His Highnesse the Lord Protector's two speeches to the Parliament in the Painted Chamber the one on Monday the 4. of September; the other on Tuesday the 12. of September, 1654. Taken by one who stood very near him, and published to prevent mistakes. — Speeches. 1654-09

His Highnesse the Lord Protector's two speeches to the Parliament in the Painted Chamber the one on Monday the 4. of September; the other on Tuesday the 12. of September, 1654. Taken by one who stood very near him, and published to prevent mistakes. — Speeches. 1654-09

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His HIGHNESSE the Lord Protectors SPEECH to the PARLIAMENT, In the Painted-Chamber, on Monday, the fourth of Sept. 1654.

His HIGHNESSE the Lord Protectors SPEECH to the PARLIAMENT in the Painted Chamber, on Tuesday the 12. of September, 1654.

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HIS HIGHNESSE THE LORD PROTECTORS TWO SPEECHES TO THE PARLIAMENT IN THE PAINTED CHAMBER; The one on Monday the 4. of September; The other on Tuesday the 12. of September, 1654.

Taken by one who stood very near him, and Published to prevent mistakes.

Printed at London, and re-printed at Leith, 1654.

His HIGHNESSE the Lord Protectors SPEECH to the PARLIAMENT, In the Painted-Chamber, on Monday, the fourth of Sept. 1654.

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GENTLEMEN,

YOu are met here on the greatest Occasion, that I beleeve England ever saw: having upon your shoulders the Interest of three Great Nations, with the Territories belonging to them. And truly (I believe) I may say it without an Hyperbole, You have upon your shoulders the Interest of all the Christian People in the World. And the Expectation is, that I should let you know (as far as I have cognizance of it) the occasion of your assembling together at this time.

It hath been very well hinted to you this day, That you come hither to settle the Interests before mentioned: for, it will be made of so large extention in the Issue and consequence of it.

In the way and manner of my speaking to you, I shall study plainnesse; and to speak to you what is truth, and what is upon my heart, and what will in some measure reach to these concernments.

After so many changes and turnings which this Nation hath laboured under, to have such a Day of Hope as this is, and such a Door of Hope opened by God to us; Truly, (I believe) some Moneths since, would have been above all our thoughts.

I confesse it would have been worthy of such a Meeting as this is, to have remembered that which was the Rise, and gave the first beginning to all those turnings and tossings that have been upon these Nations: And to have given you a Series of the Transactions (not of men, but) of the Providence of God, all along unto our late changes: As [Page] also the ground of our first undertaking to oppose that Usurpation and Tyranny that was upon us, both in Civils and Spirituals: And the severall Grounds particularly applicable to the severall Changes that have been.

But I have two or three Reasons which divert me from such a way of proceeding at this time. If I should have gone in that way, that which is upon my heart to have said (which is written there, that if I would blot it our, I could not) would have spent this Day: the Providences and Dispensations of God have been so stupendious. As David said in the like case: Many, O Lord my God, are thy Wonderfull Works which thou hast done: and thy thoughts Which are to usward,Psal, 40.5.they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: If I Would declare and speak of them, they are more then can be numbred.

Truly, another Reason, new to me, you had to day in the Sermon. Much Recapitulation of Providence; much Allusion to a State, and Dispensation in respect of Discipline and Correction; of Mercies and Deliverances; the onely Parallel of Gods dealing with us, that I know in the world: which was largely and wisely held forth to you this day: Israels bringing out of Egypt, through a Wildernesse, by many Signes and Wonders, towards a place of Rest; I say towards it. And that having been so well remonstrated to you this day, is another Argument why. I shall not trouble you with recapitulation of those things: Though they are things, that (I hope) will never be forgotten; because written in better Books then those of Paper; I am perswaded, written in the heart of every good man.

The third Reason was this, That which I judge to be the end of your Meeting; the great end; which was likewise remembred to you this day; to wit, Healing, and Settling. And the remembring Transactions too particularly, perhaps instead of healing (at least in the hearts of many of you) may set the wound fresh a bleeding.

