Certain LETTERS Written to several PERSONS.  
Anno Dom. 1654.   


SIR,  
THe sad and desperate condition his majesty's sacred person is in, hath filled me with much greater anxiety and disquietness, than hath been usual to me since these unhappy times: And it is not often that I think of any thing else, but what may or aught to be done in order to the preservation of it, as a Christian, as a Subject: For I believe both duties are inseparably conjoined in this occasion. The inquisition after this led me into the consideration of God's dispensation of times and seasons: and that as those are not to be neglected, wherein there is freedom for our active-duty; so neither these, wherein there is appearance of little else remaining, save only for others to be encouraged and revived by the passive. (And truly I doubt not but the divine goodness will act for our good ends, by our Christian readiness for sufferings.) And as it is thus with times, so also it is with persons: some are rather, or more decently qualified for this then that, at least to give example and authority to it.  
These cogitations drew from me the considerations herein enclosed; which I have addressed to— because I assure myself much of your gentleness. I have already communicated them to a very learned, reverend and pious— but I will not adventure much further in it, until I have also your sense of the expediency of the thing. For neither to the reputation of the matter, until it be maturely considered of, nor to any person, would I be cause of inconvenience. And indeed, if it be so well encouraged by yourself, and such others of like reputation, as it is by Him, it will become me afterward to be silent (as I conceive,) for I have a better Heart than a Head for this business. I profess I have a jealous eye upon the Scots and Presbyterians; who, I doubt not, would make malicious advantages upon any colourable defect of our Clergy. I shall add this, that those of my profession are not idle, but are confident and vigilant. And truly it were a vile shame for us of all qualifications, if this excellent Prince should be lost, and we not able to excuse ourselves, that no means was left unattempted for his preservation; Whom I beseech God to comfort and defend. To whose protection I also leave you, &c.  
Feb. 11. 1647.   

Postscript.  
I Think it gives weight and encouragement to this proceeding, both his majesty's late excellent Declaration to his Subjects; as also the Resolution of the Houses to exhibit theirs to the people. I heartily wish this were timely fitted for this conjuncture.  

The Considerations enclosed.  
THe straight durance his majesty's sacred person is held under, the late Declaration of the Army, (with which the Commons have concurred,) to act without and against the King, puts it past all scruple, that the flagitious and execrable resolution of these men hath engaged them past retiring; and (which is yet worse) that they cannot but proceed to the deepest and utmost villainies and impieties.  
There is not less question of this, then of what ought to succeed it; which is, that their impudence must be encountered with a Christian courage, zeal, and resolution superior to it: otherwise 'tis a doubt not to be slighted, that these men, and too many others seduced by them, will have a seeming cause to believe themselves, that theological truths are more controversial, than those astronomical or astrological, wherein lines and Images are only fictioned, to make Schemes for Sciences and Discourse. I am not altogether free of this scruple, though it looks so stupendiously irreligious.  
Will not the whole frame of Christian verity be shaken (if not subverted,) in this Nation, when this so great a truth in it shall not be vigorously averred; That an established Magistracy is God's immediate Minister; and ought not, cannot, with Christian profession, be deposed by those that owe obedience and allegiance to it? I am fully persuaded that it is so necessary a truth, that were it tied to the stake, and the flames about it, even there ought we to offer ourselves to vindicate it, and contend for it; or else adieu Christian-Protestant profession.  
The seed of the Church was Suffering: And shall it be lost for want of suffering, after it is grown to such a perfection? The ancient Patterns must be imitated, if we expect the same benediction should preserve to us, what was so piously and gloriously planted by them. I think I mistake not my measure, this error amongst men lies not in the brain but in the heart: therefore Instructions want not, but strenuous Examples of Christian zeal; which (I persuade myself) will most daunt them. For those believe, what they want of us in truth, they supply in pertinacity.  
All this considered, is it not now seasonable (I believe it was not so till now; but because the reasons are so obvious I will not trouble you with them) for a considerable number of our learnedest, gravest, and most pious Divines (though they exceed not the number of 20 they will be enough) in a grave and sober manner (for those tart reprehensions, of which every day there wants not store, suit not the weight of this business, being rather movings of spleen than sanctity) to present unto the Houses, That a Government established is God's immediate Minister, and That an attempt to depose it is an high impiety against God, and his known truth plainly and expressly taught us in the holy Scriptures; That his Majesty is indubitably God's Vicegerent over us, and that this allegiance we owe unto Him we have attested by the oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance; That not any of his Subjects can stretch forth their hands against Him and be guiltless; That they demand (according to the practice of the holiest Christians in all ages) a time and place to prove this great truth they now assert, by evidence out of the Scripture; and if this be not allowed them, then to declare, they refuse not to seal it by martyrdom?  
I do very readily acknowledge that the qúalifications for so great an engagement ought to be weighty and serious; and that to rush into martyrdom, (as long as God hath left us any justifiable human means) may want as much of true Christian piety, as it may seem of prudence. God hath engaged our nature to many and several duties and functions; and each hath its several laws and rules proper, whereby they are so set on work, that each may attain their due and proper ends: nor is the greatest means always best, when there are others, though less, yet fitter. But if I mistake not, ventum est usque ad Triarios: we must bring up the Reserve. God hath in his just judgements (upon our Estates and Persons) permitted all our temporal endeavours to be dissipated and frustrated; we may say, Our Van and our battle are routed: but if the courage of this our reserve fails us not, I hope we shall rally ourselves again about it, & by the divine goodness have a fair day of it. This will awaken all, encourage the half-spirited, corroborate all honest & sincere minds. Me thinks I have reason too on my side, when I believe it will easily fall into this sequence. All the Clergy of England (with very little exception) will second so Christian an example. Besides most entire families will be engaged; and scarce will there be one but will have a share in it. For to this point the Presbyterians will frankly concur: diverse reputed Independents (of whom I know some much valued by themselves) will be joined unto you: and even in the Army the Impression of it will be notable. Nor can their present power prevent the expression of so universal a sense, so piously incited, and so well warranted.  
