of Church-government had any free and impartiall debate , contrary to their former Oathes and practice , against their obedience to the Laws in force , and against My consent , have not only quite cryed down the government by Bishops ; but have approved and incouraged the violent and most illegall stripping all the Bishops , and many other Church-men , of all their due Authority and Revenues , even to the selling away , & utter alienation of those church-lands from any Ecclesiastical uses : So great a power hath the stream of times , & the prevalency of parties over some mens judgements ; of whose so sudden and so total change little reason can be given , besides the Scots Army comming into England . But the folly of these men will at last punish it self , and the Desertors of Episcopacy will appear the greatest enemies to , & betrayers of their own interest : for Presbytery is never so considerable or effectuall , as when it is joyned to , and crowned with Episcopacy . All Ministers will find as great a difference in point of thriving , between the favour of the People & of Princes , as Plants do betweene being watered by hand , or by the sweet and liberal dews of Heaven . The tenuity and contempt of Clergy-men wil soon let them see , what a poor carcasse they are , when parted from the influence of that Head , to whose Supremacy they have been sworn . A little moderation might have prevented great mischiefs ; I am firm to Primitive Episcopacy , not to have it extirpated , ( if I can hinder it . ) Discretion without passion might easily reform , whatever the rust of times , or indulgence of laws or corruption of manners have brought upon it . It being a grosse vulgar errour to impute to , or revenge upon the Function the faults of times , or persons ; which seditious & popular principle , and practise all wise men abhor . For those secular additaments & ornaments of Authority , civill Honor & Estate , which My Predecessors , & Christian Princes in al countries have annexed to Bishops & Church-men , I look upon them but as just rewards of their learning , and piety , who are fit to be in any degree of Church-Government ; also enablements to works of Charity , and Hospitality , meet strengthenings of their Authority in point of respect , and observance ; which in peaceable times is hardly payed to any Governours by the measure of their vertues , so much as by that of their Estates ; Poverty and meannesse exposing them and their Authority to the contempt of licentious minds , and manners ; which persecuting times much restrained . I would have such men Bishops , as are most worthy of those incouragements , and best able to use them : if at any time my judgement of men failed , My good intention made My errour veniall : And some Bishops , I am sure , I had , whose learning , gravity , and piety , no men of any worth or forehead can deny : But of all men , I would have Church-men , especially the Governours to be redeemed from that vulgar neglect , which ( besides an innate principle of vitious opposition , which is in all men against those that seem to reprove , or restrain them ) will necessarily follow both the Presbyterian party , which makes all Ministers equall ; and the Independent inferiority , which sets their Pastors below the People . This for My judgment touching Episcopacy ; wherein ( God knows ) I do not gratifie any design or passion with the least perverting of truth . And now I appeal to God above , and all the Christian world , whether it be just for Subjects , or pious for Christians ; by violence , & infinite indignities , with servile restraints to seek to force Me their KING and Soveraign , as some men have endeavoured to do , against al these grounds of My Judgment , to consent to their weake and divided noveltis . The greatest Pretender of them desires not more then I do , That the Church should be governed , as Christ hath appointed , in true Reason ; and in Scripture ; of which I could never see any probable shew for any other wayes , who either content themselves with the examples of some Churches in their infancy & solitude , when one Presbyter might serve one Congregation , in a City or Country ; or else they deny these most evident Truths , That the Apostles were Bishops over those Presbyters they ordained , as wel as over the Churches they planted ; and that Government , being necessary for the Churches wel-being , when multiplyed & sociated , must also necesarily descend from the Apostles to others , after the example of that power and superiority , they had above others ; which could not end with their persons ; since the use and ends of such Government still continue . It is most sure , that the purest Primitive and best Churches flourished under Episcopacy ; & may so still , if ignorance , superstition , avarice , revenge , and other disorderly and disloyall passions had not so blown up some mens minds against it , that what they want of Reasons or primitive Patterns , they supply with violence and oppression , wherein some mens zeal for Bishops Lands , Houses , & Revenues hath set them on work to eat up Episcopacy : which ( however other men esteeme ) to Me is no lesse sin , then Sacriledge ; or a robbery of God ( the giver of all we have ) of that portion which devout minds have thankfuly given again to him , in giving it to his Church and Prophets ; through whose hands he graciously accepts even a cup of cold water , as a libation offered to him - Furthermore , as to My particular engagement above other men , by an Oath agreeable to My judgment I am solemnly obliged to preserve that Government , and the Rights of the Church Were . I convinced of the unlawfulnes of the Function , as Antichristian , ( which some men boldly but weakly calumniate ) I could soon , with Judgement , break that Oath , which erroneously was taken by Me. But being daily by the best disquisition of truth , more confirmd in the reason & Religion of that to which I am Sworn ; how can any man that wisheth not My damnation , perswade Me at once to so notorious and combined sins , of Sacriledg and Perjury ? besides the many personall Injustices I must doe to many worthy men , who are as legally invested in the ir Estates , as any , who seek to deprive thē ; and they have by no Law , been convicted of those Crimes , which might forfeit their estates & livelyhoods . I have oft wondred how men pretending to tendernes of Conscience , and Reformation , can at once tell Me , that My Coronation Oath binds Me to consent to whatsoever they shall propound to me , ( which they urge with such violence ) though contrary to all that Rationall and Religious freedom which every man ought to preserve ; and of which they seem so tender of their own Votes ; yet at the same time these men will needs perswade Me That I must , and ought to dispense with , and roundly break that part of My Oath , which binds me ( agreeable to the best light of Reason and Religion I have ) to maintain the Government , and legall Rights of the Church . 'T is strange My Oath should be valid in that part , which both My self , and all men in their own case , esteem injurious & unreasonable , as being against the very natural and essentiall liberty of our souls ; yet it should be invalid , and to be broken in another clause , wherein I think my self justly obliged , both to God & Man. Yet upon this Rack chiefly have I been held so long , by some mens ambitious covetousnesse , and Sacrilegious Cruelty ; torturing ( with Me ) both Church and State , in Civill dissentions ; till I shall be forced to consent , and declare that I doe approve , what ( God knowes ) I utterly dislike , and in My Soul abhorre as many wayes highly against Reason , Justice , and Religion : and whereto , If I should shamefully and dishonourably give My consent ; yet should I not by so doing , satisfie the divided Interests and Opinions of those Parties , which contend with each other , as well as both against Me and Episcopacy . Nor can My late condesending to the Scots in point of Church-government , be rightly objected against Me , as an inducement for Me , to consent to the like in My other Kingdoms ; For it should be considered that Episcopacy was not so rooted and setled there , as 't is here ; nor I ( in that respect ) so strictly bound to continue it in that Kingdom as in this ; for what I think in My judgement best , I may not think so absolutly necessary for all places , and at all times . If any shall impute My yeelding to them , as My failing and sin , I can easily acknowledge it , but that is no argument to do so again , or much worse ; I being now more convinced in that point : nor indeed hath My yeelding to them bin so happy and successefull as to incourage Me to grant the like to others . Did I see any thing more of Christ , as to Meeknesse , Justice , Order , Charity , and Loyalty in those that pretend to other modes of Government , I might suspect My judgement to be biased , or fore-stalled with some prejudice & wontednes of opinion ; but I have hitherto so much cause to suspect the contrary in the manners of many of those men , that I cannot from them gain the least reputation for their new wayes of Government . Nor can I find that in any Reformed Churches ( whose paterns are so cryed up , and obtruded upon the Churches under My Dominion ) that either Learning , or Religion , works of Piety or Charity , have so flourished beyond what they have done in My Kingdomes ( by Gods blessing ) which might make me beleive either Presbytery or Independency have a more benigne influence upon the Church and mens hearts and lives , than Episcopacy in its right constitution . The abuses of which , deserve to be extirpated , as much as the use retained ; for I think it far better to hold to primitive & uniform Antiquity , than to comply with divided novelty . A right Episcopacy would at once satisfie all just desires and interests of good Bishops , humble Presbyters , and sober people ; so as Church affairs should be managed neither with tyranny , purity , nor popularity ; neither Bishops ejected , nor Presbiters despised , nor People oppressed . And in this integrity both of My judgment & Conscience , I hope God will preserve Me. For Thou , O Lord , knowest My uprightnesse , and tendernesse , as thou hast set me to be a Defender of the Faith , and a Protector of thy Church , so susser me not by any violence , to be overborn against My Conscience . Arise , O Lord , maintaine thine own Cause , let not thy Church be deformed ; as to that Government , which derived from thy Apostles , hath been retained in purest and primitive times , till th● Revenues of the Church became the obiect of secular envy ; which seeks to rob it of all the incouragements of Learning and Religion . Make me , as the good Samaritan , compassionate , and helpfull to thy afflicted Church ; which some men have wounded and robbed ; others passe by without regard , either to pitty , or relieve . As my power is from thee , so give me grace to use it for thee . And though I am not suffered to be Master of my other Rights as a KING , yet preserve me in that liberty of Reason , love of Religion , and thy Churches welfare ; which are fixed in my Censcience as a Christian . Preserve , from sacrilegious invasions , those temporall blessings , which thy providence hath bestowed on thy Church for thy glory . Forgive their sinnes and errours , who have deserved thy iust permission , thus to let in the wilde Boar and subtill Foxes , to wast and deforme thy Vineyard , which thy right hand hath planted , and the dew of Heaven so long watred to a happy and flourishing estate . O let me not bear the infamous brand to all Posterity of being the the first Christian KING in this Kingdom , who should consent to the oppressions of thy Church , and the fathers of it ; whose errours I would rather , with Constantine , cover with silence , and reform with meeknesse , than expose their persons , and sacred functions to vulgar contempt . Thou , O Lord , seest how much I have suffered with , and for thy Church ; make no long tarrying O my God , to deliver hoth me , and it , from unreasonable men ; whose counsels have brought forth and continue such violent confusions , by a precipitant destroying the ancient boundaries of thy Churches peace ▪ thereby letting in all manner of errours , schismes , and disorders . O thou God , of order , and of truth , in thy good time , abate the malice , aswage the rage , and confound all the mischievous devices of thine , mine , and thy Churches enemies . That I , and all that love thy Church , may sing praises to thee , and ever magnifie thy salvation , even before the sons of men . 18Vpon Vxbridge-treaty , and other Offers made by the King : I Look upon the way of Treaties , as a retiring from fighting like Beasts , to arguing like Men ; whose strength should be more in their understandings , than in their limbs . And though I could seldome get opportunities to Treat , yet I never wanted either desire or disposition to it ; having greater confidence of My Reason , than My Sword : I was so wholly resolved to yeeld to the first , that I thought neither My selfe , nor others , should need to use the second , if once we rightly understood each other . Nor did I ever think it a diminution of Me , to prevent them with Expresses of My desires , and even importunities to Treat : It being an office , not onely of humanity , rather to use Reason , than Force ; but also of Christianity to seek peace and ensue it . As I was very unwillingly compelled to defend My self with Arms , so I very willingly embraced any thing tending to peace . The events of all War by the sword being very dubious , and of a Civill VVarre uncomfortable ; the end had hardly recompencing , & late repairing the mischief of the means . Nor did any successe I had ever , enhance with Me the price of Peace ; as earnestly desired by Me as any man ; though I was like to pay dearer for it then any man : All that I sought to reserve was , Mine Honour , and My Conscience ; the one I could not part with as a KING , the other as a Christian . The Treaty at Uxbridge gave the fairest hopes of an hapdy composure ; had others applyed them selvs to it with the same moderatiō , as I did , I am confident the War had then ended . I was willing to condescend , as far as Reason , Honour , and Conscience , would give Me leave ; nor were the remaining difference so essential to My Peoples happines ; or of such consequence as in the least kind to have hindred My Subjects either security or prosperity ; for they beter enjoyed both , many years , before ever those demands were made , some of which , to deny , I think the greatest Justice to My self , and favour to My subjects . I see , Jealousies are not so easily allayed , as they are raised : Some men are more afraid to retreat from voilent Engagements than to Engage : what is wanting in equity , must be made up in pertinacy . Such as had little to enjoy in Peace , or to lose in warre , studied to render the very name of Peace odious and suspected . In Church affaires , where I had least liberty of prudence , having so many strict tyes of Conscience upon Me ; yet I was willing to condescend so far to the setling of them , as might have given fair satisfaction to all men , whom faction , covetousnesse , or superstition had not engaged more , than any true zeal , charity , or love of reformation . I was content to yeild to all that might seeme to advance true piety ; I onely sought to continue what was necessary in point of Order , maintenance , and Authority to the Churches Goverment ; and what I am perswaded ( as I have elsewhere set down My thoughts more fully ) is most agreeable to the true principles of all Government , raised to its full stature & perfection , as also to the primitive Apostolicall pattern , and the practise of the Universall Church conforme thereto . From which wholly to recede , without any probable reason urged or answered only to satisfie some mens wills and fantasies ( which yet agree not among themselves in any point but that of extirpating Episcopacy , fighting against me , ) must needs argue such a softnes , & infirmity of mind in Me , as will rather part with Gods Truth , than Mans peace , and rather lose the Churches honour , than crosse some mens Factious humours . God knows , and time wil discover , who were most too blame for the un-succesfulness of that Treaty , and who must bear the guilt of after-calamityes . I beleive , I am very excusable both before God , and all unpassionate men , who have seriously weighed those transactions , wherein I endeavoured no lesse the restauration of peace to my People , than the preservation of my own Crowns to my posterity . Some men have that height , as to interpret all fair Condescendings , as Arguments of feeblenesse , and glory most in an unflexible stifnesse , when they see others most supple and inclinable to them . A grand Maxime with them was alwaies to ask something , which in reason and honour must be denied , that they might have some colour to refuse all that was in other things granted ; setting Peace at as high a rate , as the worst effects of Warre ; endeavouring first to make Me destroy My self by dishonourable Concessions , that so they might have the lesse to do . This was all which that Treaty , or any other produced , to let the world see , how litle I would deny , or they grant , in order to the publik peace . That it gave occasion to some mens further restivenesse , is imputable to their own depraved tempers , not to any Concessions or negations of Mine : I have alwayes the content of what I offered , and they the regret , and blame , for what they refused . The highest tide of successe set me not above a Treaty , nor the lowest ebbe below a Fight : Though I never thought it any sign of true valour , to be prodigall of mens lives , rather then to be drawn to produce our own reasons : or to subscribe to other mens . That which made Me for the most part presage the unsuccessefulnes of any Treaty ; was , some mens unwillingnesse to Treat : which implyed some things were to be gained by the Sword , whose unreasonablenes they were loath to have fairly scanned , being more proper to be acted by Souldiers ; than by Councellours . I pray God forgive them that were guilty of that Treaties breaking ; & give them grace to make their advantages gotten by the the Sword a better opportunity to use such moderation , as was then wanting ; that so though Peace were for our sins justly deferred , yet at last it may be happily obtain'd ; what we could not get by our Treaties , we may gain by our prayers . O Thou , that art the God of Reason , and of Peace , who disd●inest not to Treat with Sinners , presenting them with offers of attonement ; and beseeching them to be reconciled with thy selfe , ●ho wantest not power or Iustice , to destroy them ; ●et aboundest in mercy to save : so often our hearts ly the bloud of our Redeemer , and perswade us to accept of Peace with my selfe , and both to procure and , preserve peace among our selves , as Men and Christians , How oft have I intreated for Peace , but then I speak thereof , they make them ready to War. Condemne us not to our passions , which are destructive , both of our selves , and of others . Cleare up our understandings , to see thy Truth , both in Reason , as Men ; and in Religion , as Christians : and encline all our hearts to hold the unity of the Spirit , in the bond of Peace . Take from us that enmity which is now in our hearts against thee : and give us that charity which should be among our selves . Remove the evils of War we have deserved , and ●estow upon us that Peace ; which only Christ our great Peace maker cannot merit . 