I must professe this to you (what ever thoughts passe upon me) that if this day, that is, this Meeting prove not healing, what shall we do? But as I said before, seeing (I trust) it is in the mindes of you all, and much more in the minde of God, which must cause healing: It must be first in his minde; and he being pleased to put it into yours, it will be a day indeed; and such a day, as Generations to come will blesse you for. I say for this, and the other Reasons have I forborne to [Page] make a particular remembrance, and Enumeration of things, and of the manner of the Lords bringing us thorow so many Changes and Turnings as have passed upon us.

Howbeit, I think it will be more then necessary, to let you know (at the least so well as I may) in what Condition this; nay, these Nations were, when this Government was undertaken.

For Order sake. Its very naturall for us to consider, What our Condition was in Civils; in Spirituals. What was our Condition? Every mans hand (almost) was against his Brother; at least, his heart. Little regarding any thing that should cement, and might have a tendency in it to cause us to grow into one. All the Dispensations of God, His terrible ones, (he having met us in the way of his judgement in a ten years Civill War, a very sharp one;) His mercifull Dispensations, they did not, they did not work upon us: but we had our Humours, and Interests: And indeed I fear our humours were more then our Interests, And certainly, as it fell out in such Cases, our Passions were more then our Judgements.

Was not every thing (almost) grown Arbitrary? Who knew where, or how to have right without some obstruction or other intervening? Indeed we were almost grown Arbitrary in every thing.

What was the face that was upon out Affairs as to the Interest of the Nation? to the Authority of the Nation? to the Magistracy? to the Ranks, and Orders of Men, whereby England hath been known for hundreds of years? A Nobleman, a Gentleman, a Yeoman? (That is a good Interest of the Nation, and a great one.) The Magistracy of the Nation, was it not almost trampled under foot, under despite, and contempt, by men of Levelling principles?

I beseech you for the Orders of men, and Ranks of men; did not that Levelling Principle tend to the reducing all to an equality? Did it think to do so? or did it practise towards it, for Propriety and Interest? What was the Designe, but to make the Tennant as liberall a fortune as the Landlord? which I think if obtained, would not have lasted long. The men of that Principle, after they had served their own Turnes, would have cried up Interest, and Property then fast enough.

This Instance is in stead of many, and that it may appear that this thing did extend far, is manifest; because it was a pleasing voice to all poor men, and truly not unwelcome to all bad men. To my thinking it is a Consideration, that in your Endeavours after Settlement, you will [Page] be so well minded of, that I might well have spared this; But let that passe.

Indeed in Spirituall things, the Case was more sad, and deplorable; and that was told to you this day eminently. The prodigious Blasphemies, Contempt of God and Christ, denying of him, Contempt of him and his Ordinances, and of the Scriptures: A spirit visibly acting those things foretold by Peter, and Jude; yea, those things spoken of by Paul to Timothy: who when he would remember some things to be worse then the Antichristian state, of which he had spoken in the first to Timothy, Tells them what should be the Lot, and Portion of the last times,1 Tim. 4. 1. 2. and sayes, in the last dayes perilous times should come,2 Tim 3. 2, 3, 4.for men should be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to Parents, unthankfull &c. And when he remembers that of the Antichristian State, he tells them, that in the latter dayes, that State shall come in, wherein there shall be a departing from the faith, and a giving head to seducing spirits,1 Tim 4. 1. 2.and doctrines of Devils,1. 2.speaking lies in hypocrisie, &c. By which description he makes the state of the last times, worse then that under Antichrist. And surely it may well be feared these are our times: For when men forget all Rules of Law and Nature, and break all the Bonds that fallen man hath upon him, the Remainder of the Image of God in his Nature, which he cannot blot out, and yet shall endeavour to blot out, having a form of Godlinesse, without the power; these are sad stokens of the last times.

