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friends; which will undoubtedly destroy him, if he speedily looks not very well about him. For the principal power of the kingdom being in his hands (not in the general's nor the agitator's), all the grand oppressions, injustice, and delays in justice, will and must be laid upon his shoulders, seeing he has now power enough to help it, if he has a mind.

JOHN LILBURNE TO OLIVER CROMWELL.

SIR,

WHAT my comrade hath written by our trusty bearer might be sufficient for us both; but to demonstrate unto you that I am no staggerer from my first principles that I engaged my life upon, nor from you, if you are what you ought to be, and what you are strongly reported to be; although if I prosecuted or desired revenge for a hard and almost starving imprisonment, I could have had of late the choice of twenty opportunities to have paid you to the purpose; but I scorn it, especially when you are low; and this assure yourself, that if ever my hand be upon you, it shall be when you are in your full glory, if then you shall decline from the righteous ways of truth and justice: which if you will fixedly and impartially prosecute, I am yours to the last drop of my heart's blood, for all your late severe hand towards me,

JOHN LILBURNE.

From Westminster, the 3d of August, 1648,

being the second day of my freedom.

Cromwell was then contending with the Presbyterians, and labouring under an accusation against him in Parliament.

OLIVER CROMWELL TO HIS WIFE.

MY DEAREST,

I HAVE not leisure to write much, but I could chide thee, that, if many of thy letters, thou writest to me that I should not be unmindful of thee and of thy little ones. Truly if I love thee not too well, I think I err not on the other hand much. Thou art dearer to me than any creature; let that suffice. The Lord hath shown us an exceeding great mercy: who can tell how great it is! My weak faith has been upheld; I have been in my inward man marvellously supported, though, I assure thee, I grow an old man, and feel infirmities of age marvellously stealing upon me. Would my corruptions did as fast decrease! Pray on my behalf in the latter respect. The particulars of our late success, Harry Vane or Gil Pickering will impart to thee. My love to all dear friends. Thine,

Dunbar, Sept. 4, 1650.

O. CROMWELL.

OLIVER CROMWELL TO GENERAL FLEETWOOD.

DEAR CHARLES,

ALTHOUGH I do not, so often as is desired (by me) acquaint you how it is with me, yet I doubt not of your prayers on my behalf, that in all things I may walk as becometh the gospel. Truly I never more needed all helps from my Christian friends than now: fain would I have my service accepted of the saints (if the Lord

will) but it is not so; being of different judgments, and of each sort some seeking to propagate their own, that spirit of kindness that is to them all is hardly accepted of any. I hope I can say it, my life has been a willing sacrifice, and my hope is for them all; yet it much falls out, as when the two Hebrews were rebuked, you know upon whom they turned their displeasure. But the Lord is wise, and will, I trust, make manifest that I am no enemy.

O how easy is mercy to be abused! Persuade friends with you to be very sober: if the day of the Lord be so near (as some say) how should our moderation appear! If every one, instead of contending, would justify his form by love and meekness, wisdom would be justified of her children; but, alas! I am in my temptation ready to say, "O would I had wings like a dove! then would I flee away and be at rest!" But this, I fear, is my

haste.

I bless the Lord I have somewhat keeps me alive, some sparks of the light of his countenance, and some sincerity above man's judgment. Excuse me thus unbowelling myself to you, and pray for me, and desire my friends to do so also. My love to thy dear wife, whom indeed I sincerely love, both naturally and upon the best account; and my blessing, if it be worth any thing, upon thy little babe.

Sir George Ayscough, having occasions with you, desired my letters with you on his behalf; if he come or send, I pray you show him what favour you can. Indeed, his services have been considerable for the state, and I doubt he has

not been answered with suitable respect: therefore again I desire you and the commissioners to take him into a very peculiar care, and help him so far as justice and reason will any ways afford. Remember my hearty affections to all the officers: the Lord bless you all; so prayeth your truly loving father,

OLIVER CROMWELL.

man,

OLIVER CROMWELL TO HIS SECRETARY. You receive from me, this 28th instant, a petition of Marjery Beacham, desiring the admission of her son into the Charter House. I know the who was employed one day in a very important secret service, which he did effectually, to our very great benefit, and the commonwealth's. The petition is a brief relation of a fact, without any flattery. I have written under it a common reference to the commissioners; but I mean a great deal more, that it shall be done, without their debate or consideration of the matter, and so do you privately hint to * * *

I have not the particular shining bauble or feather in my cap, for crowds to gaze at, or kneel to; but I have power and resolution for foes to tremble at. To be short, I know how to deny petitions and whatever I think proper, for outward form, to any officer or office, I expect that such my compliance with custom shall be also looked upon as an indication of my will and pleasure to have the thing done. See, therefore, that the boy is admitted. Thy true friend,

July 28, 1655.

OLIVER, P.

SIR MATTHEW HALE TO HIS CHILDREN.

DEAR CHILDREN,

May 20. I INTENDED to have been at Alderly this Whitsuntide, desirous to renew those counsels and advices which I have often given you, in order to your greatest concernment; namely, the everlasting good and welfare of your souls hereafter, and the due ordering of your lives and conversations here.

And although young people are apt, through their own indiscretion, or the ill advice of others, to think these kind of entertainments but dry and empty matters, and the morose and needless interpositions of old men; yet give him leave to tell you, that very well knows what he says, these things are of more importance and concern. ment to you, than external gifts and bounties (wherein) nevertheless I have not been wanting to you according to my ability.

This was my intention in this journey; and though I have been disappointed therein, yet I thought good, by letters and messages, to do something that might be done that way for your benefit, that I had otherwise intended to have done in person.

Assure yourselves, therefore, and believe it from one that knows what he says, from one that can neither have any reason or end to deceive you, that the best gift I can give you is good counsel; and the best counsel I can give you is that which relates to your great import and concernment, namely, religion.

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