19 ▪ Vpon the various events of the Warre ; Vistories , and Defeats . THe various Successes of this unhappy war , have at least , afforded Me variety of good Meditations : sometimes God was pleased to try Me with victory , by worsting My Enemies , that I might know how with moderation and thanks to own , and use his power , who is only the true Lord of Hosts ; able when he pleases to represse the confidence of those , that fought against Me , with so great advantages for power and number . From small beginnings on My part he let Me see that I was not wholly forsaken by My peoples love , or his protection . Other times God was pleased to exercise My patience , and teach Me not to trust in the arme of Flesh , but in the living God. My sins sometimes prevailed against the justice of My Cause , and those that were with Me wanted not matter and occasion for his just chastisement both of them , and Me : Nor were My enemies lesse punished by that prosperity , which hardened them to continue that injustice by open hostility , which was began by most riotous and unparliamentary Tumults . There is no doubt but personall and private sins may oft times over-balance the Justice of Publick engagements ; nor doth God account every gallant Man ( in the worlds esteeme ) a fit instrument to assert in the way of War a righteous Cause ; The more men are prone to arrogate to their own skill , valour and strength , the lesse doth God ordinarily work by them for his owne glory . I am sure the event or successe can never state the Justice of any Cause , nor the peace of mens conscinces , nor the eternall fate of their soules . Those with Me had ( I thinke ] clearly and undoubtedly , for their Justification the Word of God , and the Lawes of the Land , together with their own Oaths ; all requiring obedience to My just commands ; but to none other under Heaven without Me , or against Me , in the point of raising Armes . Those on the other side are forced to flie to the shifts of some pretended Fears and wild fundamentals of State , ( as they call them ) which actually overthrow the present fabrick , both of Church and State ; being such imaginary Reasons for self-defence as are most impertinent for those men to alledge , who being My Subjects , were manifestly the first assaulters of Me and the Lawes : first by unsuppressed Tumults , after by listed forces ; The same allegations they use , wil fit any Faction that hath but power and confidence enough to second with the sword ; all their demands against the present Lawes & Governour ; which can never be such as some side or other will not find fault with , so as to urge what they call a Reformation of them to a Rebellion against them , some parasitick Preachers have dared to call those martyrs , who dyed , fighting against Me , the Laws , their Oaths , and the Religion Established . But sober christians know That glorious Title , can with Truth be applyed only to those , who sincerely preferred Gods Truth , and their duty in all these particulars before their lives , and all that was dear to them in this world ; who having no advantagious designs by any Innovation , were religiously sensible of those ties to God , the church , & my self wch . lay their Souls , both for obedience & just assistance ▪ God could , and I doubt not but he did through his mercy , crown many of them with eternall life , whose lives were lost in so just a Cause ▪ The destruction of their bodies being sanctified , as a means to save their soules . Their wounds , and temporall ruine serving as a gracious opportunity for their eternall health and happinesse ; while the evident approach of death did , through Gods grace , effectually dispose their hearts to such Humility , Faith , and Repentance , which together with the Rectitude of their present engagement , would fully prepare them for a better life then that , which their enemies brutish and disloyall fiercenesse could deprive them of ; or without Repentance hope to enjoy . They have often indeed , had the better against My side in the field , but never , I belive , at the Barre of Gods Tribunall , or their owne Consciences ; where they are more afraid to encounter those many pregnant Reasons , both from Law , Allegiance , and all true Christian grounds ▪ which conflict with , and accuse them in the● owne thoughts , then they oft were in a desperate bravery to fight against those Forces , which sometimes God gave Me. Whose condition conquered , and dying , ● make no question , but is infinitely more to be chosen by a sober man , ( that duely values 〈◊〉 duty , his soule , and eternity , beyond the enjoyments of this present life ) then the most triumphant glory , wherein their and Mine Enemies supervive ; who can hardly avoid to be daily tormented by that horrid guilt , wherwith their suspicious , or now convicted Consciences doe pursue them , especially since they and all the world have seen , how false & un-intended those pretensions were , which they first set forth , as the only plausibl ( though not justifiable ) grounds of raising a War , and continuing it thus long against Me , and the Laws established ; in whose ●afety and preservation all honest men think the welfare of their Countrey doth consist . For , and with all which , it is far more honourable and comfortable to suffer , then to prosper in their ruine and subversion . I have often prayed , that all on My side might joyn true piety with the sense of their Loyalty ; and be as faithfull to God and their owne soules , as they were to Me. That the defects of the one might not blast the endeavours of the other . Yet I cannot thinke , that any shews , or truth of piety on the other side were sufficient to dispence with , or expiate the defects of their Duty and Loyalty to Me , which have so pregnant convictions , on mens consciences , that even profaner men are moved by the sence of them to venture their lives for me . I never had any victory which was without My sorrow , because it was on mine owne Subjects , who like Absolom , died many of them in their sin : And yet I never suffered any defeate , which made Me despair of Gods mercy and defence . I never desired such Victoryes , as might serve to conquer ; but only restore the Laws and Libertyes of My People ; which I saw were extreamly oppressed , together with my Rights by those men , who were impatient of any just restraint . When Providence gave me , or denyed Me Victory ; My desire was neither to boast of My power , nor to charge God foolishly ; who I beleved at ●ast would make all things to work together for my good . I wished no greater advantages by the Warr , then to bring My Enemies to moderation , and my Freinds to peace . I was afraid of the temptation of an absolute conquest , and never prayed more for victory over others , than over my self . When the first was denyed ; the second was granted me , which God saw best for Me. The different events were but the methods of divine justice , by contrary winds to winnow us : That , by punishing ou● sinnes , he might purge them from us ; & by deferring peace , he might prepare us more to prise and better to use so great a blessing . My often Messages for Peace shewed , that I delighted not in Warre : as my former Concessi●ns sufficiently testified , how willingly I would have prevented it ; and My total unpreparedness for it , how little I intended it . The conscience of my Innocency forbade Me to feare a Warre ; but the love of my Kingdomes commanded me ( if possible ) to avoid it . I am guilty in this Warre of nothing , but this , That I gave such advantages to some men , by confirming their power , which they knew not to use with that modesty , and gratitude , which became their Loyalty and my confidence . Had I y●ilded lesse , I had been opposed lesse ; had I denied more , I had been more obeyed . 'T is now too late to review the occasions of the Warre : I wish only a happy conclusion of so unhappy beginnings : The unevitable fate of our sinnes was ( no doubt ) such , as would no longer suffer the divine justice to be quiet : we having conquered his patience , are condemned by mutuall conquerings , to destroy one another : for , the most prosperous successes on either side , impaire the welfare of the whole . Those Victories are still miserable , that leave our sinnes un-subdued ; flushing our pride , and animating to continue injuries . Peace it fel● is not desirable , till repentance have prepared us for it . When we fight more against our selves , and lesse against God , we shall cease fighting against one another ; I pray God these may all meet in our hearts , and so dispose us to an happy conclusion of these Civill Warres , that I may know better to obey God , and governe my People , and they may learn better to obey both God and me . Nor do I desire any man should be further subject to me , then all of us may be subject to God. O my God , make me content to be overcome , when thou wilt have it so . Teach me the noblest victory over my self , and my Enemies by patience ; which was Christs conquest , and may well become a Christian King. Between both thy hands , the right somtimes supporting , and the left afflicting ; fashion us to that frame of piety thou likest best . Forgive the pride that attends our prosperous , and the repinings which follow our disasterous events ; when going forth in our own strength , tho● withdrawest thine , and goest not forth with our Armies . Be thou all , when we are somthing , and when we are nothing ; that thou mayst have the glory , when we are in a victorious , or inglorious condition . Thou O Lord knowest , how hard it is for me 〈◊〉 suffer so much evill from my Subjects , to whom I intend nothing but good ; and I cannot but suffer in those evills which they compell me to inflict upon them ; punishing my self in their punishments . Since therefore both in conquering , and being conquered , I am still a Sufferer : I beseech thee to give me a double portion of thy Spirit , and that measure of grace , which only can be sufficient for me . As I am most afflicted , so make me most reformed , that I may be not onely happy to see an end of these civill distractions , but a chief Instrument to restore and establish a firm and blessed Peace to my Kingdoms . Stir up in all Parties pious ambitions to overcome each other with reason , moderation , and such self ▪ deniall , as becomes those , who consider , that our mutuall divisions are our common distractions , and the union of all is every good mans chiefest interest . If O Lord , as for the sins of our peace , thou hast brought upon us the miseries of warre ; so for the sins of war thou shouldst see fit still to deny us the blessing of peace , and so to keep us in a circulation of miseries ; yet give me thy Servant , and all loyall , though afflicted Subjects , to enjoy that peace , which the world can neither give to us , nor take from us . Impute not to me the blood of my Subjects , which , with infinite unwillingnesse and grief , hath been shed by me , in my just ▪ and necessary defence , but wash me with that precious blood , which hath been shed for me , by my great Peace-maker , Iesus Christ who will , I trust , redeem me shortly out of all my troubles : For , I know the triumphing of the Wicked is but short , and the joy of Hypocrites is but for ● moment . 20. Vpon the Reformations of the Times . NO Glory is more to be envied than that , of due Reforming either Church or State , when deformities are such , that the perturbation and novelty are not like to exceed the benefit of Reforming . Although God should not honour me so far , as to make me an Instrument of so good a work , yet I should be glad to see it done . As I was well pleased with this Parliaments first intentions to reforme what the iudulgence of Times , and corruption of manners might have depraved ; so I am sorry to see , after the freedome of Parliament was by factious Tumults oppressed , how little regard was had to the good Lawes established , and the Religion setled ▪ which ought to be the first rule and standard of reforming ; with how much partiality , and popular compliance the passions , and opinions of men have been gratified , to the detriment of the publique , and the infinite scandall of the Reformed Religion . What dissolutions of all Order , and Government , in the Church : what novelties o● Schismes , and corrupt opinions ; what undecencies and confusions in sacred administrations ; what sacrilegious invasions upon the Rights and Revenues of the Church ; what contempt and oppressions of the Clergie ; what injurious diminutions and persecutings of me , have followed ( as showres do warme gleames ) the talk of Reformation , all sober men are Witnesses , and , with my selfe , sad Spectators hitherto . The great miscarriage I think is , that popular clamours and fury , have been allowed the reputation of Zeal , and the publique sense ; so that the study to please some Parties hath indeed injured all . Freedome , moderation , and impartiality are sure the best tempers of reforming Councells , and endeavours : what is acted by Factions , cannot but offend more , than it pleaseth . I have offered to put all differences in Church affaires and Religion to the free consultation of a Synod or Convocation rightly chosen ; the results of whose Counsells as they would have included the Votes of all , so it 's like they would have given most satisfaction to all . The Assembly of Divines , whom the two Houses have applied ( in an unwonted way ) to advise of Church Affaires , I dislike not further , then that they are not legally convened and chosen ; nor Act in the name of all the Clergy of England ; nor with freedome and impartiality can doe any thing , being limited and confined , if not over-●wed , to do and declare what they do . For I cannot think so many men cryed up for learning and piety , who formerly allowed the Liturgy and Government of the Church of England , as to the maine , would have so suddenly agreed quite to abolish both of them , ( the last of which , they knew to be of Apostolicall institution , at least , as of Primitive and Universall practice ) if they had been left to the liberty of their own suffrages , and if the influence of contrary Factions had not , by secret incroachments of hopes , and feares , prevailed upon them , to comply with so great and dangerous Innovations in the Church ; without any regard to their own former judgement and practice , or to the common interest and honour of all the Clergy , and in them of Order , Learning , and Religion against examples of all Ancient Churches ; the Lawes in force , and my consent ; which is never to be gained against so pregnant light , as in that point shines on my understanding . For I conceive , that , where the Scripture is not so clear and punctuall in precepts , there the constant and Universall practice of the Church , in things