And indeed the Character, wherewith this spirit, and principle is described in that place, is so Legiole, and visible, that he that runs may read it to be amongst us: for by such the Grace of God is turned into wantonnesse [...] and Christ, and the Spirit of God, made the Cloak of all villany, and spurious apprehensions. And although these things will not be owned publikely, as to practise, (they being so abominable, and [...]:) Yet how this principle extends it self and whence it had its Rise, makes me to think of a second sort of men; who, its true, as I said, will not practise, nor own these things; Yet [...] tell the Magistrate, That he hath nothing to do with men thus holding in for these are matters of Conscience, and Opinion; they are matters of Religion; what hath the Magistrate to do with these things? he is to look to the outward man, but not to meddle with [Page] the inward. And truly it so happens, that though these things do break out visibly to all, yet the principle wherewith these things are carried on, so forbids the Magistrate to meddle with them, as it hath hitherto kept the offenders from punishment.

Such Considerations, and Pretentions of Liberty; Liberty of Conscience, and Liberty of Subjects two as glorious, things to be contended for, as any God hath given us; yet both these also abused for the patronizing of villanies; in so much as that it hath been an ordinary thing to say, and in Dispute to affirm, That it was not in the Magistrates power; he had nothing to do with it; not so much as the Printing a Bible to the Nation for the use of the people, lost it be imposed upon the Consciences of men; for they must receive the same Traditionally, and implicitly, from the power of the Magistrate, if thus received.

The aforementioned abominations, did thus swell to this height amongst us.

The Axe was laid to the Root of the Ministery. It was Antichristian: It was Babylonish. It suffered under such a Judgement; that the truth of it is, as the Extremity was great on that, I wish it prove not so on this hand. The extremity was, That no man having a good Testimony, having received Gifts from Christ might Preach, if not Ordained. So now, many are on the other hand, that he who is Ordained, hath a nullity, or Antichristianisme stamped upon his Calling; so that he ought not to preach, or not be heard.

I wish it may not too to justly be said, that there was severity and sharpnesse; yea, too much of an in posing spirit in matter of Conscience; a spirit unchristian enough in any times, most unfit for these; denying Liberty to those who have earned it with their blood, who have gained Civil Liberty and Religious also, for those who would thus impose upon them.

We may reckon among these our spirituall evils, an evil that hath more refinednesse in it, and more colour for it; and hath deceived more people of integrity then the rest, have done: for few have been catched with the former m [...]st [...]kes, but such as have Apostatized from their holy profession; such as being corrupt in their: Consciences, have been forsaken by God, and left to such noysom opinions, But I say, there are others more refined: many honest people, whose hearts, are sincere; many of them belonging to God: and that is the mistaken Notion of the fifth Monarchy. A thing pretending more spiritually, then any [Page] thing else: A Notion I hope, we all honour, wait, and hope for; that Jesus Christ will have a time to set up his Reign in our hearts, by subduing those Corruptions, and lusts, and evils that are there, which reign now more in the world, then I hope, in due time they shall do; And when more falness of the Spirit is poured forth to subdue iniquity, and bring in everlasting righteousness, then will the approach of that Glory be. The carnall divisions, and contentions amongst Christians so common, are not the symtoms of that Kingdom.

But for men to entitle themselves, upon this Principle, that they are the only men to rule Kingdoms, Govern Nations, and give Laws to people; to determin of Property, and Liberty, and every thing else, upon such a pretence as this is: Truly, they had need give clear manifestations of Gods presence with them, before wise men will receive, or submit to their Conclusions. Besides, certainly though many of these men have good meanings, as I hope in my soul they have, yet it will be the wisdom of all knowing and experienced Christians to do as Jude saith, (when he had reckoned up those horrible things done upon pretences, and haply by some upon mistakes,) Of some, sayes he, have compassion, making a difference; others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire. (I fear they will give opportunity too often for this Exercise,) and I hope the same will be for their good.

If men do but pretend for justice and righteousness; and be of peaceable spirits; and will manifest this; let them be the subjects of the Magistrates encouragement. And if the Magistrate by punishing visible miscarriages, save them by that Discipline; (God having ordained him for that end,) I hope it will evidence love, and no hatred, to punish where there is cause.