Whereby will appear their paucity. Upon good advertisement I am assured, that they believe they have the Hearts of the greater number of the people, so much hath their prosperity dazzled them: But of nothing am I more certain, then that they have not the fourtieth man. And an expedient like this, to let both the people and them into a view one of another, I know not. And yet also would this be further prosecuted: This attestation would be sent into Scotland, and all the Protestant Churches and States of Europe (for with the others we communicate not.) And for it I know an expedient proper and of reputation.  
If this progress of it should fail, though improbably, which hath such a politic seemingness in it; yet in my opinion, it doth not at all vitiate the pious part of it: the means and end being throughout truly Christian. I say, if it should fail, yet I see not that any thing we can do or suffer, can more than answer the importunity of the occasion, and the necessity that lieth upon us as Christians to do the utmost of our duty. How long, and with how many arts and subtleties have these men abused and deluded the people with the pretensions of their candid intentions, only to preserve the Laws of the Nation and the Protestant Profession? But now that they are possessed of so great power, with what impudence do they confound those, and with what impiety do they subvert this? But since in this case both those do so well accord, were it not best to set this last-named in the front, and to draw up the Civil affair to it; and though we contend for both, yet to fight under the banner of this, in some such manner as I have stated it, and by your wisdom will be disposed into the best Order?  
I shall add such a consideration more, that if it stood singly, yet in my opinion would justify and quit the cost of any endeavour, or endurance. That is, the unparalleled sufferings of this great Prince; to which I know nothing superior, but his incomparable virtues. Believe me, multitudes of men are mistaken, if in the point of his temporal affairs, he had not been in a much better condition, (though I confess not in a good one,) had he timely relaxed much of his constancy and sincerity towards the Rights, preeminencies and patrimony of the Church. Neither is our obligation but very great to Him; his sufferings being for our laws; so unquestionably is our prosperity mixed with his dignity. Now shall this great Personage suffer imprisonment, deprivation of Majesty, absence of all worldly comforts, and minutely hazards of life, for his magnanimous steadfastness to your and our advantages; and we not struggle for Him with our utmost endeavours? Life were inseparable from much infamy with such ingratitude. And truly in human reason (the utmost employment whereof God (I doubt not) expects at our hands) I know no guard for his life, but by some means or other to make it manifest how dear he is to his people, and their readiness to testify how inseparably united God's truth is with the cause of his Majesty. This only next under God must awe them, preserve Him.  
I cannot refuse to believe that this cause, as to the Crown, will rise again: because I see not a bottom or foundation in human reason for this surreptitious power to establish itself in the order it seems now to point at. Though I do also very fully confess, that great mischiefs are easily under their power. But if these only were prevented, amongst which the safety of this sacred Person is of highest importance, we had no cause to repent of such pious endeavours. And should the cause of the Crown (with which God's truth is so firmly combined) resuscitate without such Christian aids, little were it to the honour of the present clergy and those that now serve at the Altar: and if redemption come singly some other way, their share could be little looked after (of which truly none is more passionately tender than myself) nor were the Protestant Profession well vindicated: which (I doubt not to say) hath received a deep wound (but I hope not mortal) by the unchristian proceedings of these vile and detestable men amongst us.  
This I have offered to your candour, prudence and piety, which truly I hold in great reverence; otherwise I would not thus have exposed myself to the censure of it. The weakness of the advice, at least the unskilful digest of it, I shall readily acknowledge; but the sincerity and zeal of my heart for the cause to which it is directed, I shall never be ashamed of.  
But after all this I shall make this conclusion; and I pray believe I am serious and sincere in it. Let me not be mistaken, that I should seem to reprove a slackness in those whom I think proper to take up this matter of themselves. Indeed I am not at all guilty of it. I doubt not but great numbers have been long since ready for this encounter; and perhaps disposing themselves to it, in a much better manner, than I have proposed. I have only offered my opinion. Receive it I pray, as it is, I may affirm, in the weakest part of it not wanting some measure of a pious jealousy (as a Son of this Church) for this great verity taught and professed in it, and as a transport of that duty and care I have for the safety of this Gracious Prince, my Master. To which I shall add, that I have had too much experience in this world to be ignorant of this frequent truth in affairs; That in good men there is always a modesty accompanying them, that oftentimes they begin over-late; And it is almost proper to them neither to machinate, nor to be overhasty to encounter wicked designs. But, if I err not, this is that point and article of time, wherein your Order are to manifest their full persuasion of this verity in Christian Religion; vindicate it as it is professed by the Church of England; answer the kindness and steadfastness of the King to the Clergy; protect that Life which was our Protection, and is in such imminent hazard for it: By all which (through God's blessing) you may lay a foundation of reviving both in Church and State, that which now looks so cadaverously.     

MY LORD,  
IT joys me not a little, that in the late refusal of the Lord's concurrence with the Commons House concerning the trial of his Majesty, you were there, and had an eminent share in it. The blood of our families being mixed, it is a grief to me, I could not bear a part with you in so virtuous and commendable an action; yet a large part of contentment in it cannot be denied me.  