not contrary to Reason , Faith , good Manners , or any positive Command , is the best Rule that Christians can follow . I was willing to grant , or restore to Presbytery , what with reason or discretion it can pretend to , in a conjuncture with Episcopacy ; but for that wholly to invade the Power , and by the Sword to arrogate , and quite abrogate the Authority of that Ancient Order , I think neither just , as to Episcopacy , nor safe for Presbytery ; nor yet any way convenient for this Church or State. A due reformation had easily followed moderate Counsells ; and ( such I believe ) as would have given more content , even to the most of those Divines , who have been led on with much Gravity and Formality , to carry on other mens designes : which , no doubt , many of them by this time discover , though they dare not but smother their frustrations , and discontents . The specious and popular titles , of Christs Government ; Throne , Scepter , and Kingdome ( which certainly is not divided , nor hath two faces , as their Parties now have , at least ) also the noise of a through Reformation , these may as easily be fixed on new modells , as faire colours may be put to ill-favoured figures . The breaking of Church-windowes , which Time had sufficiently defaced ; pulling downe of Crosses , which were but civill , not Religious marks ; defacing of the Monuments , and Inscriptions of the Dead , which served but to put Posterity in mind , to thank God , for that clearer light , wherein they live ; The leaving of all Ministers to their liberties , and private abilities , in the Publike service of God , where no Christian can tell to what he may say Amen ; nor what adventure he may make , of seeming , at least , to consent to the Errours , Blasphemies , and ridiculous Undecencies , which bold and ignorant men list to vent in their Prayers , Preaching , and other offices ; The setting forth also of old Catechismes , and Confessions of Faith new drest , importing as much , as if there had been no sound or cleare Doctrine of Faith in this Church , before some foure or five yeares consultation had matured their thoughts , touching their first Principles of Religion . All these , and the like are the effects of popular , specious , and deceitfull Reformations , ( that they might not seem to have nothing to doe ) and may give some short flashes of content to the Vulgar , ( who are taken with novelties , as Children with Babies , very much , but not very long ) But all this amounts not to , nor can in Justice merit the glory of the Churches thorow Reformation ; since they leave all things more deformed , disorderly , and discontented , then when they began in point of Piety , Morality , Charity , and good Order . Nor can they easil● recompense or remedy the inconveniences and mischiefs , which they have purchased so dearly , and which have , and ever will necessarily ensue , till due remedies be applied . I wish they would , at last , make it their Unanimous work , to doe Gods work , and not their owne : Had Religion been first considered ( as it merited ) much trouble might have been prevented . But some men thought , that the Government of this Church and State , fixed by so many Lawes , and long Customes , would not run into their new moulds , till they had first melted it in the fire of a Civill Warre ; by the advantages of which they resolved , if they prevailed , to make my selfe and all my Subjects fall down , and worship the Images they should forme and set up : If there had been as much of Christs Spirit , for meeknesse , wisdome , and charity , in mens hearts , as there was of his Name used in the pretensions , to reforme all to Christs Rule , it would certainly have obtained more of Gods blessing , and produced more of Christs Glory , the Churches good , the Honour of Religion , and the Unity of Christians . Publique Reformers had need first Act in private , and practice that on their owne hearts , which they purpose to trie on others ; for Deformities within , will soon betray the pretenders of publike Reformations , to such private designs as must needs hinder the publike good . I am sure the right Methods of Reforming the Church cannot consist with that of perturbing the Civill State ; nor can Religion be justly advanced by depressing Loyalty , which is one of the chiefest Ingredients , and Ornaments of true Religion ; for , next to fear God , is , Honour the King. I doubt not but Christs Kingdome may be set up without pulling downe Mine ; nor will any men in impartiall times appear good Christians , that approve not themselves good Subjects . Christs Government will confirm Mine , not overthrow it ; since as I own mine from him , so I desire to rule for his Glory , and his Churches good . Had some men truly intended Christ's Government , or knew what it meant in their hearts , they could never have been so ill-governed in in their words , and actions , both against me and one another . As good ends cannot justifie evill meanes , so nor will evill beginnings ever bring forth good conclusions ; unlesse God , by a miracle of Mercy , create Light out of Darknesse , order out of our confusions , and peace out of our passions . Thou , O Lord , who onely canst give us beauty for ashes , and Truth for Hypocrisie ; suffer us not to be miserably deluded with Pharisaicall washings , instead of Christian reformings . Our greatest deformities are within , make us the severest Censurers , and first Reformers of our own soules . That we may in clearnesse of judgment , and uprightnesse of heart be means to reform what is indeed amisse in Church and State. Create in us clean hearts , O Lord , and renew right spirits within us ; that we may do all by thy directions , to thy glory , and with thy blessing . Pity the deformities , which some rash and cruell Reformers have brought upon this Church and State : Quench the fires which Factions have kindled , under the pretence of Reforming . As thou hast shewed the world by their divisions and confusions what is the pravity of some mens intentions , and weaknesse of their judgments , so bring ●s at last more refined out of these fires by the methods of Christian and charitable Reformations , wherein nothing of ambition , revenge , covetousnesse , or srcriledge , may have any influence upon their co●nsells , whom thy providence in just and lawfull wayes shall entrust with so great , good , and now most necessary work : that I and my People may be so blest with inward piety , as may best teach us how to use the blessing of outward peace . 21. Vpon his Majesties Letters taken and divulged . THe taking of my Letters was an opportunity , which as the malice of mine enemies could hardly have expected ; so they knew not how with honour and civility to use it ; Nor doe I think , with sober and worthy minds , any thing in them could tend so much to my reproach , as the odious divulging of them did to the infamy of the Divulgers : the greatest experiments of vertue and noblenesse being discovered in the greatest advantages against an enemy , and the greatest obligations being those , which are put upon us by them , from whom we could least have expected them . And such I should have esteemed the concealing of My Papers ; The freedome and secresie of which , commands a civility from all men , not wholly barbarous ; nor is there any thing more inhumane than to expose them to publique view . Yet since providence will have it so , I am content so much of My heart ( which I study to approve to Gods omniscience ) should be discovered to the world , without any of those dresses , or popular captations , which some men use in their Speeches , and Expresses ; I wish my Subjects had yet a clearer sight into my most retired thoughts . Where they might discover , how they are divided between the love and care I have , not more to preserve my owne Rights , than to procure their peace and happinesse , and that extreme griefe to see them both deceived and destroyed . Nor can any mens malice be gratified further by my Letters , than to see my constancie to my VVife , the Lawes , and Religion . Bees will gather Honey where the Spider sucks Poison . That I endeavour to avoid the pressures of my Enemies , by all fair and just correspondencies , no man can blame , who loves me , or the Common-wealth ; since my Subjects can hardly be happy if I be miserable , or enjoy their peace and liberties while I am oppressed . The world may see how soon mens designe , like Absoloms , is by enormous actions to widen differences , and exasperate all sides to such distances , as may make all reconciliation desperate . Yet I thank God I can not only with patience bear this , as other indignities : but with Charity forgive them . The integrity of my intentions is not jealous of any injury , My expressions can doe them ; for although the confidence of privacy may admit greater freedome in writing such Letters , which may be liable to envious exceptions ; yet the Innocency of my chief purposes cannot be so obtained , or mis-interpreted by them , as not to let all men see , that I wish nothing more than an happy composure of differences with Justice and Honour , not more to my own , then my Peoples content , who have any sparks of Love or Loyalty left in them : who , by those my Letters may be convinced , that I can both mind and act my owne , and My Kingdomes Affaires , so as becomes a Prince ; which mine enemies have alwaies been very loath should be believed of me , as if I were wholly confined to the Dictates and Directions of others ; whom they please to brand with the names of Evill Counsellours . It 's probable some men will now look upon me as my owne Counsellour , and having none else to quarrell with under that notion , they will hereafter confine their anger to my selfe : Although I know they are very unwilling I should enjoy the liberty of my own Thoughts , or follow the light of my owne Conscience , which they labour to bring into an absolute captivity to themselves ; not allowing me to think their Counsells to be other then good for me , which have so long maintained a Warre against me . The Victory they obtained that day , when my Letters became their prize , had been enough to have satiated the most ambitious thirst of popular glory among the Vulgar ; with whom prosperity gaines the greatest esteem and applause , as adversity exposeth to their greatest slighting and dis-respect : As if good fortu●e were alwaies the shadow of Vertue and Justice , and did not oftner attend vitious and injurious actions , as to this world . But I see no secular advantages seem sufficient to that cause , which began with Tumults , and depends chiefly upon the reputation with the Vulgar . They think no Victories so effectuall to their designes as those : that most rout and waste my Credit with my People ; in whose hearts they seek by all meanes to smother and extinguish all sparks of Love , Respect and Loyalty to me , that they may never kindle againe , so as to recover mine , the Lawes , and the Kingdomes Liberties , which some men seek to overthrow : The taking away of my Credit is but a necessary preparation to the taking away of my life , and my Kingdomes ; First I must seem neither fit to live , nor worthy to Reigne ; By exquisite methods of cunning and cruelty , I must be compelled , first to follow the Funeralls of my Honour , and then be destroyed : But I know Gods un-erring and impartiall justice can , and will over-rule the most perverse wills and designes of men ; He is able , and ( I hope ) will turn even the worst of mine enemies thoughts and actions to my good . Nor doe I think , that by the surprize of my Letters , I have lost any more than so many Papers : How much they have lost of that reputation , for Civility and Humanity which ought to be pay'd to all men , and most becomes such as pretend to Religion ) besides that of respect and Honour , which they owe to their KING , present , and after-times will judge . And I cannot think that their owne consciences are so stupid , as not to inflict upon them some secret impressions of that shame and dishonour , which attends all unworthy actions , have they never so much of publique flattery , and popular countenance . I am sure they can never expect the divine approbation of such indecent actions , if they doe but remember how God blest the modest respect and fil●all tendernesse , which Noahs Sons bare to their Father ; nor did his open infirmity justifie Chams impudency , or exempt him from that curse of being Servant of Servants ; which curse must needs be on them who seek by dishonourable actions to please the Vulgar ; and confirme , by ignoble acts , their dependance upon the People . Nor can their malicious intentions be ever either excusable , or prosperous , who thought by this meanes to expose me to the highest reproach and contempt of My People ; forgetting that duty of modest concealment , which they owed to the Father of their Country , in case they had disovered any reall uncomelinesse ; which , I thank God , they did not ; who can , and , I believe , hath made me more respected in the hearts of many ( as he did David ) to whom they thought , by publishing my private Letters , to have rendred me as a vile Person , not fit to be trusted or considered , under any notion of Majesty . But thou , ô Lord , whose wise and all-disposing providence , ordereth the greatest contingences of humane affairs ; make me to see the constancy of thy mercies to me , in the greatest advantages thou seemest to give the malice of my Enemies against me . As thou didst blast the counsell of Achitophel , ●urning it to Davids good , and his own ruine ; so so canst thou defeat their designe , who intended , by publishing my private Letters , nothing else , but to under me more odious & contemptible to my People . I must first appeale to thy Omniscience , who canst witnesse with my integrity , how unjust and ●alse those scandalous misconstructions are , which ●y Enemies endeavour by those Papers of mine to ●epresent to the world . Make the evill they imagined , and displea●●r● they intended thereby against me , so to 〈◊〉 on their owne heads , that they may be ashamed , and covered with their owne confusion , as with a cloake . Thou seest how mine Enemies use all means to cloud mine Honor , to pervert my purposes , and to slander the footsteps of thine Annointed . But give me an heart content to be dishonoured for thy sake , and thy Churches good . Fix in me a purpose to honour thee , and then I know thou wilt honour me , either by restoring to me the injoyment of that Power and Majesty , which thou hast suffered some men to seeke to deprive me of , or by bestowing on me that crowne of Christian patience , which knowes how to serve thee in honour , or dishonour , in good report or evill . Thou , O Lord , art the fountain of goodnesse , and honour ; thou art colathed with excellent Majesty ; make me to partake of thy excellency for wisdome , justice , and mercy , and I shall not want that degree of Honour and Majesty , which becomes the Place in which thou hast set me ; who art the lifter up of my head and my salvation . Lord , by thy grace , lead me to thy Glory , which is both true and eternall . 