Indeed this is that which doth most declare the danger of that spirit; for if these were but Notions, I mean the instances that I have given you both of Civil considerations and Spiritual; if I say they were but Notions, they were to be let alone. Notions will hurt none but them that have them. But when they come to such practises, as to tell us, that Liberty and Property, are not the Badges of the Kingdom of Christ; and tell us, that instead of regulating Laws, Laws are to be abrogated, indeed subverted; and perhaps would bring in the Judiciall Law, instead of our known Laws settled amongst us: This is worthy of every Magistrates consideration: especially where every stone is turned to bring confusion. I think, I say, this will be worthy of the Magistrates consideration.

[Page]Whilst these things were in the midst of us; and the Nation rent and torn in Spirit, and Principle, from one end to another, after this sort and manner I have now told you; Family against Family; Husband against Wife; Parents against Children; and nothing in the hearts and minds of men, but over-turning, over-turning, over-turning: (A Scripture very much abused, and applied to justifie unpeaceable practices, by all men of discontented spirits) The Common Adversary in the mean time he sleeps not, and our Adversaries in Civil, and Spirituall respects, did take advantages at these Divisions, and Distractions, and did practise accordingly in the three Nations, of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

We know very well, that Emissaries of the Jesuites never came in those swarms, as they have done since these things were set on foot. And I tell you, that divers Gentlemen here, can bear witness with me, how that they have had a Consistory abroad, that rules all the affairs of things in England, from an Arch Bishop, with other Dependants upon him. And they had fixed in England (of which we are able to produce the particular Instruments in most of the Limits of the Cathedrals,) an Episcopall power, with Arch-Deacons, &c. And had persons authorized to exercise and distribute those things, who pervert and deceive the people. And all this while, we were in this sad, and, as I said, deplorable condition.

In the mean time all endeavours possible were used to hinder the work in Ireland, and the Progress of the Work of God in Scotland, by continuall Intelligences, and correspondencies, both at home and abroad; from hence into Ireland, and from hence into Scotland, persons were stirred up, and encouraged from these Divisions, and discomposure of affairs, to do all they could to encourage, and foment the War in both these places.

To adde yet to our misery; whilst we were in this Condition, we were in War, deeply engaged in a War with the Portugal; whereby our Trade ceased, and the evil Consequences by that War, were manifest, and very Considerable.

And not only this, but we had a War with Holland, consuming our Treasure; occasioning a vast burthen upon the people. A War that cost this Nation full as much as the Taxes came unto; The Navy being one hundred and sixty Ships; which cost this Nation above one hundred thousand pounds a moneth, besides the Contingencies; which [Page] would make it fixscore thousand pounds a moneth. That very one War did engage us to so great a charge.

At the same time also we were in a War with France. The advantages that were taken at the discontents, and divisions among our selves, did also foment that War; and at least hinder us of an honourable peace; every man being confident we could not hold out long. And surely they did not calculate amiss, if the Lord had not been exceeding gracious to us.

I say at the same time we had a War with France. And besides. the sufferings, in respect of the Trade of the Nation; it's most evident, that the purse of the Nation had not been possibly able longer to bear it; by reason of the advantages taken by other States, to improve the'r own; and spoil our Manufacture of cloth, and hinder the vent thereof; which is the great Staple Commodity of this Nation.

This was our condition: spoyl'd in our Trade; and we at this vast expence; thus dissettled at home; and haying these engagements abroad.

These things being thus; (as I am perswaded it is not hard to convince every person here, they were thus,) What a heap of Confusions were upon these poor Nations? And either things must have been left to have sunk into the miseries these premises would suppose, or a remedy must be applied.

A remedy hath been applied: That hath been this Government: A thing that I shall say little unto. The thing is open and visible to be seen and read by all men; and therefore let it speak for it self.

Only let me say this, because I can speak it with comfort and confidence, before a greater then you all; that is, before the Lord, That in the intention of it, as to the approving our hearts to God, let men judge as they please: It is calculated for the Interest of the people: for the interest of the people alone: and for their good, without respect had to any other interest. And if that be not true, I shall be bold to say again, let it fpeak for it self.