You are (unquestionably) on firm ground. If you stir an inch from it, you fall. If you keep your station confidently, magnanimously, you are safe, undoubtedly safest; if coldly and with trepidation, you are ruined, lost. Are the dangers great? the occasion is much greater: and the whole affair is therefore great, because greatened by hazards of the highest nature to the public, to your particular. I have bought experience at a dear rate: but into the bargain I have no very imperfect knowledge of these men. Let them but meet a well-grounded and justifyable zeal, greater than their misguided fury, you shall render them recollected: and you have begun a conquest upon them, when they perceive an engaged resolution. Let them but see there is a generosity and incredible courage prepared to stem the torrent of their fury, they must, they will yield way to it.  
The case of the whole kingdom hath long been a sad and a heavy one; but now at length it is a plain one too. Though your Lordships seem at present to appear most upon the stage, the Eclipse of the King hath very sensibly obscured the lustre and brightness of the Gentry also: And therefore it may be the easylier believed, that although the King at present hath very little attendance, and solemnity about his Person, his interment must be accompanied with the considerablest part of the Nobility and Gentry, and with the demolition of Kingship; and the mutation of Monarchy in this commonweal, together with that of Nobility and Gentility, will be attended with that of the civil and sober distinction of all degrees.  
It is not uneasy to be discerned (as elated as these men are with their victories) that yet there is a kind of hesitation, and stop in their career. For now the time being come that they are to consider how they shall retain and rule what they seem to have gained, they begin to perceive that there is a wide difference between making a conquest over their fellow-citizens (of which their own unhappy differences will lay claim to the greatest share) and governing them contrary to their own appetites by so small a part of themselves: And that means are easilyer found and readier at hand to discompose and disorder a State, than such as shall compose and rule it, especially when so differing to long-engraffed customs and the inclinations of the people. Attack them then in this musing mood, though they do use an artificial confidence that they act the sense of the people. 'Tis true, they are in some present awe of their power, or rather in a kind of present amazement at their boldness: An expedient must be used for the people to resume courage, and to declare their inclinations. I need scarce name who are the fittest to contrive the way, and give the onset. It can be none but your Lordships; none will begin before you, and there is none but will follow you. Make then a Declaration (by a competent number of you that are readyest at hand (for some haste must be used considering the King's danger) the rest will speedily follow you) of your horror and detestation to such a proceeding against your anointed King and lawful sovereign, (your Lordships will best order it:) Invite all the Clergy, all the professors of the Law to make their several subscriptions under their several qualifications. Those in London are ready at hand, and will speedily follow you. Then the counties and cities will undoubtedly hasten their testimonies. This occasion is so large, it encloses, comprehends all opinions: whatsoever owns humanity, will be joined to you. The paucity of these prodigious Regicides, Parricides, will quickly appear as Monsters not contained within the terms and limits of human nature. Nor can the power and vigilancy of the Army hinder the progress of this: or if they attempt it, they do half-work, it destroys their pretensions and will irritate the people to a revenge. Send such a Declaration to the general and the council of war. Let them see there is a noble Confidence and resolution that will back it and not be refused. Demand a stop of the proceedings, until the people have delivered their suffrages by their subscriptions. They will own you as regardful of them for preserving them from the imputation of so high a guilt of so unspeakable a crime, as these would impose upon them.  
This proceeding (I acknowledge) is not ordinary, not exampled: but the occasion is altogether new, and so unimaginable, That (all the circumstances weighed) all histories are silent, that the like thing ever entered into the heart of man, as this intended enterprise of these men of the Army: That a King and a free Monarch, the protector of our municipal laws, should, contrary to all laws, to our own laws, but yet with the impudent semblance of a packed jury, be submitted unto a trial for his Life. To encounter this horrid novelty a way altogether new must be excogitated, and seconded with a courage and confidence above ordinary. Why may not your Lordships find it convenient to remonstrate to all Kings, Princes, States, Potentates and Nobility your disclaimure of so foul a matter; and desire their assistance, if it may be timely had, for the preservation of his sacred majesty's Life? For if that were but in a reasonable security, you need not doubt but that the kingdom hath more than means enough to struggle for itself and recover its ancient laws and Government from such a vertiginous and giddy generation; who have the impudence to derive a title and authority for their proceedings from visions and revelations. Give but the people an honourable example they will follow you, and vindicate both you and themselves from being considered as such a silly generation, that they should suffer themselves, to be cozened out of their good, known, and established laws; and in the place of them, to be imposed upon by imaginations and Dreams.  
I despair not of God's wonderful providence over his sacred majesty's Person and Life: but that suspends not our endeavours. He expects we should work with Him by those human means he hath left us. It grieves me, I can do nothing else but rub my fingers upon paper: an employment that fits not my Genius. Per force I must do it, or nothing. And because I would not be guilty of leaving any thing undone that I can do, I have applied myself to it, and directed it to your Lordship. To whom I wish that all the advantages that ever happened to any noble endeavour may succeed, and rest.  
Yours, &c. Tower. Jan. 9 1648.   


SIR,  
THe conjectures of men are strangely various (yea of the same persons) concerning the safety or danger of the King, my Master: Some times their hopes, other times their fears prevail most. I should be much ashamed if I were the lest guilty of so universal an inquietude, in so justifiable an occasion, and arising from so good a ground, as a kindness and reverence they owe to their lawful Prince. I frankly give you leave to think (nor do I value the inconvenience it could draw a long with it,) that there is not that honest expedient in the world to serve Him by, that I would not hazard myself in, to employ for Him: nor do I know what earthly felicity it is, could be so welcome to me, as to advance a step, beyond any other, in my duty toward Him. But my present condition refuseth me the ability of any thing else, but that of invocating the favour of God for Him; and making my addresses to you, whom I take to be the figure that gives the denomination to the sequence of a great many cyphers that follow you: And therefore I do the rather believe that a person, that signifies so much, will the better apprehend what weight and signification Reason and Religion have in all human and Christian actions; and that these at last will make a Conquest upon all those, that act without their Commission.  
