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HIS SOLITUDES
HIS SOLITUDES
With a perfect Copy of Prayers used by his Majesty in the time of his sufferings. Delivered to Dr. Juxon Bishop of London , immediately before his Death. Rom. 8. More then Conquerour, &c. Bona agere, & mala pati, Regium est. Printed at London , 1649....
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The Explanation of the Embleme.
The Explanation of the Embleme.
Auxilio, Nobis non est tractare molestum . Æternam, fixis fidei, semperque beatam In Cœlos occulis specto, Mobìsque-paratam . Quod vanum est, sperno; quod Christi Gratia præbet Amplecti studium est: Virtutis Gloria merces. 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 ....
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1. Upon His Majesties calling this last Parliament.
1. Upon His Majesties calling this last Parliament.
T His last Parliament I called, not more by others advice, and necessity of My affairs, then by my own choice and inclination; who have always thought the right way of Parliaments most safe for My Crown, and best pleasing to my People: And although I was not forgetfull of those sparks, which some mens distempers formerly studied to kindle in Parliaments, (which by forbearing to convene for some years, I hoped to have extinguished) yet resolving with My self to give all just satisfaction to mod
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2. Upon the Earl of Straffords death.
2. Upon the Earl 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 affairs of State. For those were prone to create in him great confidence of undertakings, and this was like enough to betray him to great errors, and many enemies; whereof he could not but contract good store, while moving in so high a sphear, and with so vigorous a lustre, he must needs (as the Sun) raise many envious exhalations, which conde
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3. Vpon His Majesties going to the House of Commons.
3. Vpon His Majesties going to the House of Commons.
M Y going to the House of Commons to demand Justice upon the five 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 Friends resented it, as a motion rising rather from Passion then Reason, and not guided with such discretion as the touchiness of those times required. But these men knew not the just motives, and pregnant grounds, with which I thought myself so furnished,
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4. Upon the Insolency of the Tumults.
4. Upon the Insolency of the Tumults.
I Never thought any thing (except our sins) more ominously presaging all these mischiefs, 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 terrour) but like an Earth-quake, shaking the very foundations of all; then which nothing in the world hath more of horror. As it is one of the most convincing Arguments that there is a God, while his power sets bounds to the raging o
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5. Upon His Majesties passing the Bill for the Trienniall Parliaments: And after, setling this, during the pleasure of the two Houses.
5. Upon His Majesties passing the Bill for the Trienniall Parliaments: And after, setling this, during the pleasure of the two Houses.
T Hat 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 success of this Parliament, (which had in Me no other Designe, but the generall good of My Kingdoms) I willingly passed the Bill for Trienniall Parliaments: which, as gentle and seasonable Physick, might (if well applied) prevent any distempers from getting any head, or prevailing; especially, if the remedy proved not a remedy beyond all remedy. I
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6. Upon His Majesties retirement from Westminster.
6. Upon His Majesties retirement from Westminster.
W Ith what unwillingness I withdrew from Westminster , let them judg, who, unprovided of tackling and victual, are forced to Sea by a Storm; yet better do so, then venture splitting or sinking on a Lee-shore. I stayed at Whitehall , till I was driven away by shame, more then fear, to see the barbarous rudeness of those Tumults, who resolved they would take the boldness to demand any thing, and not leave either my Self, or the Members of Parliament the liberty of our Reason and Conscience to de
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7. Upon the Queenes departure and absence out of England.
7. Upon the Queenes departure and absence out of England.
A Lthough 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
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8. Upon His Majesties repulse at Hull, and the fates of the Hothams.
8. Upon His Majesties repulse at Hull, and the fates of the Hothams.
M Y 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 own it: It was the first overt Essay to be made, how patiently I could bear the losse of my Kingdoms. God knows, it affected me more with shame and sorrow for others, then with anger for my Self; nor did the affront done to me, trouble me so much as their sin, which admitted no colour or excuse. I was resolved how to bear this, and much more with patience
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9. Upon the lifting, and raising Armies against the King.
9. Upon the lifting, and raising Armies against the King.
I Find that I am at the same point and posture I was, when they forced me to leave White-hall : what tumults could not do, an Army must; which is but Tumults lifted, and enrolled to a better order, but as bad an end: My recesse have given them confidence that I may be conquered. And so I easily may as to any outward strength, which, God knows, is little or none at all: But I have a Soul invinciable through Gods Grace enabling Me; here I am sure to be Conquerour, if God will give me such a meas
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10. Upon their seizing the Kings Magazines, Forts, Navy, and Militia.