Truely, I may (I hope humbly before God, and modestly before you) say somewhat on the behalf of the Government: That is, (not to discourse of the particular heads of it,) to acquaint you a little with the effects of it: and that not for oftentation sake, but to the end that I may deal at this time faithfully with you, by acquainting you with the state of things; and what proceedings have been upon this [Page] Government; that so you may know the state of our affairs. This is the main end of my putting you to this trouble.

It hath had some things in desire. And it hath done some things actually. It hath desired to reform the Laws, to reform them; and for that end, it hath called together persons (without reflection) of as great ability, and as great integrity as are in these Nations, to consider how the Laws might be made plain and short, and lesse chargeable to the people; how to lessen expence for the good of the Nation, and those things are in preparation, and Bills prepared, which in due time I make no question will be tendered to you. There hath been care taken to put the Administration of the Laws into the hands of just men; men of the most known Integrity and Ability.

The Chancery hath been reformed; and I hope to the just satisfaction of all good men. And the things depending there, which made the burthen and work of the honourable persons intrusted in those services, beyond their Ability; It hath referred many of them to those places where English men love to have their rights tryed, the Courts of Law at Westminster.

It hath endeavoured to put a stop to that heady way (touched of likewise this day) of every man making himself a Minister, and a Preacher. It hath endeavoured to settle a way for the approbation of men of Piety and Ability for the discharge of that work. And I think I may say, It hath committed that work to the trust of persons both of the Presbyterian and Independent judgements, men of as known Ability, Piety, and Integrity, as I believe any this Nation hath. And I beleeve also, that in that care they have taken, they have laboured to approve themselves to Christ, the Nation, and their own Consciences. And indeed I think if there be any thing of quarrel against them, it is, (though I am not here to justifie the proceedings of any) I say it is, that they go upon such a Character as the Scripture warrants, to put men into that great Imployment; and to approve men for it, who are men that have received gifts from him that ascended up on high, and gave gifts for the work of the Ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.

It hath taken care, we hope, for the expulsion of all those who may be judged any way unfit for this Work; who are scandalous, and who are the common scorn and contempt of that Administration.

One thing more this Government hath done. It hath been Instrumentall [Page] to call a free Parliament: which, blessed be God, we see here this day: I say a free Parliament. And that it may continue so, I hope is in the heart and spirit of every good man in England, save such disconted persons as I have formerly mentioned. It is that which as I have desired above my life, I shall desire to keep it so, above my life.

I did before mention to you the plunges we were in, in respect of Forreigne States; by the War with Portugal, France, with the Dutch, the Dane; and the little assurance we had from any of our Neighbours round about. I perhaps forgot it, but indeed it was a Caution upon my minde, and I desire that it might be so understood; That if any good hath been done, it was the Lord, nor we his poor Instruments.

I did instance in the Wars which did exhaust your Treasure; and put you into such a Condition, that you must have sunk therein, if it had continued but a few moneths longer. This I dare affirm, if strong probability can give me a ground.

You have now (though it be not the first in time) peace with Sweathland; an honourable peace, through the endeavours of an honourable person here present, as the Instrument; I say you have an honourable Peace with a Kingdom that not many years since was much a friend to France; and lately perhaps inclineable enough to the Spaniard. And I believe you expect not very much good from any of your Catholick Neighbours: nor yet that they would be very willing you should have a good understanding with your Protestant friends. Yet thanks be to God that peace is concluded; and as I said before, it is an honourable Peace.

You have a Peace with the Dane: A State that lay contiguous to that part of this Island which hath given us the most trouble. And certainly if your enemies abroad be able to annoy you, it is likely they will take their advantage where it best lies to give you trouble there. But you have a Peace there; and an honourable one: Satisfaction for your Merchant Ships, not only to their content, but to their rejoycing. I believe you will easily know it is so.

You have the Sound open, which was obstructed. That which was, and is the strength of this Nation, the Shipping will now be supplyed thence. And whereas you were glad to have any thing of that kinde at the second hand, &c. You have all manner of Commerce, and at as much freedom as the Dutch themselves there, and at the same Rates [Page] and Toll; and I think I may say, by that Peace, they cannot raise the same upon you.