I can hardly persuade myself into (I think) the too common opinion, that the extraordinary success and felicity that hath constantly followed your attempts (who as the saying is, seem to have hired fortune to serve you at day-wages) hath dazzled that light of understanding that formerly was usual to you. You cannot forget the advantages on the House's part, and the infirmities and wants on the King's part at the beginning of the war; and that the complication of many favourable accidents on the part of your affairs will challenge a share in the success; yet is there a large room too left for your merit in martial conduct; and you have cause enough to value yourself upon a better foundation than the event of battles, and successes in war. proverbial wisdom is not the worse, because easilyest learned; It seldom happens that the same man is Happy and Wise together. And if that lesson also be good, That Affliction makes men understand, it is the Academy in which I have been strictly disciplined for 7 years; so that I must either be an egregious Dunce, or no ill counsellor for you; there being a Person scarce to be found, that lieth under so dangerous a temptation, of seeming prosperity, and therefore fittest to be advised and counselled to sobriety and wisdom. Of this I do assure you I do so little repine at your prosperity, and easy opportunities of fixing yourself securely in it, that if you do as much justify your love to the tranquillity of the Nation by a discreet uniting the King and his people, as you have been instrumental in their long separation. I shall prize your prudence, courage, industry, and sobriety, at as high an estimate, as the sufficientest wit can deliver it in language.  
I doubt not, but both of us are easily agreed in this point, That success legitimats not a quarrel, nor the power which supports it; neither are the Instruments of the calamity of a Nation thereby justified. We cannot but remember and observe, that it is no more than the filthyest and imperfectest creatures have heretofore effected; which have driven people out of their countries; made desert, lands extremely fertile. Have not frogs and Locusts desolated empires? and other vermin ruined great cities, and large territories? By these means God magnifies his own power and Justice: the Instruments remain but what they were, their nature and quality not changed. But in the acts of God's Grace and favour to those who have been instrumental in destructive practices, there is a mutation of qualities; an ejection of those vicious, and an infusion of contrary graces; and those affects and appetites, which are necessary and connatural, but misguided, are by his goodness guided to good ends. And thus was Saul from a furious persecutor transformed to a zealous professor; from a destroyer of the Church to a Master-builder-up of it. No doubt but God in both had his ends by and upon S. Paul: and from my soul I wish it, that your case may have a similitude with his; that of him in the spiritual affair, (which was the function to which he was separated) you may be a resemblance in the temporal; and from a destroyer (by God's goodness) rendered a restorer. This in passage to those other considerations I intended to you.  
That which weighs most, and lieth heaviest upon men's hearts is, the fear of the King's Person; that the whole kingdom may lie under the imputation of the guilt of violence offered to it; and that a mutation of the form of Government shall succeed it. If this be the end aimed at, than my present endeavour is to demonstrate to you, how humanly impossible it is to attain unto it. First there is no example (the necessary circumstances observed) that encourageth such an endeavour. For examine all the stories of all States, and you will not find so much as one instance (I pray observe how I propose it) that ever any people within the fifth degree (I might double the proportion) as we of England are, or in the same degree so spacious a territory, were ever transformed from a Monarchy, to an Aristocracy, or Democracy. Some cities and petty Principalityes have sometimes suffered a change to those Forms; and from thence have arrived (yet not without desperate, intestine seditions and vexations) to a great Puissance: The people growing up and increasing with the widening of the State, the Governing by multitudinous counsels through constant habit and practice hath not always ill succeeded. But to attempt to introduce such a form (which is so vitrious and brittle, and so easily carried into distemper, tumult and multitude being scarce separable) upon such a huge mass of people, as we of this Nation are, and altogether unexpect and undesirous of it, the matter itself in reason will be found manifestly repugnant to, and not susceptible of, such forms; nor is there a pattern to be found, to give any light of direction for the managing of such a design. Reason's may be seduced from the accidents happening this Parliament, which well weighed and pondered will afford matter more then enough to clear this question. Something like an example may be produced (though rarely too) that large monarchies have been cantonized. But that (I think) few have any sealousy is intended.  
The next considerable is, That the change from the ancient and long-established rule of Governing will demolish all the received rules of property. And if that inconvenience be, with difficulty provided for; yet the people will not expect other, but that with new Lords they must have new laws: And more than probable it is that the people will be shaken into such an apprehension of it, that they may fall upon the Heads of the enterprisers. We frequently see that people are hardly reclaimed from customs barbarous and unreasonable; how much less can our Nation (the best civilised the world hath known) be withdrawn from the love of laws, so prudently constituted, and under which they have so long continued, that the very desires of the people are assimilated into the nature of their laws. The people & the laws will always be alike. Are their laws monarchical, so will be the affections of the people? Custom is a second nature, and in many things goes beyond it.  
Upon what principle, upon what authority must such a proceeding be founded? It can be no other but, that the people have the right and power to depose an established Government, erect a new form arraign the supreme Magistrate, and execute Him. Herein is all History silent; and it will not only be disclaimed by all those you call Cavaliers and Presbyterians, but also by a considerable number of Independents: the remainder than will amount to a slender body of people. So that whereas the pretence is, that the sense of the people is acted, nothing will prove to be a grosser mistake. But this embroilment in the State, especially upon this principle, will make all King's parties to the quarrel: Yea all States that administer Aristocratically, will be throughly engaged to defend their right of ruling. So that there is little question but that the greatest calamity that can befall a Nation will inevitably be drawn upon us, that is, a foreign invasion. And Trade (which nature seems to have designed our Nation most properly for) will be embarred by all Kings and those States. Nor can it be expected that permission will be given to those of our Nation to traffic, who derive themselves from a State, from whence they shall bring the contagion of so destructive a maxim to those rules of governing, where they expect commerce. Yea even popular States will abhor so prodigious a principle and proceeding; they having been urged by necessity to use a supreme Magistrate, though for time limited, yet exempt from question and trial: whereof the ancient State of Rome gives us frequent Examples. No man sure is so mad as to search our Chronicles for a precedent of this nature.  