10. Upon their seizing the Kings Magazines, Forts, Navy, and Militia.
H Ow untruly I am charged with the first raising of an Army, and beginning this Civill Warre, the eyes that onely pitty Me, and the Loyall hearts that durst only pray for me, at first, might witnesse, which yet appear not so many on my side, as there were men in Armes lifted against me; my unpreparednesse for a War may well dis-hearten those that would help Me; while it argues (truly) my willingnes to fight; yet it testifies for me, that I am set on the defensive part; having so little hopes o
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11. Upon the 19 Propositions first sent to the King; and more afterwards.
11. Upon the 19 Propositions first sent to the King; and more afterwards.
A Lthough there be many things, they demand, yet if these be all, I am glad to see at what price they set my own safety, and my peoples peace; which I cannot think I buy at too dear a rate, save only the parting with my Conscience and Honor. If nothing else will satisfie, I must chuse rather to be as miserable and inglorious, as My enemies can make or wish me. Some things here propounded to me have been offered by me; others are easily granted; The rest (I think) ought not to be obtruded upon
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12. Upon the Rebellion, and troubles in Ireland.
12. Upon the Rebellion, and troubles in Ireland.
T He Commotions in Ireland were so sudden, and so violent, that it was hard at first either to discern the rise, or apply a remedie to that precipitant Rebellion. Indeed that Sea of blood, 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 a
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13. Upon the calling in of the Scots, and their Comming.
13. Upon the calling in of the Scots, and their Comming.
T He 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 speciall 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 honor. But, I see, Royall bountie emboldens some men to ask, and act beyond all bounds of modesty and gratitude. My charity, and Act of Pacification, forbids Me to reflect
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14. Upon the Covenant.
14. Upon the Covenant.
T He Presbyterian Scots are not to be hired at the ordinary rate of Auxiliaries; nothing will induce them to engage, till those that call them in, have pawned their Souls to them, by a Solemn League and Covenant. Where many engines of religious and fair pretensions are brought chiefly to batter or rase Episcopacy: This they make the grand evil Spirit, which with other Imps purposely added, to make it more odious, & terrible to the Vulgar, must by so solemn a charm & exorcism be
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15. Vpon the many Jealousies raised, and Scandals cast upon the King, to stirre up the People against him.
15. Vpon the many Jealousies raised, and Scandals cast upon the King, to stirre up the People against him.
I F 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 seem to justifie so unjust ingagements against Me. And indeed, the worst effects of open hostility come short of these designes: For, I can more willingly lose My Crownes, then My credit; nor are My Kingdomes so dear to Me, as My Reputation and Ho
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16. Upon the Ordinance against the Common-Prayer Book.
16. Upon the Ordinance against the Common-Prayer Book.
I T is no newes to have all Innovations ushered in with the name of Reformations in Church and State, by those, who seeking to gain reputation with the Vulgar for their extraordinary parts, and piety, must needs undoe what ever 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 wisedom or godliness. And because matter of prayer and devotion to God justly bears a great part in Religion, (being the soules
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17. Of the differences between the KING and the two Houses, in Point of Church-Government.
17. Of the differences between the KING and the two Houses, in Point of Church-Government.
T Ouching the Government of the Church by Bishops, the common Jealousie hath been, that I am earnest and resolute to maintain it, not so much out of pietie, as policie, 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 seditious exorbitancies of Min
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18. Upon Uxbridge Treaty, and other Offers made by the King.
18. Upon Uxbridge Treaty, and other Offers made by the King.
I Looke upon the way of Treaties, as a retiring from fighting like beasts, to arguing like men; whose strength should be more in their understandings, then in their limbs. And though I could seldom get opportunities to Treat, yet I never wanted either desire or disposition to it; having greater confidence of my Reason, then my Sword. I was so wholy resolved to yeild to the first, that I thought neither my self, not others, should need to use the second, if once we rightly understood each other
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19. Upon the various events of the warre, victories, and defeats.