You have a Peace with the Dutch; a Peace unto which I shal1 say little; because so well known in the benefit and consequences of it. And I think it was as desirable and as acceptable to the spirit of this Nation as any one thnig that lay before us. And, as I believe, nothing so much gratified our enemies as to see us at odds; so, I perswade my self nothing is of more terrour nor trouble to them, then to see us thus reconciled.

As a Peace with the Protestant States hath much security in it; so it hath as much of honour, and of assurance to the Protestant Interest abroad, without which no assistance can be given thereunto. I wish it may be written upon our hearts to be zealous for that Interest: for if ever it were like to come under a condition of suffering it is now.

In all the Emperours Patrimoniall Territories, the endeavour is, to drive them out as fast as they can. And they are necessitated to run to Protestant States to seek their bread. And by this conjunction of Interests I hope you will be in a more fit capacity to help them. And it begets some reviving of their spirits that you will help them as opportunity shall serve. You have a Peace likewise with the Crown of Portugal, which Peace though it hung long in hand; yet is lately concluded. It is a Peace that your Metchants make us beleeve is of good concernment to their Trade; their assurance being greater, and so their profit in Trade thither, then to other places. And this hath been obtained in that Treaty; (which never was since the Inquisition was ser up there,) That our People which Trade thither have liberty of Conscience.

(Indeed Peace is as you were well told to day) desirable with all men, as far as it my be had with Conscience and Honour.

We are upon a Treaty with France. And we may say this, That if God give us Honour in the eyes of the Nations about us, we have rason to blesse him for it, and so to own it. And I dare say that there is not a Nation in Europe, but they are very willing to ask a good understanding with you.

I am sorry I am thus tedious; but I did judge that it was somwhat necessary to acquaint you with these things. And things being thus, I hope you will be willing to hear a little again of the sharp, as well as the sweet. And I should not be faithfull to you, nor to the Interest [Page] these Nations which you and I serve, if I should not let you know all.

As I said before, when this Government was under taken, we were in the midst of these Divisions, and Animosities, and scatterings; Also thus engaged with these Enemies round about us; at such a vast Charge; Sixscore thousand Pounds a moneth for the very Fleet; (which was the very utmost penny of your Assessments) I, and then all your Treasure was exhausted and spent, when this Government was under-taken; ALL accidentall wayes of bringing in Treasure, to a very inconsiderable Summe consumed; That is to say, the Lands are sold, the Treasures spent; Rents, Fee-farms, Kings, Queens, Princes, Bishops, Dean and Chapters, Delinquents Lands sold. These were spent when this Government was under-taken.

I think it is my duty to let you know so much. And that's the reason why the Taxes do yet lie so heavy upon the People, of which we have abated thirty thousand Pounds a moneth, for the next three moneths. Truly, I thought it my duty to let you know, that though God hath dealt thus with you, yet these are but entrances and doors of hope, wherein through the blessing of God you may cuter into Rest and Peace. But you are not yet entered.

You were told to day of a People brought out of Egypt, towards the land of Canaan; but through unbelief, murmuring, repining, and other temptations and sins, wherewith God was provoked, they were fain to come back again, and linger many years in the Wilderness, before they came to the place of Rest.

We are thus far through the mercy of God. We have cause to take notice of it, that we are not brought into misery; But as I said before, A door of hope open. And I may say this to you, If the Lords blessing and his presence go along with the management of Affairs at this Meeting, you will be inabled to put the Top-stone to this Work, and make the Nation happy. But this must be by knowing the true state of Affair, that you are yet like the People under Circumcision, but Raw, your Peaces are but newly made. And it is a maxime not to be despised, Though Peace be made, yet it is Interest that keeps Peace. And I hope you will trust it no further then you see Interest upon it. And therefore I wish that you may go forward, and not backward, and that you may have the blessings of God upon your endeavours. I'ts one of the great ends of calling this Parliament, that this Ship of the Common-Wealth [Page] may be brought into a safe Harbour: which I assure you it will not well be, without your Counseil and Advice.