The consideration of Scotland will have a large share in this affair: for the regal Rule can receive no diminution, much less alteration here, but that it must make a notable impression on that State; and can have no other event but a disunion of the Nations; the union of which hath ever been so much considered and vehemently desired by all our prudentest Princes, and by the most fortunate Martialists of them, (with so much fruitless loss of blood) often attempted, yet afterward by God's providence so happily effected, and in a most peaceable manner, to the universal contentment of all sorts in both Nations. 'Tis not possible there can be an union of Nations, where there is a dissimilitude in the nature and form of Government; for they will perpetually strive one with another. Nor can a violence upon the person of the King but prepare a way to let Scotland into a quarrel undeniably just, and unavoidably necessary, for the loss of their Liege Lord and lawful sovereign, and unconsulted with. To this consideration of Scotland I'll join that of Ireland. 'Tis apparent that the Army will have more than their hands full (if Scotland slept) with the vexations and difficulties that will arise here at home. For of the Commons house (which you call) the representative of the people, an eighth part remains not, with any countenance for the Army; nor those neither doth the awe of the Army retain united to one sense: Take also into the reckoning those who have been expelled the House for adhering to the King in this war, which at least will be four or five parts more: the remaining part of the Lords have disclaimed to have any share in such proceeding. So that by this Index of the Nation you may see the Spirit of the whole body of it, the Nobility, Gentry, all persons of distinction, and all of any competent subsistence: and I am persuaded, (besides the unsuccessful trial that hath been made of some persons practised and learned in the Laws,) even those of your late selected jury or judges for the King's trial, will fail the promoters of it. Indeed all things refuse them; and doubtless so will you too: when calmly and recollectedly you shall cast your eye upon so horrible a spectacle, you cannot let it long rest there. We then thus turmoiled and disquieted, Ireland will be left to itself; or rather worse, a prey to a foreign Nation: a large kingdom, the fertilest soil of the Northern parts of Europe, happy beyond England for number and conveniency of Ports and Havens: so that inevitably with it the destruction of the Empire of this Nation over the Seas, and the cessation of trade must ensue; and after it, unspeakable misery and poverty to our Nation, and eternal infamy to the causers of it.  
Very considerable also is the fashion and shape of the proceeding, which (they say) is intended against his Majesty; so ugly, monstrous, and deformed, that when it appears upon the stage to act, the horror of it will irritate the whole Nation to revenge. What? (for it is not otherwise apprehended) that a council of war of that Army, that profess to act under and by the authority of the two Houses, should impose Rules to judge by, and judges for those rules too, upon those whom they have professed to be their Legislators; and that for the trial (by their own acknowledgement) of the dignifiedst Person of the kingdom; therefore not more than any other submittable to an arbitrary power and extra-judicial proceeding. Who is it that after this can expect security of life, or quiet possession of any thing he hath? It is said (but who almost can believe it?) that a title is derived from Revelation and inspiration: If it were but talk, it were but ridiculous, and would be thought so simple, that it would not be condemned as guilty of malice; but to act under such a notion, were a plain confession that all other titles are insufficient. Nay if it be but mingled with any other pretensions, the pestilent quality of it would poison all the rest: and, believe it, the dropping of such expressions, by the unsoberest of those that call themselves of your party, hath incredibly discredited those who are indeed well-advised. Away with it then, as that which will bring the certainest and suddenest destruction; as that which will enrage the whole Nation to a furious vindication of themselves, from being considered as such a silly generation of people, that should be cozened out of their good, known, and established laws; and in the place of them suffer themselves to be imposed upon by imaginations and Dreams, which every morning must be declared to be the foregoing nights legislative power. The people do already take themselves to be scornfully mocked, that they must be stigmatised with the defamation of so impious an act, as a violence offered to the life of their sacred and anointed King; and that the act of so slight a part of their trusties must redound to their shame; who shunning the light of established Rules, which would have guided them, (the paths they expected they should have walked in) do in this so palpably wander from their trust, and the sense of those who trusted them; and that so inconsiderable a part of them should set up a figment of fancy to be idolised. Consider the Commons House (if yet it may be so called) allow (which cannot be refused) the Knights to be the Representatives of the Shires, which truly is the main of the people, you shall not find Knights for the tenth County in England, I am persuaded, not a far smaller proportion: Is it then possible that men shall believe against sense and evident demonstration, that the people incline to you; nay that they are not diametrically opposite and bent against you? We read that God, as an expression of his gracious favour to his Church, hath promised, that Kings and Queens shall be nursing Fathers and Mothers of his Church; But that his Church should set up new forms, or any forms of trial, to execute their own Kings and Queens, is monstrous and unknown to Religion, is less than an idle dream, 'tis the fiction of a dream, and so it will be esteemed not deducible out of the sacred Scriptures; defamatory to the Christian profession, and the nearest way to introduce paganism or Mahometanism, their Prophet practising such delusions. So that hereby as Christians is all Europe engaged, as Protestants all of our belief either in this or other Nations.  