19. Upon the various events of the warre, victories, and defeats.
T He 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 the onely true Lord of Hosts, able when he pleases to represse the confidence of those who fought against mee with so great advantage for power and number. From small beginnings on my part, hee let me see, that I was not wholly for saken by
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20. Upon the Reformation of the Times.
20. Upon the Reformation of the Times.
N O Glory is more to be envied then that of due reforming either Church or State, when deformities are such, that the perturbation and noveltie 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 reform what the indulgence of Times, and corruption of manners might have depraved; so I am sorry to see after the
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21. Upon his Majesties Letters taken and divulged.
21. Upon his Majesties Letters taken and divulged.
T HE taking of My Letters was an opportunity, which, as the malice of Mine Enemies could hardly have expected; so they know not how with honour and civility to use it: Nor do I thinke 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
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22. Upon His Majesties Leaving Oxford, and going to the Scots.
22. Upon His Majesties Leaving Oxford, and going to the Scots.
A Lthough God hath given me three Kingdoms, yet in these He hath not now left me any place where I may with safety & Honor rest my head: shewing me that himself is the safest 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 cast my self, and my now distressed Affairs upon his mercy, who hath both hearts and hands of all men in his dispose. What Providence denies to Force,
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23. Upon the Scots delivering the KING to the English, and His Captivity at Holmeby.
23. Upon the Scots delivering the KING to the English, and His Captivity at Holmeby.
Y Et may I justifie those Scots to all the world in this. That they have not deceived me; for I never trusted to them further then to men: if I am sold by them, I am only sorry they should do it: and that My price should be so much above My Saviors. These are but further Essays which God will have Me make of mans uncertainty, the more to fix Me on himself, who never faileth them that trust in him; though the Reeds of Ægypt break under the hand of him that leans on them, yet the Rock of Israel
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24. Upon their denying His Majestie the Attendance of His Chaplains.
24. Upon their denying His Majestie the Attendance of His Chaplains.
W Hen providence was pleased to deprive Me of all other civil comforts and secular attendants, I thought the absence of them all might best be supplied by the attendance of some of my Chaplains, whom for their Function I reverence, and for their Fidelitie I have cause to love. By their Learning, Pietie, and Praiers, I hoped to be either better enabled to sustain 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
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25. Penitential Meditations and Vows in the Kings solitude at Holmby.
25. Penitential Meditations and Vows in the Kings solitude at Holmby.
G Ive ear to my words, O Lord, consider my Meditation, and hearken to the voyce of my cry, my King and my God, for unto thee will I pray. I said in my haste, I am cast out of the sight of thine eyes; nevertheless, thou hearest the voyce of my supplication, when I cry unto thee. If thou, Lord, shouldst be extream to mark what is done amiss, who can abide it? But there is mercy with thee, that thou mayest be feared; therefore shall sinners flie unto thee. I acknowledg my sins before thee, which
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26. Upon the Armies surprisall of the King at Holmby, and the ensuing distractions in the two Houses, the Army, and the City.
26. Upon the Armies surprisall of the King at Holmby, and the ensuing distractions in the two Houses, the Army, and the City.
W Hat part God will have me now to act or suffer in this new and strange scene of affaires, I am not much solicitous; some little practise will serve that man, who only seeks to represent a part of honesty and honour. This surprize of me tels the world, that a King cannot be so low, but he is considerable, adding weight to that party where he appears. This motion, like others of the Times, seems excentrique and irregular, yet not well to be resisted or quieted: Better swim down such a stream,
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27. To the Prince of Wales.
27. To the Prince of Wales.
S On , If these Papers with some others, wherein I have set down the private reflections of my Conscience, and my most impartiall thoughts touching the chief passages, which have 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 diste
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28. Meditations upon Death, after the Votes of Non-Addresses, and His Majesties closer Imprisonment in Carisbrook-Castle.
28. Meditations upon Death, after the Votes of Non-Addresses, and His Majesties closer Imprisonment in Carisbrook-Castle.
A S I have leisure enough, so I have cause more then enough, to meditate upon, and prepare for My Death: for I know, there are but, few steps between the Prisons and Graves 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 burthen of mortalitie, which lies upon Me, as a Man; I now bear the heavy load of other mens ambitions, fears, jealousies, and cruel passions, whose envie or enmity against
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Another PRAYER.
Another PRAYER.