You have great works upon your hands. You have Ireland to look unto, there is not much done towards the Planting of it: though some things leading and preparing for it are. It is a great businesse to setele the Government of that Nation upon fit Terms, such as will bear that Work through.

Yot have had I kewise laid before you the considerations intimating your Peace with some Forreign Status; but yet you have not made Peace with all. And if they should see we do not manage our Affairs as With that Wisdom which becomes us, truly we may sink under disadvantages for all that's done; And our Enemies will have their eyes open, and be revived, if they see Animosities amongst us; which indeed will be their great advantage.

I do therefore perfwade you to a sweet, gracious, and holy understanding of one another, and of your business, concerning which you had so good Coussell this day; that indeed, as it rejoyced my heart to hear it, so I hope the Lord will imprint it upon your spirits, wherein you shall have my prayers. Having sa [...]d this, and perhaps omitted many other materiall things through the frailty of my memory I shal exercise plainnesse and freenesse with you, in telling you that I have not spoken shese things as one that assumes to himself Dominion over you, but as one that doth resolve to be a fellow-servant with you, to the Interest of these great Affairs, and of the People of these Nations. I shall therefore trouble you no longer, but desire you to repair to your House, and to exercise your own Liberty in the choice of a Speaker, that so you may lose no time in carrying on your Work.

His HIGHNESSE the Lord Protectors SPEECH to the PARLIAMENT in the Painted Chamber, on Tuesday the 12. of September, 1654.

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GENTLEMEN,

IT is not long since I met you in this place, upon an occasion which gave me much more content and comfort then this doth.

That which I have to say to you now, will need no Preamble to let me in to my Discourse: For the occasion of this Meeting is plain enough, I could have wished with all my heart there had been no cause for it.

At that Meeting I did acquaint you what the first Rise was of this Government which hath call'd you hither, and in the Authority of which you came hither.

Among other things that I told you of then, I said you were a free Parliament: And so you are whilst you own the Government and Authority that call'd you hither. For certainly that word implyed a Reciprocation, or it implyed nothing at all.

Indeed there was a Reciprocation implied and expressed: and I think your actions and carriages ought to be suitable.

But I see it will be necessary for me now, a little to magnifie my Office, which I have not been apt to do. I have been of this minde, I have been alwayes of this minde since first I entered upon it, That if God will not bear it up, let it sink. But if a Duty be incumbent upon me, ro bear my Testimony unto it, (which in modesty I have hitherto forborn) I am in some measure now necessitated thereunto. And therefore that will be the Prologue to my Discourse.

I call'd not my self to this place; I say again, I call'd not my self to this place; of that God is Witnesse. And I have many Witnesses, who I do beleeve could readily lay down their lives to bear Witnesse [Page] to the truth of that: that is to say, that I call'd not my self to this place. And being in it, I bear not Witnesse to my self: But God and the people of these Nations have born Testimony to it also.

If my Cilling be from God, and my Testimony from the People; God ard the people shall take it from me, else I will not part with it. I should be false to the Trust that God hath plac'd upon me, and to the Interest of the People of these Nations, if I should.

That I call'd not my self to this place, is my first Assertion.

That I bear not witnesse to my self, but have many Witnesses is my second.

These are the two things I shall take the liberty to speak more fully to you of.

To make plain and clear that which I have said, I must take liberty to look back,

I was by birth a Gentleman, living neither in any considerable height, nor yet in obscurity: I have been call'd to severall imployments in the Nation: to serve in Prliaments: And (because I would not be over tedious) I did endeavour to discharge the duty of an honest man in those services, to God, and his peoples Interest, and of the Commonwealth; having, when time was; a competent acceptation in the hearts of men, and some evidences thereof. I resolve not to recite the Times and Occasions, and Opportunities that have been appointed me by God to serve him in: nor the presence and blessings of God bearing then Testimony to me.