The last consideration that impedes the mutation of the Government is the person of the King: which we find doth unavoidably mix itself with all the former considerations; so that the discourse of the one, will not be without the aid of the other. Yet this following hath somewhat more in it. 'Tis This King, such a King, so conspicuously virtuous and sufficient; therefore (it must be acknowledged) that hath a right apprehension and clear vision of the true Interest of Kingship, which is the peace and prosperity of his people; A Prince of undaunted resolution and clear courage, therefore not vindicative, and far above base revenges. Example me, in any one person, of any vindication, or disrespect, or injury, that the King can be charged with.  
I'll give you many instances of his placability and readiness to be reconciled (let me in a short parenthesis give you this advertisement; Revenge is to be doubted from the people, not from the King; He alone must be, can be, your security; upon such a Prince you may rely:) A Prince of exemplary devotion and sobriety, therefore dear to all persons so qualified. 'Tis This King, during whose happy days, (no less than 17. years,) in which he quietly possessed and ruled the Sceptre, such an inward tranquillity was joined to such a security from without, and both accompanied with such an opulency, that no period of like time, with the like felicity, have the former ages delivered over to us. And it is no impertinent question to ask; whether ever any other Nation ever enjoyed the like. I am persuaded (and that upon no ill grounds of conjecture,) were it in the power of the Nation to elect out of the Catalogue of all their Kings, the Spirit of which of them they would have rest upon this; if they wished Him the fortune of Henry the V. yet they would not refuse his own virtues, for the most signal of any of the former. So notable an impression doth the memory of the peaceable part of his reign make upon the affections of his people: And such an horror and aversion hath the disquiet thereof wrought in them to any other form of rule, that they look upon their tormentors as Salamanders, that only live and are cherished by the flames, that have scorched them. Is it not now high time then to stop and make a halt? Is there not enough done to satiate the vanity and quench the thirst after military renown, when you have vanquished your Compatriots and fellow citizens, and under such a Prince?  
Look upon the brink of what a dreadful precipice you are; and let this last, and those other considerations be seriously revolved by you: to which being added those weights which your own judgement can cast into the scales, undoubtedly you will see that there is a wide distance between making a conquest over a people, (of which their own differences will lay claim to the greatest share,) and governing them contrary to their own appetites by so small a part of themselves; and that means are easilyer found and readier at hand to desolate and disorder States, than such as shall compose and rule them, various to long engrafted customs, and their own inclinations. Invisa Imperia nunquam retinentur diu. Hated rule is never long-lived. Me thinks you cannot well avoid the observation that the most perspicacious and sagacious persons of your party, who with a wonderful steadfastness and undismayedness have kept company with you in your counsels and affairs, and in the greatest hazards (for you have not always been without such,) do herein, and in this action, and in this highest time of your power and prosperity, not only make a stop, but avowedly withdraw themselves, and declare against it; no doubt but very evidently foreseeing the fatality of such an enormous and unparalleled attempt. But the imagination that some have, that this design will be carried on by dispatching the King out of the way, excluding the Prince and Duke of York (both now out of the realm) and setting up the Duke of Gloucester, until the people are better seasoned by this new fashion of Government, is such a mockery, that it cannot be believed but the most purblind understanding will see all the shapes of the design, when it stands but behind so slender a thread. This will not do the feat; nor will the people of this age be so deluded: wherein there are but too many (for the public peace,) that understand Arts and policies of State, or, at least, would have it so thought.  
Upon the prospect of these foregoing considerations, (and there want not others important) draw a short state of the whole affair; and it will be thus, or little otherwise. At the present, you of the Army stand high; but naked, unloved; the bulk of the people that assists you, small; they are, to speak of, all in one cluster, the Army; and that not all ripe for such designs: through the kingdom they are so thinly disseminated, that the appearance of them by the eye is scarcely discernible; and lastly, to deal frankly with you, (because their temper in your affair will make a notable impression,) for the greater number a vertiginous and giddy generation, that will never suffer quiet to themselves, you, nor others. The opposites to these are the most prudent-constituted form of Rules the World hath known; a vast number of people wedded to it; the matter therefore irreconcilable; no example friendly to you; all Potentates made parties against you; the certain disunion of Scotland with England; the damage and infamy for the loss of Ireland; the defamation of Christian Religion, more especially of the Protestant professors; and lastly the person of a most Excellent Prince, loved, reverenced, and desired by the generality of his people. Besides all these, and others that are obvious to the commonest understandings; trust me, no mortal man can have a prevision of the future vexations which such a Regicide, such a Parricide will bring to the persons, affairs and designments of the Army; if a prognostic may be made by the rules of Reason, by the constant course of human actions, by the conjunction of the present affairs of this kingdom. It is the certain expectation of all sober men, that Jacob followed not Esau closer by the heel, than the army's destruction will that of such an inhuman act of violence upon the sacred Person of this King. What then, in the name of God, is it that hinders you, answerable to reason, suitable to duty, and agreeable to piety, from making haste to join yourself to the Law, and to agnize that Prince, whom the laws and ordinance of God have set over you? Obey then the municipal Law under which you were born, that hath nourished and cherished you; restore it, promote it all you can; reverence that Prince, into whose custody God hath committed both the laws and yourself; who, I doubt not, will find it most conveniency to employ yourself, and the soberest of your party, in the eminentest administrations under Him: And verily I wish it. Nor do I think it in any degree reprehensible for you, or any other to observe the physician's rule, Accipe dum dolet; take this opportunity of the present anguish