22. Vpon His Majesties leaving Oxford , and going to the Scots . ALthough God hath given Me three Kingdomes , yet in these he hath no● now left me any place , where I may wit● Safety and Honour rest my Head : Shewing me that himselfe is the fafest Refuge , and the strongest Tower of defence , in which I may put my Trust . In these extremities , I look not to man so much as to God ; He will have it thus ; that I may wholly cast my self , and my now distressed affaires upon his mercy , who hath both hearts and hands of all men in his dispose . What providence denies to Force , it may grant to Prudence : Necessity is now my Counsellour , and commands me to study my safety by a disguised withdrawing from my chiefest strength , and adventuring upon their Loyalty , who first began my Troubles . Happily God may make them a means honourably to compose them . This my confidence of Them , may dis-arme and overcome them ; my rendring my Person to them , may engage their affections to me , who have oft professed , They ●ought not against me , but for me . I must now resolve the riddle of their Loyalty ; and give them opportunity to let the world see , they mean not what they do , but what they say . Yet must God be my chiefest Guard ; and My Conscience both My Counsellour and My Comforter : Though I put my Body into their hands , yet I shall reserve my Soule to God , and my selfe ; nor shall any necessity compell me , to desert mine Honour , or swerve from my Judgement . What they sought to take by force , shall now be given them in such a way of unusuall confidence of them , as may make them ashamed not to be really such , as they ought , and professed to be . God sees it not enough to deprive me of all Military power to defend my self ; but to put me upon using their power , who seem to fight against me , yet ought in duty to defend me . So various are all humane affaires , and so necessitous may the state of Princes be , that their greatest danger may be in their supposed safety , and their safety in their supposed danger . I must now leave those , that have adhered to me , and apply to those that have opposed me ; this method of Peace may be more prosperous , than that of Warre , both to stop the effusion of bloud , and to close those wounds already made : and in it I am no lesse solicitous for My Friends safety , than mine owne ; chusing to venture my selfe upon further hazards , rather then expose their resolute Loyalty to all extremities . It is some skill in play to know when a game is lost ; better fairly to give over , than to contest in vaine . I must now study to re-inforce my judgement , and fortifie my mind with Reason and Religion ; that I may not seem to offer up my Soules liberty , or make my Conscience their Captive ; who ought at first to have used arguments , not Armes , to have perswaded my consent to their new demands . I thank God , no successe darkens or disguises Truth to me ; and I shall no lesse conforme my words to my inward dictates now , than if they had been as the words of a KING ought to be among loyall Subjects , full of power . Reason is the divinest power . I shall never think my selfe weakned while I may make full and free use of that . No eclipse of outward fortune shall rob me of that light ; what God hath denied of outward strength , his grace , I hope , will supply with inward resolutions ; not morosely to deny , what is fit to be granted ; but not to grant any thing , which Reason and Religion bids me deny . I shall never think my self , lesse than my self , while I am able thus to preserve the Integrity of my Conscience , the onely Jewell now left me , which is worth keeping . O thou Soveraigne of our Soules , the onely Commander of our Consciences ; though I know not what to do , yet mine eyes are toward thee : To the protection of thy mercy I still commend my self . As thou hast preserved me in the day of Battaile , so thou canst still shew me thy strength in my weaknesse . Be thou unto me in my d●rkest night , a pillar of fire , to enlighten and direct me ; in the day of my hottest affliction , be also a pillar of cloud to overshadow and protect me ; be to me , both a Sun and a Shield . Thou knowest , that it is not any perversenesse of will , but just perswasions of Honor , Reason , and Religion , which have made me thus far to hazard my Person , Peace , and Safety , against those , that by force have sought to wrest them from Mee . Suffer not my just resolutions to abate with my outward Forces ; let a good conscience alwayes accompany me , in my solitude and desertions . Suffer me not to betray the powers of Reason , and that fortresse of my soule , which I am intrusted to keep for thee . Lead me in the paths of thy righteousnesse , and shew me thy salvation . Make my wayes to please thee , and then thou wilt make mine Enemies to be at peace with me . 23. Vpon the Scots delivering the KING to the English ; and his Captivity at Holmeby . YEt may I justifie those Scots to all the world in this , that they have not deceived me ; for I never trusted to them further , than to men : If I am sold by them , I am onely sorry they should doe it ; and that my price should be so much above my Saviours . These are but further Essaies , which God will have me make of mans uncertainty , the more to fix me on himselfe ; who never faileth them that trust in him ; Though the Reeds of Aegypt break under the hand of him that leanes on them , yet the Rock of Israel will be an everlasting stay and defence . Gods providence commands me to rerire from all to himself , that in him I may enjoy my selfe , which I lose , while I let out my hopes to others . The solitude and captivity , to which I am now reduced , gives me leisure enough to study the worlds vanity , and inconstancy God sees 't is fit to deprive me of Wife , Children , Army , Friends , and Freedom , that I may be wholly his , who alone is all . I care not much to be reckoned among the Unfortunate , if I be not in the black List of irreligious , and sacrilegious Princes . No Restraint shall ensnare my soul in sinne , nor gaine that of me , which may make my Enemies more insolent , my Friends ashamed , or my Name accursed . They have no great cause to triumph , that they have got my Person into their power ; since my Soule is still my owne : nor shall they ever gaine my Consent against my Conscience . What they call obstinacy , I know God accounts honest constancy ; from which Reason and Religion , as well as Honour , forbid me to recede . 'T is evident now , that it was not evill Counsellours with me , but a good Conscience in me , which hath been fought against ; nor did they ever intend to bring mee to my Parliament , till they had brought my mind to their obedience . Should I grant what some men desire , I should be such as they wish me , not more a King , and far lesse both Man and Christian . What Tumults and Armies could not obtain , neither shall Restraint ; which though it have as little of safety to a Prince , yet it hath not more of danger . The feare of men shall never be my snare ; nor shall the love of any liberty entangle my soule : Better others betray me than my selfe ; and that the price of my liberty should be my Conscience : the greatest injuries my Enemies seek to inflict upon me , cannot be without my own consent . While I can deny with Reason , I shall defeat the greatest impressions of their malice , who neither know how to use worthily , what I have already granted ; nor what to require more of me but this , That I would seem willing to help them to destroy my selfe and mine . Although they should destroy me , yet they shall have no cause to despise me . Neither liberty nor life are so dear to me , as the peace of my Conscience , the Honour of my Crownes ; and the welfare of my People ; which my word may injure more than any Warre can doe ; while I gratifie a few to oppresse all . The Lawes will , by Gods blessing , revive , with the love and Loyalty of my Subjects ; if I bury them not by my Consent , and cover them in that grave of dishonour and injustice , which some mens violence hath digged for them . If my Captivity or Death must be the price of their redemption , I grudge not to pay it . No condition can make a King miserable , which carries not with it , his Souls , his Peoples and Posterities thraldome . After-times may see , what the blindnesse of this Age will not ; and God may at length shew my Subjects , that I chuse rather to suffer for them , than with them ; happily , I might redeem my self to some shew of liberty , if I would consent to enslave them : I had rather hazard the ruine of one King , than to confirm many Tyrants over them ; from whom I pray God deliver them , what ever becomes of me , whose solitude hath not left me alone . For thou O God , infinitely good , and great , art with me , whose presence is better than life ; and whose service is perfect freedome . Own me for thy servant , and I shall never have cause to complain for want of that liberty , which becomes a Man , a Christian , and a King. Blesse me still with Reason as a Man ; with Religion , as a Christian ; and with constancy in justice , as a King. Though thou sufferest me to be stript of all outward ornaments , yet preserve me ever in those enjoyments , wherein I may injoy thy self ; and which cannot be taken from me against my will. Let no fire of affliction boile over my passion to any impatience , or sordid fears . There be many say of me , There is no help for me : doe thou lift up the light of thy countenance upon me , and I shall neither want safety , liberty , nor majesty . Give me that measure of patience and constancy , which my condition now requires . My strength is scattered , my expectation from men defeated , my Person restrained ; ô be not thou far from me , lest my Enemies prevaile too much against me . I am become a wonder and a scorne to many : ô ●e thou my Helper and Defender . Shew some token upon me for good , that they ●hat hate me may be ashamed , because thou Lord hast ●olpen and comforted me : establish me with thy free Spirit , that I may do , and suffer thy will , as thou ●ouldst have me . Be mercifull to me , ô Lord , for my soule trusteth in thee : yea and in the shadow of thy wings will ● make my refuge untill these calamities be over●●st . Arise to deliver me , make no long tarrying , ô ●y God. Though thou killest me , yet will I trust in thy mercy , and my Saviours merit . I know that my Redeemer liveth ; though thou leadest me through the vale and shadow of death , yet shall I fear none ill . 24. Vpon their denying His Majesty the Attendance of His Chaplaines . VVHen Providence was pleased to deprive Me of all other Civill comforts and secular Attendants , I thought the abscence of them all might best be supplied by the attendance of some of my Chaplains ; whom for their Function I reverence , and for their Fidelity I have cause to love . By their learning , piety , and prayers , I hoped to be either better enabled to sustaine the want of all other enjoyments , or better fitted for the recovery and use of them in Gods good time : so reaping by their pious help a spirituall harvest of grace amidst the thornes , and after the plowings of temporall crosses . The truth is , I never needed or desired more the service and assistance of men judiciously pious , and soberly devout . The solitude they have confined me unto , adds the Wildernesse to my temptations ; for , the company they obtrude upon me , is more sad than any solitude can be . If I had asked my Revenues , my Power of the Militia , or any one of my Kingdomes , it had been no wonder to have been denied in those things , where the evill policy of men forbids all just restitution , lest they should confesse an injurious usurpation : But to deny me the Ghostly comfort of my Chaplaines , seemes a greater rigour and barbarity , then is ever used by Christians to the meanest Prisoners , and greatest Malefactors ; whom though the justice of the Law deprive of worldly comforts , yet the mercy of Religion allows them the benefit of their Clergy ; as not aiming at once to destroy their Bodies , and to damn their Soules . But my Agony must not be relieved with the presence of any one good Angell ; for ●wich I account a Learned , Godly , and discreet Divine : and such I would have all Mine to be . They that envy my being a King , are loath I ●●ould be a Christian ; while they seek to de●rive me of all things else , They are afraid I ●hould save my soule . Other sense Charity it selfe can hardly pick out of those many harsh Repulses I received , as to that request so often made for the attendance of some of my Chaplaines . I have sometime thought the Unchristian●esse of those denialls might arise from a displeasure some men had to see me prefer my own Diuines before their Ministers : whom though I ●uspect for that worth and piety which may be in them ; yet I cannot think them so proper for ●ny present Comforters or Physitians ; who have ( some of them at least ) had so great an influence ●n occasioning these calamities , and inflicting these wounds upon me . Nor are the soberest of them so apt for that devotionall compliance , and juncture of hearts , which I desire to bear in those holy Offices , to be performed with me , and for me ; since their judgements standing at a distance from me , or in jealousie of me , or in opposition against me , their Spirits cannot so harmoniously accord with mine , or mine with theirs , either in Prayer , or other holy duties , as is meet , and most comfortable , whose golden Rule , and bond of Perfection consists in that of mutuall Love and Charity . Some remedies are worse then the disease , and some Comforters more miserable then misery it selfe ; when , like Jobs friends , they seek not to fortifie ones mind with patience ; but perswade a man , by betraying his own Innocency , to despair of Gods mercy ; and , by justifying their injuries , to strengthen the hands , and harden the hearts of insolent Enemies . I am so much a friend to all Church-men , that have any thing in them beseeming that sacred Function , that I have hazarded My owne Interests , chiefly upon Conscience and Constancy to maintaine their Rights ; whom the more I looked upon as Orphans , and under the sacrilegious eyes of many cruell and rapacious Reformers ; so I thought it my duty the more to appeare as a Father , and a Patron for them and the Church . Although I am very unhandsomly requited by some of them ; who may live to repent no lesse for my sufferings , than their owne ungratefull errours , and that injurious contempt and meannesse , which they have brought upon their Calling and Persons . I pity all of them , I despise none : onely I thought I might have leave to make choice of some for my speciall Attendants , who were best approved in my judgement , and most sutable to my affection . For , I held it better to seem undevout , and to heare no mens prayers , than to be forced , or seem to comply with those Petitions , to which the heart cannot consent , nor the tongue say Amen , without contradicting a mans own understanding , or belying his own soule . In Devotions , I love neither profane boldnesse , nor pious non-sense ; but such an humble and judicious gravity , as shewes the Speaker to be at once considerate of Gods Majesty , the Churches honour , and his owne Vilenesse ; both knowing what things God allows him to ask , and in what manner it becomes a Sinner to supplicate the divine Mercy for himself , and others . I am equally scandalized with all prayers , that sound either imperiously , or rudely , and passionately ; as either wanting humility to God , or charity to men , or respect to the duty . I confesse I am better pleased , as with studied and premeditated Sermons , so with such publique Formes of Prayers , as are fitted to the Churches and every Christians daily and common necessities ; because I am by them better assured , what I may joyne my heart unto , than I can be of any mans extemporary sufficiency ; which as I doe not wholly exclude from publique occasions , so I allow its just liberty and use in private and devout retirements ; where neither the solemnity of the duty , nor the modest regard to others , doe require so great exactnesse as to the outward manner of performance . Though the light of understanding , and the fervency of affection , I hold the maine and most necessary requisites both in constant , and occasionall , solitary , and sociall Devotions . So that I must needs seem to all equall minds with as much Reason to prefer the service of my own Chaplains before that of their Ministers , as I do the Liturgy before their Directory . In the one , I have been alwaies educated and exercised ; In the other , I am not yet Catechized , nor acquainted ; And if I were , yet should I not by that , as by any certaine rule and Canon of devotion be able to follow or find out the indirect extravagances of most of those men , who highly cry up that as a piece of rare composure and use ; which is already as much despised and disused by many of them , as the Common-Prayer sometimes was by those men ; a great part of whose piety hung upon that popular pin of railing against , and contemning the Government , and Liturgy of this Church . But , I had rather be condemned to the woe of Vae soli , than to that of Vae vobis Hypocritis , by seeming to pray what I do not approve . It may be , I am esteemed by my Denyers sufficient of My self to discharge My duty to God as a Priest , though not to Men as a Prince . Indeed , I think both Offices , Regall and Sacerdotall , might will become the same Person ; as anciently they were under one name , and the united rights of primogeniture : Nor could I follow better presidents , if I were able ▪ than those ●wo eminent Kings , David , and Solomon ; not more famous for their Scepters and Crownes , than one was for devout Psalmes and Prayers ; the other for his divine Parables and Preaching : whence one merited and assumed the name of a Prophet , the other of a Preacher . Titles indeed of greater Honour , where rightly placed , than any of those the Roman Emperours affected from the Nations they subdued : it being infinitely more glorious to convert Souls to Gods Church by the Word , than to conquer men to a subjection by the Sword. Yet since the order of Gods wisdome & providence hath , for the most part , alwayes distinguished the gifts and offices of Kings , of Priests , of Princes and Preachers ; both in the Jewish & Christian Churches ; I am sorry to find My self reduced to the necessity of being both , or enjoying neither . For such as seek to deprive Me of Kingly power and Soveraignty , would no lesse enforce Me ●o live many Months without all Prayers , Sacraments , and Sermons , unlesse I become My owne Chaplain . As I owe the Clergy the protection of a Christian KING , so I desire to enjoy from them the benefit of their gifts and prayers ▪ which I looke upon as more prevalent than My own , or other mens , by how much they flow from minds more enlightned , & affections lesse distracted , than those which are uncombred with secular affairs , besides , I think a greater blessing and acceptablenesse attends those duties , which are rightly performed , as proper to , & within the limits of that calling to which God and the Church have specially designed and consecrated some men : and however , as to that