A Lmightie and most merciful Father , look down upon me thy unworthy servant, who here prostrate my self at the Foot-stool of thy Throne of Grace; but look upon me, O Father, through the Mediation, and in the Merits of Jesus Christ, in whom thou art only wel pleased: for of my Self I am not worthy to stand before thee, or to speak with my unclean lips to thee, most holy and eternall God; for as in sin I was conceived and born, so likewise I have broken all thy Commandments by my sinful motions,
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A Prayer and Confession made in and for the times of Affliction.
A Prayer and Confession made in and for the times of Affliction.
A Lmighty and most mercifull Father , as it is onely thy Goodnesse that admits of our imperfect Prayers, and the knowledge that thy mercies are infinite, which can give Us any hope of thy accepting or granting them: so it is our bounden and necessary duty to confesse our sins freely unto thee; And of all men living, I have most need, most reason so to do; no man having been so much obliged by thee, no man more grievously offending thee: that degree of knowledge which thou hast given me adding li
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A PRAYER in time of imminent Danger.
A PRAYER in time of imminent Danger.
O Most merciful Father , though my sins are so many and grievous, that I may rather expect the effects of thy anger, then so great a deliverance, as to free me from my present great danger; yet, O Lord, since thy mercies are over all thy works, and thou never failest to relieve all those who with humble and unfeigned repentance come to thee for succour, it were to multiply, not diminish my transgressions, to despair of thy heavenly favour: Wherefore I humbly desire thy divine Majestie, That thou
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A Copie of a Letter which was sent from the Prince to the KING; Dated from the Hague Jan. 23. 1648.
A Copie of a Letter which was sent from the Prince to the KING; Dated from the Hague Jan. 23. 1648.
SIR, H Aving no means to come to the knowledge of your Majesties present condition, but such as I receive from the Prints, or (which is as uncertain) Report, I have sent this Bearer Seamour to wait upon your Majestie; and to bring me an account of it: that I may withall assure your Majestie, I doe not onely pray for your Majestie according to my Dutie, but shall alwayes be ready to doe all which shall be in my power, to deserve that blessing which I now humbly beg of your Majestie upon (SIR) H
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Munday 29th January, 1648. A true Relation of the KINGS Speech to the Lady Elisabeth, and the Duke of Glocester, the day before His Death.
Munday 29th January, 1648. A true Relation of the KINGS Speech to the Lady Elisabeth, and the Duke of Glocester, the day before His Death.
H Is children being come to meet him, he first gave his blessing to the Lady Elisabeth ; and bad her remember to tell her Brother James , when ever she should see him, That it was his Fathers last desire, that he should no more look upon Charles as his eldest Brother only, but be obedient unto him, as his Soveraign; and that they should love one another, and forgive their Fathers Enemies. Then said the King to her, Sweet-heart you'l forget this: No (said she) I shall never forget it while I li
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Another Relation from the Lady Elisabeths own Hand.
Another Relation from the Lady Elisabeths own Hand.
W Hat the king said to me the nine and twentieth of January 1648. being the last time I had the happiness to see him; he told me, he was glad I was come, and although he had not time to say much, yet somewhat he had to say to me, which he had not to another, or leave in writing, because he feared their cruelty was such, as that they would not have permitted him to write to me, he wished me not to grieve and torment my self for him; for that would be a glorious death that he should dye; it being
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Another Relation from the Lady Elisabeth.
Another Relation from the Lady Elisabeth.
T He King said to the Duke of Glocester , that he would say nothing to him but what was for the good of his soul: he told him, that he heard that the Army intended to make him King; but it was a thing not for him to take upon him, if he regarded the welfare of his soul; for he had two Brothers before him: and therefore commanded him upon His blessing, never to accept of it, unless it redowned lawfully upon him: And commanded him to fear the Lord, and he would provide for him. Copia vera....
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An Epitaph upon King Charls.
An Epitaph upon King Charls.
O falls that stately Cedar: while it stood That was the onely glory of the Wood: Great Charles , thou earthly God, celestial M an, Whose life, like others, though it were a span: Yet in that span, was comprehended more Then Earth hath waters or the Ocean shore; Thy heavenly vertues, Angels shou'd rehearse, It is a theam too high for humane Verse: He that would know thee right, then let him look Upon Thy rare incomparable Book, And read it or'e and o're; which if he do, Hee'l find thee king , and
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