of the King and kingdom; restore it to its former habit of quiet and peace. There is none that will grudge you such sober commodity, as may arrive to you by it. But with such manner of discourses I will not detain you, lest I should thereby mislead you into a false opinion of me. My principles, according to the temper of these times, are very remote from self-safety; or to employ ungenerous flatteries for it. Know this assuredly, that I firmly believe, that an established Magistracy is God's immediate Minister, nor can it be deposed by those that owe obedience and subjection to it, without the highest guilt of impiety; And that this is a verity so plainly held forth to us by the sacred Scriptures, (as an ordinance employed by God, for the manifestation of his power and goodness in the conservation of human communion and society,) that the conscientious sufferers for it may expect a Crown of martyrdom by it. That this Government is a Monarchy, and his Majesty the right and lawful King, hath not a colourable objection to gainsay it. Read the Act of recognition 1 Jacobi calmly done by the whole Parliament, and unanimously pursued by the whole Nation, at a season and opportunity that might have encouraged pretences, if any could have been found. How happens it ●hat the lawfulness of regal rule is questioned? Search the Scriptures: God it is that owns their Charter; He it is that gave it them: Per me Reges regnant, (Prov. 8.15.) not per nos: 'tis no plurality they hold by. Where Solomon speaks in the person of the eternal Wisdom, thereby to advertise us of (no doubt) greater reverence and circumspection. God himself appoints Moses the first Prince of the politic State of the Jews; after him Joshua, &c. Is it the title and hereditary succession of Kings you look for? See then, God himself chooseth Saul; afterwards guides the lot; lastly, follows the publication and acknowledgement of the people. Afterward God rejects that Dynasty, and by especial command fixeth David; whom, by like appointment, Solomon succeeds: and from him continued that family in the rule, in the eldest son of that Family. Yet is the person so sacred, so delicate, that no violent hand must come near to approach it. Wherein are the Scriptures more plain and express then in this particular, Touch not mine Anointed? David, before he was a King, and persecuted by a King, who can (saith he) stretch forth his hand against the Lord's Anointed, and be guiltless? 1. Sam. 24.5.6. Multitude of texts there are that both justify the dignity, and enjoin reverence to the person. And conformably it hath been the avowed doctrine and practice of the Church in all ages, even under Heathen Princes. 'Tis an argument too copious for a paper to contain the reasons and instances for it; rather indeed it is too manifest to be disputed. Hath not God coupled the fear due to Himself, with the duty of reverence toward the King? Prov. 24.21, 22. My Son, Fear thou the Lord and the King (in conjunction:) meddle not with them that are given to change. mix not with such machinators: for a like end shall be to the offenders against both, Destruction.  
Sir, my conclusion shall be very plain, because you may thereby be the better assured of my sincerity in all the rest. The ancient constitutions and present laws of this kingdom are my inheritance and birthright: if any shall think to impose upon me that which is worse than death, which is the profane and dastardly parting from these laws, I will choose the less evil, which is Death. I have also a right in Kingship, the protector of those laws; This is also, by a necessity and conjunction with that other, dearer to me then life. And lastly, in This King is my present right; and also obligations of inestimable favours received from him. I would to God my life could be a sacrifice to preserve his. Could you make it an expedient to serve that end, truly I would pay you more thanks for it, than you will allow yourself for all your other merits, from those you have most obliged, and die  
Your most affectionate Friend.   

Postscript.  
SIR,  
I add this postscript. When with the most unheard of and highest violation of all laws human and divine, of Morality and Sanctity, both upon the person of the King and municipal laws of the kingdom so execrable an Act is perpetrated, let the profit of it to the actors be summed up, it amounts to nothing more than this, That a King is escaped out of their present possession; but the succeeding King obliged by all the ties of Religion, Nature, Duty, and Honour; encouraged with all the irritations of this Nation, Scotland, and Ireland; fortified by the Interests of all Christian Princes and States to animate and aid him, for his revenge upon the actors. I am not guilty of so implacable and inveterate malice, as to wish that the contrivers of this villainy might pursue a counsel that shall draw such sharp revenges and infallible destruction upon themselves: But truly I think that those who have been, or are their veriest Friends, and who have any light of understanding or motions of conscience, will never forgive them so outrageous a folly, madness, and wickedness. I must confess the present proceedings torment me with terrible apprehensions: but truly I cannot make myself believe, that God will permit the Devil to draw Christian Protestant professors unto the consummation of so detestable and impious a Fact. God of his infinite mercy prevent it.  
Enclosed in a Letter, thus.    

Sir,  
THis short Letter hath no other errand, but to excuse that longer which is enclosed. I pray read it over, though it comes from a person that is not proper to apply himself to you; and using an instrument (a pen) not suitable to my Genius. But believe it, 'tis the extremity of this present occasion extorts it from me. God guide you, and recall you, if you are engaged in this horrid proceeding. I rest,  
SIR, Your humble Servant Tower, Jan. 15. 1648.   

A Letter written to his LADY the day before his suffering.  
My dearest Life,  
MY greatest care in relation to the World is for thy dear self: But I beseech thee that as thou hast never refused my advice hitherto, do thou now consummate all in this one. And indeed it is so important both for Thee, Me, and all our Children, that I presume passion shall not overrule thy reason, nor my request. I beseech Thee again and again, moderate thy apprehension and sorrows for me; and preserve thyself to the benefit of our dear Children, whom God, out of his love to us in Christ Jesus, hath given us: And our dear Mall (in the case she is in,) and our comforts in that Family depend entirely upon thy preservation. I pray remember that the occasion of my Death will give Thee more cause to celebrate my memory with praise, rather than to consider it with sadness. God hath commanded my obedience to the fifth commandment; and for acting that duty I am condemned. God multiply all comforts to thee. I shall leave Thee my dear Children: In them I live with Thee; and leave Thee to the protection of a most gracious God. And I rest  
Thy, &c.   