Spirituall Government , by which the devout Sonl is ●ubject to Christ , and through his merits daily offers it self and its services to God , every private believer is a King & Preist , invested with tbe honour of a Royall Priesthood ; yet , as to Ecclesiasticall order , and the outward polity of the Church , I think confusion in Religion will as certainly follow every mans turning Priest or Preacher , as it will in the State , where every one affects to rule as King. I was always bred to more modest , and I think , more pious principles : the consciousnesse to My Spirituall defects makes me more prize & desire those pious assistances , which holy and good Ministers , either Bishops or Presbyters , may afford Me ; especially in these extremities , to which God hath bin pleased to suffer some of my Subjects to reduce me ; so as to leave them nothing more , but My life to take from me , and to leave me nothing to desire , which I thought might lesse provoke their jealousie and offence to deny Me , than this of having some means afforded Me for My Soules comfort and support . To which end I made choice of men , as no way ( that I know ) scandalous , so every way eminent for their learning and piety , no lesse than for their Loyalty : nor can I imagine any exceptions to be made against them , but only this , that they may seem too able and too wel affected toward me and My service . But this is not the first service ( as I count it the best ) in which they have forced Me to serve My self , though I must confesse I bear with more greif and impatience the want of My Chaplains , than of any other My Servants ▪ and next ( if not beyond in some things ) to the being sequestred from my Wife and Children ; since from these indeed more of humane and temporary affections , but from those more of heavenly and eternall improvements may be expected . My comfort is , that , in the inforced ( not neglected ) want of ordinary means , God is wont to afford extraordinary supplies of his gifts and graces . If his Spirit will teach me & help My infirmities in prayer , reading and meditation ( as I hope he will ) I shall need no other , either Orator or Instructer . To Thee therefore , O my God , doe I direct my now solitary prayers ; what I want of others help , supply with the more immediate assistances of thy Spirit , which alone can both enlighten My darkness , and quicken My dulnesse . O thou Sun of righteousnesse , thou sacred Fountaine of heavenly light and heat , at once cleare and warme my heart , both by instructing of me , and interceding for me : In thee is all fulnesse : from thee all-sufficiency : By thee is all acceptance . Thou art company enough , and comfort enough : Thou art my King , be also my Prophet and my Priest . Rule me , teach me , pray in me , for me ; and be thou ever with me . The single wrestlings of Jacob prevailed with thee , in that sacred Duell , when he had none to second him but thy selfe ; who didst assist him with power to overcome thee , & by a welcome violence to wrest a blessing from thee . O look on me thy Servant , in infinite mercy , whom thou didst once blesse with the ioynt and sociated Devotions of others , whose fervencie might inflame the coldnesse of my affections towards thee ; when we went to , or met in thy House with the voice of I●y and gladnesse , worshiping thee in the unity of spirits , and with bond of Peace . O forgive the neglect , and not improving of those happy opportunities . It is now thy pleasure that I should be as a Pelican in the wildernesse , as a Sparrow on the House top , and as a coale scattered from all those pious glowings , and devout reflections , which might best ●indle , preserve , and encrease the holy fire of thy graces on the Altar of my heart , whence the sacrifice of prayers , and incense of praises , might be duly offered up to thee . Yet O thou that breakest not the bruized Reed , nor quenchest the smoaking Flax , do not despise the weaknesse of my prayers , nor the smotherings ●f my soul in this uncomfortable loneness ; to which I am constrained by some mens uncharitable deni●lls of those helps , which I much want , and no lesse desire . O let the hardnes of their hearts occasion the softnings of mine to thee , and for Them. Let their hatred kindle my love , let their unreasonable de●●alls of my Religious desires the more excite my prayers to thee . Let their inexorahle deafnesse encline thine eare to me ; who art a God easie to be ●ntreated ; thine eare is not heavy , that it cannot , nor thy heart hard , that it will not heare ; nor thy ●and shortned , that it cannot help M● thy desolate Suppliant . Thou permittest men to deprive me of those out●ard means , which thou hast appointed in thy Church , but they cannot debarre me from the com●union of that inward grace , which thou alone ●reathest into humble hearts . O make m● such , and thou wilt teach me ; thou ●ilt hear me , thou wilt help me : The broken and ●●ntrite heart I know thou wilt not despise . Thou , O Lord canst a● once make me thy Temple , ●hy Priest , thy sacrifice , and thine Altar ; while from an humble heart I ( alone ) daily offer up in holy meditations , fervent prayers , and unfeigned tears my self to thee : who preparest me for thee , dwelle s● in me , ●ad acceptest of me . Thou , O Lord , didst cause by secret supplyes & miraculous infusions , that the handful of meal in the vessell should not spend , nor the little oyl in the cruise fail the Widow during the time of drought and dearth . O look on my soul , which as a Widow is now desolate and forsaken : let not those saving truths I have formerly learned now fail my memory ; nor the sweet effusions of thy Spirit , which I have sometime felt , now be wanting to wy heart in this famine of ordinary and wholsome food for the refreshing of My Soul. Which yet I had rather chuse than to feed fom those hands who mingle my bread with ashes , and my wine with gall ; rather torme nting than teaching me ; whose mou●hs are proner to bitter reproaches of me , ●hen to hearty prayers for me . Thou knowest , O Lord of truth , how oft they wrest thy holy Scriptures to my destruction , ( which ▪ are clear for their subiection , and my preservation ) O let it not be to their damnation . Thou knowest how some men ( under colour of long prayrs ) have sought to devour the houses of their Brethren , their King , and their God. O Let not those mens balms break my head , nor their Cordialls oppresse my heart , I will evermore pray against their wickednesse . From the poyson under their tongues , from the snares of their lips , from the fire , and the swords of their words ever deliver Me , O Lord and all those Loyall and Religious hearts , who desire and delight in the prosperity of my soule , and who seek by their prayers to relieve this sadnesse and solitude of thy servant , O my King and my God. 25. Penitentiall Meditations and Vowes in the Kings solitude at Holmeby . GIve eare to my words O Lord , consider my Meditations , aud hearken to the voice of my cry , my King and my God , for unto thee will I pray . I said in my hast I am cast out of the sight of thine eyes ; neverthelesse thou hearest the voice of my supplication , when I cry unto thee . If thou Lord shouldst be extream to mark what is don amisse , who can abide it ? But there is mercy with thee , that thou mayest be feared ; therefore shall sinners fly unto thee . I acknowledge my sius before thee which have the aggravation of my condition ; the eminency of my place adding weight to my offence . Forgive , I beseech thee , my Personall , and my Peoples sinnes ; which are so far mine , as I have not improved the power thou gavest me , to thy glory , and my Subiects good : Thou hast now brought Me from the glory and freedom of a King , to be a Prisoner to my oun Subiects : Justly , O Lord , as to thy over-ruling hand , because in many things I have rebelled against thee . Though Thou hast restrained my Person , yet enlarge my heart to Thee , & thy grace towards Me. I come far short of Davids piety ; yet since I may equall Davids afflictions , give Me also the comforts and the sure mercies of David . Let the penitent sense I have of my sins , be an evidence to me , that thou hast pardoned them . Let not the Evils , which I and my Kingdomes have suffered , seem little unto thee ; though thou hast no● punished us according to our sins . Turn thee [ O Lord ] unto Me ; have mercy upon Me , for I am desolate and afflicted . The sorrows of my heart are enlarged ; O bring thou me out of my troubles . Hast thou forgotten to be gracious , and shut up thy loving kindnesse in displeasure ? O Remember thy compassions of old , and thy lovi●g kindnesse , which have been for many Generations . I had utterly fainted , if I had not believed to see thy goodnes in the land of the living . Let not the sins of our prosperity deprive us of the benefit of thy afflictions . Let this fiery tryall consume the dross , which in long peace and plenty we had contracted . Though thou continuest miseryes , yet withdraw not thy grace ; what is wanting of prosperity make up ●n patience and repentance . And if thy anger be not to be yet turned away , but thy ●and of iustice most be stretched out still ; Let it , I beseech thee , be against me , and my Fathers house ; as for these sheep , what have they done ? Let my sufferings satiate the malice of Mine , and thy Churches Enemies . But let their cruelty never exceed the measure of my charity . Banish from me all thoughts of Revenge , that I may not lose the reward , nor thou the glory of my patience . As thou givest me a heart to forgive them , so I beseech thee doe thou fergive what they have done against thee and me . And now , O Lord , as thou hast given me an heart to pray unto thee ; so hear and accept this Vow , which I make before thee . If thou wilt in mercy remember me , and My Kingdoms ; In continuing the light of thy Gospell , and setling thy true Religion among us . In restoring to us the benefit of the Laws and the due execution of ●●●tice . In suppressing the many Schisms in Church , and Factions in State. If thou wilt restore me and mine to the anci●nt Rights and glory of my Predecessours . If thou wilt turne the hearts of My people to thy self in Piety , to me in Loyalty , and to one another in Charity . If thou wilt quench the flames , and withdraw the fewell of these Civill Wars . If thou wilt bless us with the freedom of publique Counsels , and deliver the Honour of Parliaments from the insolency of the Vulgar . If thou wilt keep me from the great offence of enacting any thing against my Conscience ; and especially from consenting to sacrilegious rapines , & spoilings of thy Church . If Thou wilt restore Me to a capacity to gloref●e Thee in doing good , both to the Church and State. Then shall my soule praise thee , and magnifie thy name before my People . Then shall thy glory be dearer to me then my Crownes ; and the advancement of true Religion both in purity and power be My chiefest care . Then will I rule my People with iustice , and my Kingdomes with equity . To thy more immediate hand shall I ever owne as the rightfull succession , so the mercifull restauration of My Kingdomes , and the glory of them . If thou wilt bring Me again with peace , safety , & honour , to my chiefest City , and my Parliament . If thou wilt againe put the Sword of Iustice into my hands to punish and protect . Then will I make all the world to see , and my very Enemics to enioy the benefit of this Vow and resolution of Christian Charity , which I now make unto thee O Lord. As I do freely pardon for Christ's sake those that have offended me in any kind ; so my hand shall never be against any man to revenge what is past , in regard of any particular iniury done to me . ▪ We have been mutually pnnished in our unnaturall divisions ; for thy sake , O Lord , & for the love of my Redeemer , have I purposed this in my heart That I will use all means in tbe wayes of amne●ly , and indempnity , which may most fully remove all fears , and bury all iealousies in forgetfulnesse . Let thy mercies be toward me and mine , as my resolutions of Truth and Peace are toward my People . Hear my prayer , O ▪ Lord , which goeth not out of fayned lips . Blessed be God , who hath not turned away my prayer ; nor taken his mercy from Me. O my soule , commit thy way to the Lord , trust in him , and he shall bring it to passe . But if thou wilt not restore me and mine , what am I that I should charge thee foolishly ? Thou , O Lord , hast given , and thou hast taken , Blessed be thy name . May my people and thy Church be happy , if not by me , yet without me . 26 ▪ Vpon the Armies Surprisall of of the King at Holmeby , and the ensuing destractions in the two Houses , the Army , and the City . VVHat part God will have Me now to act or suffer in this new and strange scene of affaires , I am not much solicitous ; since little practise will serve that man , who onely seeks to represent a part of honesty and honour . This surprize of Me tells the world , that a KING cannot be so low , but He is considerable ; adding weight to that Party where he appeares . This motion , like others of the Times , seemes excentrique and irregular , yet not well to be resisted or quieted : Better swim down such a stream , than in vaine to strive against it . These are but the struglings of those twins , which lately one womb enclosed , the younger striving to prevaile against the elder ; what the Presbyterians have hunted after , the Independents now seek to catch for themselves . So impossible is it for lines to be drawn from the center , and not to divide from each other ; so much the wider , by how much they go farther from the point of union . That the Builders of Babell should from division fall to confusion , is no wonder ; but for those that pretend to build Ierusalem , to divide their Tongues and hands , is but an ill omen ; and sounds too like the fury of those Zealots , whose intestine bitternesse and divisions were the greatest occasion of the last fatall destruction of that City . Well may I change my Keepers and Prison , but not my captive condition ▪ onely with this hope of bettering , that those , who are so much professed Patrons for the Peoples Liberties , cannot be utterly against the Liberty of their King ; what they demand for their own Consciences , they cannot in Reason deny to Mine . In this they seem more ingenuous , than the Presbyterian rigour , who , sometimes complaining of exacting their conformity to laws , are become the greatest Exactors of other mens submission to their novell injunctions , before they are stamped with the Authotity of Lawes , which they cannot well have without my consent . 'T is a great argument , that the Independents think themselves manumitted , from their Rivals service , in that they carry on a businesse of such consequence , as the assuming My Person into the Armies custody , without any Commission , but that of their own wil and power . Such , as will thus adventure on a King , must not bethought over-modest , or timerous to carry on any designe they have a mind to . ' Their next motion menaces , and scares both the two Houses and the City : which , soon after acting over again that former part of tumultuary motions ( never questioned , punished , or repented ) must now suffer for both ; aud see their former sin in the glasse of the preseut terrours and distractions . No man is so blind as not to see herein the hand of divine Iustice ; they , that by Tumults first occasioned the raising of Arms , must now be chastened by their own Army for new Tumults . So hardly can men be content with one sinne , but adde sin to sin , till the later punish the former ; such as were content to see Me , and many Members of both Houses , driven away by the first unsuppressed Tumults , are now forced to fly to an Army , to defend themselves against them . But who can unfold the riddle of some mens justice ? the Members of both houses who at first withdrew , ( as my selfe was forced to doe ) from the rudenesse of the Tumults , were counted desertors , and outed of their Places in Parliament . Such as stayed then , and enjoyed the benefit of the Tumults , were asserted for the only Parliament-men : now the Flyers from , and Forsakers of their Places , carry the Parliamentary power along with them ; complain highly against the tumults , & vindicate themselves by an Army : such as remained and kept their stations , are looked upon as Abbettors of tumultuary insolencies , and Betrayers of the Freedom and Honour of Parliament . Thus is Power above all Rule , Order , & Law ▪ where men look more to present Advantages then their consciences , and the unchangeable rules of Justice ; while they are Judges of others , they are forced to condemn themselves . Now the plea against Tumults hold good , the Authors and Abettors of them are guilty of prodigious insolencies ; when as before , they were counted as Friends and necessary Assistants . I see Vengeance pursues and overtakes ( as the Mice and Rats are said to have done the Bishop in Germany ) them that thought to have escaped and fortified themselves most impregnably against it , both by their multitude and compliance . Whom the Laws cannot , God will punish , by their own crimes and hands . I cannot but observe