Another written the same day He suffered.  
My dearest Life,  
MY eternal life is in Christ Jesus. My worldly considerations in the highest degree Thou hast deserved. Let me live long here in thy dear memory, to the comfort of my Family, our dear Children, whom God out of mercy in Christ hath bestowed upon us. I beseech Thee, take care of thy health. Sorrow not unsoberly, unusefully. God be unto Thee better than an Husband; and to my Children better than a Father. I am sure, He is able to be so; I am confident He is graciously pleased to be so. God be with Thee, my most virtuous Wife; God multiply many comforts to Thee and my Children, is the fervent prayer of  
Thy, &c.   

A Letter to Mr. E.S. from a reverend and grave Divine.  
SIR,  
I Hope this paper will find you upon your recovery. You have my daily and hearty prayers for it; not so much for your own sake (for I doubt not but it would be much better for you, in regard of your self, to be dissolved and be with Christ) but in the behalf of the Church, your friends, and poor Family: to which notwithstanding be assured, God will be merciful, howsoever he disposeth of you, either for this life, or for a better. But if you live (as I pray and hope you will) you shall do very well to write the life and death of that Noble Lord and Blessed Martyr, who professed at his death, that he died for the fifth commandment: & to die in the defence, & for the testimony of any Divine truth, is truly and properly to be a Martyr.  
That which I can contribute towards this work is, to communicate some few observations I made of him and from him, before and after his Condemnation. I was several times with him, and always found him in a very cheerful and well-composed temper of mind; proceeding from true Christian grounds, and not from a Roman resolution only, (as his enemies are pleased to speak of him.) He told me often, It was the good God he served, and the good Cause he had served for, that made him not to fear death: adding, he had never had the temptation of so much as a thought, to check him for his engagement in this quarrel: for he took it for his Crown and Glory; and wished he had a greater ability, and better fortune to engage in it.  
After his Condemnation, and the afternoon before his suffering, we were a great while in private together: when, bewailing with that sense which became a true (and not despairing) penitent, the sins of his life past; the greatest he could remember was his voting my Lord of Straffords death: which though (as he said) he did without any malice at all, yet he confessed it to be a very great Sin; and that he had done it out of a base fear (they were his own words) of a prevailing party: adding, that he had very often and very heartily repented of it, and was confident of God's Pardon for it. Then he told me, he had a great desire to receive the Blessed Sacrament (so he called it) before he died the next morning: asking what Divine of the King's party I would recommend to him. I replied, that (though many were more worthy, yet) none would be more willing to do him that service then myself. Which he accepting very kindly, told me he durst not desire it, for fear it might be some danger to me. After this, and some conference in order to his preparation, both for his viaticum and his voyage, the Sacrament and his death; he desired me to pray with him. Which after I had performed, and promised to be with him by seven the next morning, I left him for that time to his own devotions.  
The next day I was there at the time assigned: and after some short conference in order to the present occasion, he desired me to hear him pray: which he did for half an hour in an excellent method, very apt expressions, and most strong, hearty, and passionate affections: First confessing and bewailing his sins with strong cries and Tears; then humbly and most earnestly desiring God's Mercy through the merits of Christ only. Secondly, for his dear Wife and Children, with some passion; but for her especially, with most ardent affections: recommending them to the Divine providence with great confidence and assurance; and desiring for them rather the blessings of a better life, then of this. Thirdly, for the King, Church, and State; and lastly, for his enemies, with almost the same ardour and affection. After this sending for my Lord of Norwich and Sr. John Owen, I read the whole Office of the Church for good Friday: and then, after a short Homily I used for the present occasion, we received the Sacrament. In which action he behaved himself with great humility, zeal, and devotion. And being demanded after we had done, how he found himself; he replied, very much better, stronger, and chearfuller for that heavenly repast; and that he doubted not to walk like a Christian through the vale of death, in the strength of it. But he was to have an agony before his passion, and that was the parting with his wife, eldest Son, Son in Law, two of his Uncles, and Sr. T: C: especially the parting with his most dear Lady; which indeed was the saddest Spectacle that ever I beheld. In which occasion he could not choose but confess a little of human frailty; yet even then he did not forget both to Comfort and counsel her, and the rest of his friends. Particularly, in blessing the Young Lord, he commanded him never to revenge his death, though it should be in his power: the like he said unto his Lady. He told his Son he would leave him a Legacy out of David's psalms, and that was this, Lord, lead me in a plain path. For, Boy, (said he) I would have you a plain honest man, and hate dissimulation.  
After this, with much ado I persuaded his wife, and the rest to be gone; and then being all alone with me, he said, doctor, the hardest part of my work in this world is now past, meaning the parting with his wife. Then he desired me to pray preparatively to his death, that in the last action he might so behave himself, as might be most for God's Glory, for the endearing of his Dead Master's memory, his present Master's service; and that he might avoid the doing or saying of any thing which might savour either of vanity, or sullenness. This being done, they were all carried to Sir Robert Cotton's House; where I was with him, till he was called unto the Scaffold, and would have gone up with him, but the Guard of soldiers would not suffer me.  
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints. Psalm 116.15.  
The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance: He shall not be afraid of any evil tidings; His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112.6.7.  
rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for behold your reward is great in Heaven, for in the like manner did their Fathers to the Prophets. Luke 6.23.  
I saw under the Altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the Testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long O Lord, Holy and True, dost thou not avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-Servants also, and their Brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Revel. 6.9, 10, 11.  
They overcame Him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their Testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revel. 12.11.  
I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto me, write; blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth, yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Revel. 14.13.  
FINIS.