this divine Justice , yet with sorrow and pity ; for , I alwayes wished so well to Parliament and City , that I was sorry to see them do , or suffer , any thing unworthy such great and considerable bodies in this Kingdome . I was glad to see them onely scared and humbled , not broken by that shaking : I never had so ill a thought of those Cities as to despaire of their Loyalty to Me ; which mistakes might eclipse , but I never believed malice had quite put out . I pray God the storm be yet wholly passed over them ; upon whom I look , as Christ did sometime over Ierusalem , as objects of My prayers and teares , with compassionate griefe , foreseeing those severer scatterings which will certainly befall such as wantonly refuse to be gathered to their duty : fatall blindnesse frequently attending and punishing wilfull , so that men shall not be able at last to prevent their sorrows , who would not timely repent of their sin ; nor shall they be suffered to enjoy the comforts , who securely neglect the councels belonging to their peace . They will find that Brethren in iniquity are not far from becomming insolent enemies , there being nothing harder then to keep ill men long in one mind . Nor is it possible to gaine a faire period for those notions which go rather in a round and circle of fansie , than in a right line of reason tending to the Law , the onely center of publique consistency ; whither I pray God at last bring all sides . Which will easily be done , when we shall fully see how much more happy we are , to be subject to the known Laws , then to the various wills of any men , seem they never so plausible at first . Vulgar compliance with any illegall and extravagant waies , like violent motions in nature , soon grows weary of it selfe , and ends in a refractory sullennesse : Peoples rebounds are oft in their faces , who first put them upon those violent strokes . For the Army ( which is so far excusable , as they act according to Souldiers principles , and interests , demanding Pay and Indempnity ) I think it necessary , in order to the publike peace that they should be satisfied , as far as is just ; no man being more prone to consider them then My selfe ●though they have fought against Me , yet I cannot but so far esteem that valour and gallantry they have sometime shewed , as to wish I may never want such men to maintaine My Selfe , My Laws , and My Kingdoms , in such a peace , as wherein they may enjoy their share and proportion as much as any men . But thou , O Lord , who art perfect Vnity in a sacred Trinity , in mercy behold those , whom thy Iustice hath divided . Deliver me from the strivings of My People , and make Me to see how much they need My Prayers and pity , who agreed to fight against Me ; and 〈◊〉 are now ready to fight against one another ; to the continuance of My Kingdomes distractions . Discover to all sides the wayes of peace , from which they have swarved : which consists not in the divided wills of Parties , but in the point and due observation of the Lawes . Make Me willing to go whither thou wilt lead Me by thy providence ; and be thou ever with Me that I may see thy constancy in the worlds variety and changes , Make me even such as thou wouldst have Me , that I may at last enioy that safety and tranquility which thou alone canst give Me. Divert , J pray thee , O Lord , thy heavy wrath iustly hanging over those populous Cityes , whose plenty is prone to adde fewell to their luxury , their wealth to make them wanton , their multitudes tempting them to security , and their security exposing them to unexpected miseries . Give them eyes to see , hearts to consider , wills to embrace , and courage to act those things which belong to thy glory and the publique peace , lest their calamity come upon them as an armed man. Theach them , That they cannot want enemies who abound in sinne , nor shall they be long un-disarmed and un-destroyed , who , with a high hand persisting to ●ight ; gainst thee & the clear convictions of their own consciences , fight more against themselves , than ever they did against Me. Their sinnes exposing them to thy Iustice , their riches too ther 's injuryes , their number to Tumults , and their Tumults to confusion . Though they have with much forwardnesse helped to destroy Me , yet let not my fall be their ruine . Let Me not so much consider , either what they have done , or I have suffered , ( chiefly at first by them ) as to forget to imitate My crucified Redeemer , to plead their ignorance for their pardon ; and in my dying extremities to pray to thee O Father to forgive them , for they know not what they did . The teares they have denied me in my saddest condition , give them grace to bestow upon themselves who the lesse they were for me , the more cause they have to weep for themselves . O let not my bloud be upon them and their Children , whom the fraud and faction of some , not the malice of all , have excited to crucifie Me. But thou O Lord , canst and wilt ( as thou dist my Redeemer ) both exalt and perfect me by my sufferings , which have more in them of thy mercy then of mans cruelty , or thy owne Iustice . portrait of Charles I Natus May 29 An o 1630 AEtatis . ● 27 ▪ To the Prince of VVales , SOn , if these Papers , with some others , wherein I have set down the private reflections of My Conscience , and My most impartiall thoughts , touching the cheif passages , which hath been most remarkable , or disputed in My late troubles , come to your hands , to whom they are chiefly designed ; they may be so far usefull to you , as to state your judgement aright in what hath passed ; whereof a pious is the best use can be made ; and they may also give you some directions , how to remedy the present distempers , and prevent ( if God will ) the like for time to come . It is some kind of deceiving and lessening the injury of my long restraint , when I find My leisure & solitude have produced something worthy of My self , and usefull to you ; That neither you , nor any other , may hereafter measure My Cause by the Successe ; nor My Judgement of things , by My misfortunes ; which I count the greater by far , because they have so farr lighted upon you , and some others , whom I have most cause to love , as well as My self ▪ and of whose unmerited sufferings I have a greater sense , then of Mine own . But this advantage of wisdome you have above other Princes ; that you have begunne and now spent some years of discretion , in the experience of troubles , and exercise of patience , wherein Piety , and all Vertues , both Morall and Politicall , are commonly better planted to a thriving ( as Trees set in Winter ) then in the warmth and serenity of times ; or amidst those delights , which usually attend Princes Courts in times of peace and plenty ; which are prone , either to root up all plants of true Vertue and Honour ; or to be contented only with some leaves , and withering formalities of them , without any reall fruits , such as tend to the Publick good ; for which Princes should alwayes remember they are borne , and by providence designed . The evidence of which different education the holy VVrit affords us in the contemplation of David and Rehoboham : The one prepared , by many afflictions , for a flourishing Kingdome ; the other unsoftned by the unparalel'd prosperity of Solomons Court : and so corrupted to the great diminution , both for Peace , Honour , and Kingdome , by those flatteries , which are as unseparable from prosperous Princes , as Flies are from fruit in Summer ; whom adversity , like could weather , drives away . I had rather you should be Charles Le Bon , then le Grand , good , then great ; I hope God hath designed you to both , having so early put you into that exercise of his Graces , and Gifts bestowed upon you , which may best weed out all vicious inclinations , and dispose you to those Princely endowments , & employments , which will most gain the love , and intend the welfare of those , over whom God shall place you . With God I would have you begin and end , who is King of Kings ; the Soveraign disposer of the Kingdomes of the world , who pullest down one , and setteth up another . The best Government , & highest Sove raignty you can attain to , is , to be subject to him , that the Scepter of his Word and Spirit may rule in your heart . The true glory of Princes consists in advancing Gods glory in the maintenance of true Religion and the Churches good ; Also in the dispensation of civill Power , with Justice and Honour to the publike Peace . Piety will make you prosperous ; at least it wil keep you from being miserable ; nor is he much a loser , that looseth all , yet saveth his own Soul at last . To which center of true Happinesse God , I trust , hath and will graciously direct all these black lines of Affliction , which he hath bin pleased to draw on Me , and by which he hath ( I hope ) drawn me nearer to himself . You have already tasted of that cup , whereof I have liberally drank ; which I look upon as Gods phisick , having that in healthfulnesse , which it wants in pleasure . Above all I would have you , as I hope you are already , well-grounded & setled in your Religion : The best profession of which I have ever esteemed that of the Church of England , in which you have been educated , yet I would have your own Iudgement and Reason now seal to that sacred bond which education hath written , that it may be judiciously your owne Religion , and not other mens custome or tradition , which you professe . In this I charge you to persevere , as comming nearest to Gods VVord for Doctrine , and to the primitive examples for Government , with soms little amendment , which I have otherwhere expressed , and often offered , though in vaine . Your fixation in matters of Religion will not be more necessary for your soule , then your Kingdoms peace , when God shall bring you to them . For I have observed , that the Divell of Rebellion doth commonly turne himselfe into an Angell of Reformation ; and the old Serpent can pretend new Lights : When some mens Consciences accuse them for Sedition and Faction , they stop its mouth with the name and noise of Religion ; when Piety pleads for peace and patience , they cry out Zeale . So that , unlesse in this point You be well settled , you shall never want temptations to destroy you and yours , under pretensions of forming matters of Religion ; for that seemes , even to worst men , as the best and most auspicious beginning of their worst designes . VVhere , besides the Novelty which is taking enough with the Vulgar , every one hath an affection , by seeming forward to an outward Reformation of Religion , to be thought zealous ▪ hoping to cover those irreligious deformities whereto they are conscious , by severity of censuring other mens opinions or actions . Take heed of abetting any Factions : or applying to any publick discriminations in matters of Religion , contrary to what is in your judgement , and the Church well setled ; your partiall adhering , as head , to any one side gaines you not so great advantages in some mens hearts ( who are prone to be of their Kings Religion ) as it loseth you in others ; who think themselves , and their profession first despised , then persecuted by you : Take such a course as may either with calmnesse and charity quite remove the seeming differences and offences by impartiality , or so order affairs in point of Power , that you shall not need to feare or flatter any Faction . For if ever you stand in need of them , or must stand to their curtesie , you are undone : The Serpent will devour the Dove : you may never expect lesse of loyalty , justice , or humanity , than from those , who engage into religious Rebellion ; Their interest is alwaies made Gods ; under the colours of Piety , ambitious policies march , not only with greatest security , but applause , as to the populacy ; you may heare from them Iacob's voyce , but you shall feel they have Esau's hands . Nothing seemed lesse considerable then the Presbyterian Faction in England , for many yeeres ; so compliant they were to publique order : nor indeed was their party great either in Church , or State , as to mens judgments : But as soon as discontents drave men into Sidings ( as ill humors fall to the dissaffected part , which causes inflamations ) so did all , at first , who affected any novelties , adhere to that Side , as the the most remarkable and specious note of difference ( then ) in point of Religion , All the lesser Factions at first were officious Servants to Presbytery their great Masters : till time and military successe , discovering to each their peculiar advantages , invited them to part stakes ; and , leaving the joynt stock of uniform Religion , pretended each to drive for their Party the trade of profits & preferments , to the breaking and undoing not only of the Church , and State , but even of Presbytery it Selfe , which seemed and hoped at first to have ingrosed all . Let nothing seem little or despicable to you in matters which concern Religion & the churches peace , so as to neglect a speedy reforming an effectuall suppressing Errours and Schisms ; which seem at first but as a hand bredth , by seditious Spirits , as by strong winds , are soon made to cover and darken the whole Heaven . VVhen you have done justice to God , your owne soule and his Church , in the profession and preservation both of truth and unity in Religion : the next maine hinge on which your prosperity will depend , and move , is , that of civil Justice , wherein the setled Lawes of these Kingdomes , to which you are rightly Heire , are the most excellent rules you can governe by ; which by an admirable temperament give very much to Subjects industry , liberty , and happinesse ; and yet reserve enough to the Majesty and prerogative of any King , who ownes his People as Subjects , not as Slaves ; whose subjection , as it preserves their property , peace , and safety , so it will never diminish your rights , nor their ingenuous Liberties ; which consists in the enjoyment of the fruits of their industry , and the benefit of those Lawes to which themselves have consented . Never charge your head with such a Crown , as , shall by its heavinesse oppresse the whole body the weaknesse of whose parts cannot returne any things of strength , honour , or safety , to the head , but a necessary debiliatation and ruine . Your Prerogative is best shewed and exercised in remitting , rather then exacting the rigor of the Lawes ; there being nothing worse than legall Tyranny . In these two points , the preservation of established Religion and Lawes , I may ( without vanity ) turn the reproach of My sufferings , as to the worlds censure , into the honour of a kind of Martyrdome , as to the testimony of my own Conscience ; The Troublers of My Kingdomes have nothing else to object against Me but this , That I preferre Religion and Laws established before those alterations they propounded . And so indeed I doe , and ever shall , till I am convinced by better Arguments , then what hitherto hath been chiefly used towards Me , Tumults , Armies , and Prisons . I cannot yet learne that lesson , nor I hope ever will you , That it is safe for a King to gratifie any Faction with the perturbation of the Laws , in which is wrapt up the publick Interest , and the good of the Community . How God will deal with Me , as to the removal of these pressures , and indignities , which his justice , by the very unjust hands of some of My Subjects , hath been pleased to lay upon Me , I cannot tell : nor am I much solicitous what wrong I suffer from men , while I retaine in My foule , what I beleive is right before God. I have offered all for Reformation and Safety , that in Reason , Honour , and Conscience I can ; reserving only what I cannot consent unto , without an irreparable injury to My owne Soule , the Church , and My People , and to You also , as the next and undoubted Heire of My Kingdoms . To which if the divine Providence , to whom no difficulties are insuperable , shall in his due time after My decease bring you , as I hope he will ; My counsell and charge to You , is ; That You seriously consider the former , reall , or objected miscarriages , which might occasion My troubles , that you may avoid them . Never repose so much upon any mans single councell , fidelity , and discretion , in managing affairs of the first magnitude , ( that is , matters of Religion and Justice ) as to create in Your selfe , or others , a diffidence of Your own judgement , which is likely to be alwayes more constant and impartiall to the interests of your Crowne and Kingdom then any mans . Next , beware of exasperating any Factions by the crosnesse , and asperity of some mens passions , humours , and private opinions ; imployed by You , grounded onely upon the differences in lesser matters , which are but the skirts & subb●rbs of religion . Wherein a charitable connivence and Christian toleration often dissipates their strength , whō rougher opposition fortifies ; and puts the despised and oppressed Party , into such Combinations , as may most enable them to get a full revenge on those they count their Persecutors ; who are commonly assisted by that vulgar commiseration , which attends al , that are said to suffer under the notion of Religon . Provided , the differences amount not to an insolent opposition of Laws , and Government , or Religion established , as to the essentials of them ; such motions and minings are intollerable . Alwaies keep up solid piety , and those fundamentall Truths ( which mend both hearts ; and lives of men ) with impartiall favour and justice . Take heed that outward circumstances and formalities of Religion devour not all , or the best encouragements of learning , industry , and piety ; but with an equall eye , and impartiall hand , distribute favours and rewards to all men , as you find them for their reall goodnesse both in abilities and fidelity worthy and capable of them . This will be sure to gaine You the hearts of the best , and the most too ; who , though they be not good themselves , yet are glad to see the severer wayes of virtue at any time sweetned by temporall rewards . I have , you see , conflicted with different and opposite Factions , ( for so I must needs call and count all those , that Act not in any conformity to the Lawes established , in Church and State ) no sooner have they by force subdued what they counted their Common Enemy , ( that is , all those that have adheered to the Lawes , and to Mee ) and are secured from that fear , but they are divided to so high a rivarly , as sets them more at defiance against each other , than against their first Antagonists . Time will dissipate all factions when once the rough horns of private mens covetous and ambitious designes shall discover themselves ; which were at first wrapt up and hidden under the soft and smooth pretensions of Religion , Reformation , and Liberty : As the Wolfe is not lesse cruell , so he will be more justly hated , when he shall appear no better than a Wolf under Sheeps cloathing . But , as for the seduced Train of the Vulgar , who in their simplicity follow those disguises , My charge and councel to You , is , That as You need no palliations for any designes , ( as other men , ) so that you study really to exceed ( in true and constant demonstrations of goodnesse , piety , and virtue , towards the People ) even all those men , that make the greatest noise & ostentations of Religion , so You shall neither fear any detection , ( as they doe , who have but the face and mask of goodnesse ) nor shall You frustrate the just expectations of Your People ; who cannot in reason promise themselves so much good from any subjects noveltis , as from the vertuous constancy of their King. VVhen these mountains of congealed factions shall by the sunshine of Gods mercy , and the splendour of your virtues be thawed and dissipated ; and the abused Vulgar shall have learned , that none are greater Oppressours of their Estates , Liberties , and Consciences , than those men , that entitle themselves , The Patrons and Vindicators of them , onely to usurp power over them ; Let then no passion betray You to any study of revenge upon those , whose own sinne and folly will sufficiently punish them in due time . But as soon as the forked arrow of factious emulations is drawn out , use all princely arts , and clemency , to heal the wounds ; that the smart of the cure may not equall the angnish of the hurt . I have offered Acts of Indempnity , and Oblivion , to so great a latitude , as may include all , that can but suspect themselves to be any way obnoxious to the Laws ; and which might serve to exclude all future Jealousies and securities . I would have You alwayes propense to the same way ; when ever it shall be desired and accepted , let it be granted , not only as an Act of State-policy and necessity , but of Christian charity and choice . It is all I have now left Me , a power to forgive those , that have deprived Me of all ; and , I thank God , I have a heart to do it ; and joy as much in this grace , which God hath given Me , as in all My former enjoyments ; for this is a greater argument of Gods love to Me , than any prosperity can be . Be confident ( as I am ) that the most of all sides who have don amisse , have don so , not out of malice , but mis-information , or mis-apprehension of things . None will be more loyall and faithfull to Me and you , than those Subjects , who sensible of their Errours , and our injuries , will feel in their own Soules most vehement motives to repentance ; and earnest desires to make some reparations for their former defects . As Your quality sets You beyond any Duell with any Subject ; so the Noblenesse of Your mind must raise you above the meditating any revenge , or executing Your anger upon the many . The more conscious You shall be to Your own merits , upon your People , the more prone You will be to expect all love and loyalty from them ; and to inflict no punishment upon them for former miscarriages : You will have more inward complacency in pardoing one , than in punishing a thousand . This I write to you , not despairing of Gods mercy , & My Subjects affections towards you ; both which , I hope , you wil study to deserve ; yet we cannot merit of God , but by his own mercy . If God shall see fit to restore Me , and You after Me , to those enjoyments , which the Lawes have assigned to Us , and no Subjects , without an high degree of guilt and sinne can devest us of ; then may I have better opportunity , when I shal be so happy to see you in peace , to let you more fully understand the things that belong to Gods glory , your own honour , and the kingdoms peace . But , if You never see My face againe , and God will have Me buried in such a barbarous Imprisonment and obscurity , ( which the perfecting some mens designes require ) wherein few hearts that love me are permitted to exchange a word , or a look with Me ; I do require & entreat You as Your Father , and Your King , that You never suffer Your heart to receive the least check against , or disaffection from the true Religion established in the Church of England . I tell You , I have tried it , and after much search , and many disputes , have concluded it to be the best in the world ; not only in the Community , as Christian , but also in the speciall notion , as Reformed ; keeping the middle way between the pomp of superstitious Tyranny , and the meannesse of fantastique Anarchy . Not but that ( the draught being excellent as to the maine , both for Doctrine and Government , in the Church of England ) some lines , as in very good figures , may happily need some sweetning , or pollishing ; which might here have easily been done by a safe and gentle hand ; if some mens precipitancy had not violently demanded such rude Alterations , as would have quite destroyed all the beauty and proportions of the whole . The scandall of the late troubles , which some may object , and urge to you against the Protestant Religion established in England , is easily Answered to them , or Your owne thoughts in this , That scarce any one who hath been a Beginner , or an active prosecutor of this late VVarre against the Church , the Lawes , and Me , either was , or is a true Lover , Embracer , or Practiser of the Protestant Religion , established in England : which neither give such rules , nor ever before set such examples . 'T is true , some heretofore had the boldnesse to present threatning Petitions to their Princes and Parliaments , which others of the same Faction ( but of worse Spirits ) have now put in execution : but let not counterfeit and disorderly zeal abate Your value and esteem of true piety ; both of them are to be known by their fruits ; the sweetnesse of the Vine & Fig-tree is not to be despised , though the Brambles & Thorns should pretend to bear Figs and Grapes thereby to rule over the Trees ▪ Nor would I have You to entertaine any aversation or dislike of Parliaments ; which , in their right constitution with Freedome and Honour , will never injure or diminish Your greatnesse , but will rather be as interchangings of love , loyalty , and confidence , between a Prince and His People . Nor would the events of this blacke Parliament have been other then such ( however much biassed by Factions in the Elections ) if it had heen preserved from the insolencyes of popular dictates , and tumultuary impressions : The sad effects of which will , no doubt make all Parliaments after this more cautious to preserve that Freedome , and Honour , which belongs to such Assemblies ( when once they have fully shaken off this yoke of Vulgar encroachment ) since the publique interest consists in the mutuall and common good both of Prince and People . Nothing can be more happy for all , than in faire , grave , and Honourable waies to contribute their Counsels in Common , enacting all things by publique consent ; without tyranny or Tumults . We must not starve our selves , because some men have surfeited of wholsome food . And if neither I , nor You , be ever restored to Our Rights , but God , in his severest justice , will punish My Subjects with continuance in their sinne , and suffer them to be deluded with the prosperity of their wickednesse ; I hope God will give Me , and You , that grace , which , will teach and enable Vs , to want , as well as to weare a Crowne ; which is not worth taking up , or enjoying upon sordid , dishonourable , and irreligious terms . Keep you to true principles of piety , virtue , and honour , you shall never want a Kingdom . A principall point of your honour will consist in your deferring all respect , love , and protection to your Mother , My Wife ; who hath many waies deserved well of Me , and chiefly in this , that ( having beene a meanes to blesse Me with so many hopefull Children ; all which , with their Mother , I recommend to your love , and care ) She hath been content with incomparable magnanimity and patience to suffer both for , and with Me ; and you . My prayer to God Almighty , is , ( what ever becomes of Me , who am , I thank God , wrapt up and fortified in My owne Innocency , and his grace ) that he would be pleased to make you an Anchor , or Harbour rather , to these tossed and weather-beaten Kingdomes ; a Repairer by your wisdome , Iustice , piety , and valour , of what the folly and wickednesse of some m●n have so farre ruined , as to leave nothing entire in Church or State ; to the Crowne , the Nobility , the Clergy , or the Commons ; either as to Lawes , Liberties , Estates , Order , Honour , Conscience , or Lives . When they have destroyed Me , ( for I know not how farre God may permit the malice and cruelty of My Enemies to proceed , and such apprehensions some mens words and actions have already given Me ) as I doubt not but My bloud will crie aloud for vengeance to heaven ; so I beseech God not to poure out his wrath upon the generality of the people , who have either deserted Me , or engaged against Me , through the artifice and hypocrisie of their Leaders ; whose inward horrour will be their first Tormenter , nor will they escape exemplary judgements . For those that loved Me , I pray God , they may have no misse of Me , when I am gone ; so much I wish and hope , that all good Subjects may be satisfyed with the blessings of Your presence & virtues . For those that repent of any defects , in their duty toward Me , as I freely forgive them in the word of a Christian King , so I beleive You will find them truly zealous , to repay with interest that Loyalty and love to you , which was due to Me. In summe , what good I intended , do you performe ; when God shall give You power : much good I have offered , more I purposed to church and State , if times had been capable of it . The deception will soon vanish , and the Vizards will fall off apace ; This maske of Religion on the face of Rebellion ( for so it now plainly appears , since My restraint and cruell usage , that they fought not for Me , as was pretended ) will not long serve to hide some mens deformities . Happy times I hope attend you ; wherein Your Subjects ( by their miseries ) will have learned , That Religion to their God , and Loyalty to their King , cannot be parted without both their sin & their infelicity And if God blesse You , and establish your Kingdomes in righteousnesse , your Soule in true Religion , and your honour in the love of God and your People . And if God will have disloyalty perfected by My destruction ; let My memory ever , with My name , live in You ; as of your Father , that loves you : and once a KING of three flourishing Kingdomes ; whom God thought fit to honour , not only with the Scepter and government of them , but also with the suffering many indignities , and an untimely death for them ▪ while I studied to preserve the rights of the Church , the power of the Lawes , the honour of My Crown , the priviledge of Parliaments , the liberties of My People , and My owne Conscience ; which , I thank God , is dearer to Me than a thousand Kingdomes . I know God can , I hope he yet will , restore Me to My Rights : I cannot despaire either of his mercy , or of My Peoples love and pity . At worst , I trust I shall but go before you to a better Kingdome , which God hath prepared for Me , and Me for it , through My Saviour Jesus Christ , to whose mercies I commend you and all mine . Farewell , till we meet , if not on Earth , yet in Heaven . Meditations upon Death , after the Votes of Non-Addresses , and His Maiesties Closer Jmprisonment in Carisbrooke-Castle . AS I have leisure enough , so I have cause more than enough , to meditate upon , & prepare for My Death : for , I know , there are but few steps between the Prisons and grave of Princes . It is Gods indulgence , which gives Me the space ; but Mans cruelty , that gives Me the sad occasions for these thoughts . For , besides the common burden of mortality , which lies upon Me , as a Man ; I now bear the heavy load of other mens ambitions , fears , jealousies , and cruell passions , whose envy or enmity against Me makes their owne lives seem deadly to them , while I enjoy any part of Mine . I thank God , My prosperity made Me not wholly a Stranger to the contemplations of mortality : Those are never unseasonable , since this is alwayes uncertain : Death being an eclipse , which oft happineth as well in clear , as cloudy dayes . But My now long and sharp adversity hath so reconciled in Me those naturall Antipathies between Life and Death , which are in all men , that I thank God , the common terrours of it are dispelled ; and the speciall horour of it , as to My particular , much allayed : for , although my death at present may justly be represented to Me with all those terrible aggravations , which the policy of cruel and implacable enemies can put upon it , ( affaires being drawne to the very dregs of malice ) yet I blesse God , I can look upon all those stings , as unpoysonous , though sharp ; since My Redeemer hath eith er pulled them out , or given Me the Antidote of his death against them , which , as to the immaturity , unjustice , shame scorn , and cruelty of it , exceeded what ever I can fear . Indeed , I never did find so much the life of Religion , the feast of a good Conscience , and the brazen wall of a judicious integrity and constancy , as since I came to these closer conflicts with the thoughts of Death . I am not so old , as to be weary of life ; nor ( I hope ) so bad , as to be either afraid to dye , or ashamed to live : true , I am so afflicted , as might make Me sometime even desire to die ; if I did not consider , that it is the greatest glory of christians life to dye daily , in conquering by a lively faith , and patient hopes of a better life , those partiall and quotidian deaths , which kills us ( as it were ) by peicemeales and make us over-live our own FATES ; while we are deprived of health , honour , liberty , power , credit , safety , or estate ; & those other comforts of dearest relations , which are as the life of our lives . Though , as a KING , I think My selfe to live in nothing temporall so much as in the love and good-will of My People ; for which , as I have suffered many deaths , so I hope I am not in that point as yet wholly dead : notwithstanding , My Enemies have used all the poyson of falsity and violence of hostility to destroy , first the love and Loyalty , which is in My Subjects ; and then all that content of life in Me , which from these I chiefly enjoyed . Indeed , they have left Me but little of life , and only the husk and shell ( as it were ) which their further malice and cruelty can take from Me ; having bereaved Me of all those worldly comforts , for which life it selfe seems desirable to men . But , O My Soule ! think not that life too long , or tedious , wherein God gives thee any opportunities , if not to doe , yet to suffer with such Christian patience and magnanimity in a good Cause , a sare the greatest honour of our lives , and the best improvement of our deaths . I know , that in point of true Christian valour , it argues pusillanimity to desire to die out of wearinesse of life ; and a want of that heroick greatnesse of spirit which becomes a Christian in the patient and generous sustaining those afflictions , which as shaddows necessarily attend us , while we are in this body ; and which are lessened or enlarged as the Sun of our prosperity moves higher or lower : whose totall absence is best recompensed with the dew of Heaven . The assaults of affliction may be terrible ; like Sampson's Lyon , but they yeeld much sweetnesse to those , that dare to encounter and overcome them ; who know how to overlive the witherings of their Gourds without discontent or peevishnesse , while they may yet converse with God. That I must dye as a man , is certain ; that I may dye a King , by the hands of My own Subjects , a violent , sodain & barbarous death ; in the strength of my years , in the midst of My Kingdoms ; My Friends and loving Subjects being helples Spectators ; My Enemies insolent Revilers and Triumphers over me ; living , dying , & dead , is so probable in humane reason ; that God hath taught me not to hope otherwise as to mans cruelty ; however , I despair not of Gods infinite marcy . I know my life is the object of the Devils & wicked mens malice ; but yet under Gods sole custody and disposall : Whom I do not think to flatter for longer life by seeming prepared to dye , but I humbly desire to depend upon him , and to submit to his will both in Life and death , in what order soever he is pleased to lay them out to me . I confesse it is not easie for me to contend with those many horrors of death , wherewith God suffers me to be tempted ; which are equally horrid , either in the suddennesse of a barbarous Assasination ; or in those greater formalities , whereby my Enemies ( being more solemnly cruell ) will , it may be , seek to add ( as those did who Crucified Christ ) the mockery of Justice , to the cruelty of malice : That I may be destroyed , as with greater pomp and artifice , so with les pitty , it wil be but a necessary pollicy to make my death appeare as an act of Justice , don by Subjects upon their Soveraigne , who know that no Law of God or Man invests them with any power of Judicature without me , much lesse against me : and who , being sworn , and bound by all that is sacred before God and Man , to endeavour my preservation , must pretend Justice to cover their perjury . It is , indeed , a sad fate for any man to have his Enemies to be Accusers , Parties , and Judges ; but most desperate , when this is acted by the insolence of Subjects against their Soveraigne ; wherein those , who have had the chiefest hand , and are most guilty of contriving the publike Troubles , must by shedding my blood seem to wash their owne hands of that innocent bloud whereof they are now most evidently guilty before God and Man ; and I beleive in their own Consciences too , while they carried on unreasonable Demands ; First by Tumults , after by Armies . Nothing makes meane spirits more towardly-cruel in managing their usurped power against their lawfull Superiours than this , the Guilt of their uniust Usurpation : notwithstanding those specious and popular pretensions of Justice against Delinquents applyed only to disguize at first the monstrousnesse of their designs , who despaired , indeed , of possessing the power and profits of the Vineyeard , till the heire whose right it is , be cast out and slaine . With them my greatest fault must be , that I would not either destroy My selfe with the Church and State by my Word , or not suffer them to do it unresisted by the Sword ; whose covetous ambition no Concessions of Mine could ever yet either satisfie , or abate . Nor is likely they will ever think , that Kingdome of brambles which some men seek to erect ( at once , weak , sharp , and fruitlesse , either to God or Man ) is like to thriue till watred with the Royal bloud of those , whose right the Kingdom is . Wel , Gods will be don , I doubt not but my Innocency will find him both my protectour , and my Advocate who is my only Iudge , whom I owne as King of Kings , not onely for the eminency of his power and Majesty above them ; but also for that singular care and protection , which he hath over them : who knows them to be exposed to as many dangers ( being the greatest Patrons of Law , Justice , Order , & Religion on earth ) as there be either men or Devills ; which love confusion . Nor will he suffer those Men long to prossper in their Babel , who build it with the bones , and cement it with the bloud of their Kings . I am confident they will find Avengers of my death amongst themselves : the injuries I have susteined from them shall be first punished by them , who agreed in nothing so much as in opposing Me. Their impatience to bear the loud cry of My bloud , shall make them thinke no way better to expiate it , than by shedd ing theirs , who , with them , most thirsted after Mine . The sad confusions following my destruction , are already presaged and confirmed to Me by those I have lived to see since My troubles ; in which God alone ( who only could ) hath many wayes pleaded my cause ; not suffering them to go unpuin shed , whose confederacy in sin was their only security ; who have cause to fear that God wil both further divide , and by mutual vengeance , afterwards destroy them , My greatest conquest of Death is from the power and love of Christ , who hath swallow'd up death in the Victory of his Resurrection , and the glory of his Ascention . My next comfort is , that he gives me not onely the honour to imitate his example in suffering for righteousnesse sake , ( though obscured by the foulest charges of Tyranny and injustice ) but also , that charity , which is the noblest revenge upon , and victory over My Destroyers : By which , I thank God , I can both forgive them , & pray for them , that God would not impute My bloud to them further then to convince them , what need they have of Christs bloud to wash their soules from the guilt of shedding Mine . At present , the will of My Enemies seems to be their only rule , their power the measure , and their successe the Exactor , of what they please to call Justice ; while they flatter themselves with the fancy of their owne safety by my danger , and the security of their lives and designes by My Death : forgetting , that as the greatest temptations to sinne are wrapped up in seeming prosperities , so the severest vengeance of God are then most accomplished , when men are suffered to compleat their wicked purposes . I blesse God , I pray not so much , that this bitter cup of a violent death may passe from Me , as that of his warth may passe from all those whose hands , by deserting Me , are sprinkled , or by acting and consenting to My death , are embrued with My bloud . The will of God hath confined , and concluded Mine ; I shall have the pleasure of dying , without any pleasure of desired vengeance . This I think becomes a Christian toward his Enemies , and a King toward his subjects . They cannot deprive Me of more than I am content to lose , when God sees fit by their hands to take it from me ; whose mercy , I believe , will more then infinitely recompence what ever by mans injustice , he is pleased to deprive me of . The glory attending my death will farre surpasse all I could enjoy , or conceive in life . I shall not want the heavy and envyed Crownes of this world , when my God hath mercifully Crowned and Consummated his graces with Glory , and exchanged the shadows of my earthly Kingdomes among men , for the substance of that Heavenly Kingdom with himselfe . For the censures of the world ; I know the sharpe and necessary tyranny of my Destroyers will sufficiently confute the calumnies of tyranny against me ; I am perswaded I am happy in the judicious love of the ablest and best of my Subjects , who doe not onely pity and pray for me , but would be content even to dye with me , or for me . These know how to excuse my failings ; as a man , and yet to retaine and pay their duty to me as their King ; there being no religious necessity binding any Subjects by pretending to punish , infinitely to exceede , the faults and errours of their Princes ; especially there , where more then sufficient satisfaction hath been made to the publike ; the enjoyment of which , private ambitions have hitherto frustrated . Others , I beleive , of softer tempers , and lesse advantaged by my ruine , doe already feel sharp convictions , and some remorse in their consciences : where they cannot but see the proportions of their evill dealings against me in the measure of Gods retaliations upon them who cannot hope long to enjoy their owne thumbs and toes , having under pretence of paring others nails , bin so cruell as to cut off their chiefest strength . The punishment of the more insolent and obstinat may be like that of Korah and his complices ( at once mutining against both Prince and Priest ) in such a method of divine justice , as is not ordinary ; the earth of the lowest and meanest people opening upon them , and swallowing them up in a just disdain of their ill-gotten and worse-used Authority : upon whose support and strength they cheifly depended for their building and establishing their designes against me , the Church and State. My chiefest comfort in death consists in My peace , which I trust , is made with God ; before whose exact tribunall I shal not fear to appear , as to the Cause so long disputed by the sword , between me and my causlesse Enemies , where I doubt not but his righteous judgment wll con●ute their fallacy , who from worldly successe ●rather like Sophisters , than sound Christians ) ●raw those popular conclusions for Gods ap●robation of their actions ; whose wise provi●ence ( we know ) oft permits many events which ●s revealed word ( the only clear , safe and fixed rule of good actions & good consciences ) in no sort approves . I am confident the Justice of My Cause , and clearnesse of my conscience before God and toward my people wil carry me as much above them in Gods decision , as their successes have lifted them above me in the vulgar opinion who consider not , that many times those undertakings of men are lifted up to heaven in the prosperity and applause of the world , whose rise is from Hell , as to the injuriousnesse and oppression of the designe . The prosperous winds which oft fill the sayles of Pyrates , doth not justifie their piracy and rapine . I look upon it with infinite more content and quiet of Soule , to have been worsted in my enforced contestation for , and Vindication of the Laws of the Land , the freedome and honour of Parliaments ; the rights of My Crown , the just liberty of My Subjects , and the true Christian Religion in its Doctrine , Government and due encouragements , then if I had , with the greatest advantages of successe , overborn them all , as some men have now evidently done , whatever designes they at first pretended . The prayers and patience of my Freinds and loving Subjects will contribute much to the sweetning of this bitter cup , which I doubt not but I shall more cheerefuly take and drink as from Gods hand ( if it must be so ) than they can give it me , whose hands are unjustly and barbarously lifted up against me . And as to the last event , I may seeme to owe more to my Enemies , than my Freinds ; while those will put a period to the finnes and sorrows attending this miserable life wherewith these desire , I might still contend . I shall be more then Conquerour through Christ enabling me : for whome I have hitherto suffered : as he is the Authour of Truth , Order , and Peace ; for all which I have beene forced to contend against Errour , Faction and confusion . If I must suffer a violent death with my Saviour ; it is but mortality crowned with martyrdome : where the debt of death , which I owe for sinne to nature , shall be raised , as a gift of faith and patience offered to God. Which I humbly beseech him mercifully to accept ; and although Death be the wages of my owne sinne , as from God , and the effect of other sinnes , as men , both against God and me ; yet as I hope my owne sinnes are so remitted , that they shall be no ingredients to imbitter the cup of my death , so I desire God to pardon their sinnes , who are most guilty of my destruction . The Trophees of my charity will be more glorious and durable over them , than their ill-managed victories over me . Though their sin be prosperous , yet they had need to be penitent , that they may be pardoned : Both which , I pray God they may obtaine : that my temporall Death unjustly inflicted by them , may not be revenged by Gods just inflicting eternall death upon them : for I look upon the temporall destruction of the greatest King , as far lesse deprecable , than the eternall damnation of the meanest Subject . Nor do I wish other , than the safe bringing of the ship to shore , when they have cast me over-board ; though it be very strange , that Marriners can find no other means to appease the storme , themselves have raised , but by drowning their Pilot. I thank God , my Enemies cruelty cannot prevent my preparation ; whose malice in this I shall defeat , that they shall not have the satisfaction to have destroyed my Soule with my Body ; of whose salvation , while some of them have themselves seemed , and taught others to despaire , they have only discover'd this , that they do not much desire it . VVhose uncharitable and cruell Restraints , denying me even the assistance of any of my Chaplains , hath rather enlarged , than any way obstructed my accesse to the Throne of Heaven . Where thou dwellest , O King of Kings ; who fillest Heaven and Earth , who art the fountain of eternall life , in whom is no shadow of death . Thou O God , art both the iust Afflicter of Death upon ns , and the mercifull Saviour of us in it , and from it . Yea , it is better for us to be dead to our selves and live in thee , than by living in our selves to be deprived of thee . O make the many bitter agravations of my death as a Man , and a King , the opportunities and advantages of thy speciall graces and comforts in my Soule , as a Christian . If thou Lord wilt be with me , I shall neither fear nor feel any evill , though I walk through the valey of the shadow of death . To contend with death is the work of a weak and mortall man ; to overcome it is the grace of thee alone , who art the Almighty and immortal God. O My Saviour , who knowest what it is to dye with Me , as a Man ; make Me to know what it is to pass through death to life with thee My God. Though I dye , yet I know , that thou my Redeemer livest for ever : though thou slayest Me , yet thou hast incouraged me to trust in thee for eternal life . O withdraw not thy favour from me , which is better than life . O be not farre from me , for I know not how neer a violent and cruel death is to Me. As thy Omniscience , O God , discovers ; so thy Omnipotence can defeat the designes of those who have , or shall conspire my destruction . O shew me thy goodnesse of thy will , through the wickednesse of theirs . Thou givest me leave as a man to pray , that this cup may passe from me ; but thou hast taught Me as a Christian by the example of Christ to adde , not my will , but thine be done . Yea Lord , let our wills be one , by wholy resolving mine into thine : let not the desire of life in me be so great , as that of doing or suffering thy will in either life or death . As I believe thou hast forgiven all the errors of my life , so I hope thou wilt save me from the terrours of my death . Make me content to leave the worlds nothing , that I may come really to enioy all in thee , who hast made Christ unto me in life , gaine , and in death , advantage . Though my destroyers forget their duty to thee and me , yet do not thou , O Lord , forget to be mercifull to them . For , what profit is there in my bloud , or in their gaining my Kingdoms , if they lose their own Souls ? Such as have not only resisted my iust Power , but wholy usurped and turned it against my selfe , though they may deserve , yet let them not receive to themselvs damnation . Thou madest thy Son a Saviou to many that Crucified Him , while at once he suffered violently by them , and yet willingly for them . O let the voice of his hloud be heard for My murtherers , louder than the cry of mine against them . Prepare them for thy mercy by due convictions of their sinne , and let them not at once deceive and damme their owne Soules by fallacio●s pretentions of Iustice in destroying me , while the conscience of their uniust usurpation of power against me , chiefly tempts them to use all extremities against me . O Lord , thou knowest I have found their mercies to me as very false , so very cruell , who pretending to preserve me , have meditated nothing but my ruine . O deal not with them as bloud-thirsty and deceitfull men , but overcome their cruelty with thy compassion and my charity . And when thou makest inquisition for My bloud , O sprinkle their polluted , yet penitent Souls with the bloud of thy Sonne , that thy destroying Angell may passe over them . Though they think my Kingdoms on earth too little to entertaine at once both them and me , yet let the capacious Kingdome of thy infinite mercy at last receive both me and my enemies . When being reconciled to thee in the bloud of the same Redeemer , we shall live farre above these ambitious desires , which beget such mortall enmities . When their hands shall be heaviest , and cruellest upon me , O let me fall into the arms of thy tender and eternall mercies . That what is cut off of my life in this miserable moment : may be repaiedin thy ever , blessed eternity . Lord , let thy Servant depart in peace , for my eyes have seen thy salvation . Vota dabunt , quae bella negârunt . FINIS .