I having had some occasions to see (together with my Brethren and Countrey-men) a happy period put to our sharp Wars and Contests with the them common enemy, hoped in a private capacity to have reaped the fruit, and benefit together with my Brethren, of our hard labours and hazards; to wit, the enjoyment of Peace and Liberty, and the Priviledges of a Christian, and of a man, in some equality with others, according as it should please the Lord to dispence unto me.

And when I say, God had put an end to our Wars, at least brought them to a very hopefull issue very near an end, (after worcester Fight) I came up to London to pay my service, and duty to the Parliament that then sate; and hoping that all mindes would have been disposed to answer that which seemed to be the mind of God, (viz.) to give peare and rest to his people; and especially to those who had bled more [Page] then others in the carrying on of the Military Affairs, I was much disappointed of my expectation: For the issue did not prove so, what ever may be boasted, or mis-represented, it was not so, nor so.

I can say in the simplicity of my soul, I love nOt, I love not, (I declined it in my former speech) I say, I love not to rake into fores, or to discover nakednesles. That which I drive at, is this; I say to you, I hoped to have had leave to have retired to a private life: I begg'd to be dismissed of my Charge: I begg'd it again and again. And God be Judge between me and all men if lie in this matter. That I lie not in matter of fast, is known to very many; but whether I tell a l [...]e in my heart, as labouring to represent to you that which was not upon my heart, I say the Lord be Judge: let uncharitable men that measure others by themselves, judge as they please. As to the matter of fact, I say it is true. As to the ingenuity and integrity of my heart in that desire, I do appeal, as before, upon the truth of that also: But I could not obtain what my soul longed for. And the plain truth is, I did afterwards apprehend, that some did think my judgement not suiting with theirs) that it could not well be. But this I say to you, was between God and my soul, between me and that Assembly.

I confesse I am in some strait, to say what I could say, and what is true of what then followed.

I pressed the Parliament, as a Member, to period themselves, once and again, and again, and ten, and twenty times over. I told them (for I knew it better then any one man in the Parliament could know it, because of my manner of life, which was to run up and down the Nation, and so might see and know the temper and spirits of all men, the best of men) that the Nation loathed their sitting: I knew it. And sb far as I could discern, when they were dissolved, there was not so much as the barking of a dog, or any generall and visible repining at it. You are not a few here present that can assert this as well as my self.

And that there was high cause for their Dissolving, is most evident, not only in regard there was a just fear of the Parliaments perpetuating themselves; but because it was their design. And had not their heels been trod upon by importunities from abroad, even to threats, I believe there would never have been thoughts of Rising, or of going out of that Room to the worlds end.

I my self was sounded; and by no mean persons tempted; and addresses were made to me to that very end, that it might have been thus [Page] perpetuated, That the vacant places might be supplied by new Elections, and so continue fiom Generation to Generation.

I have declined, I have declined very much to open these things to you: yet having proceeded thus far, I must tell you, that poor men under this Arbitrary Power, were driven like flocks of sheep, by fourty in a morning, to the Confiscation of Goods and Estatus, without any man being able to give a reason that two of them had deserved to forfeit a shilling. I tell you the truth, and my soul and many person, whose faces I see in this place were exceedingly grieved at these things, and knew not which way to help it, but by their mournings, and giving their negatives when occasions served.

I have given you but a tast of miscarriages. I am confident you have had opportunities to hear much more of them: for nothing is more obvious. It's true, this will be said, That there was a remedy to put an end to this perpetuall Parliament endeayoured, by having a future Representative. How it was gotten, and by what importunities that was obtained, and how unwillingly yielded unto, is well known.

What was this remedy? It was a seeming willingness to have successive Parliaments. What was that Succession? it was, that when one Parliament had left their Seat, another was to sit down immediately in the room thereof, without any Caution to avoid that which was the danger; (viz.) Perpetuating of the same Parliaments; which is a sore now that will ever be running, so long as men are ambitious and troublesom, if a due remedy be not found. So then, What was the business; It was a Conversion from Parliament that should have been, and was perpetuall, to a Legislative Power, alwaies sitting: and so the Liberties, and Interests, and Lives of People, not judged by any certain known Laws and Power, but by an Arbitrary Power, which is incident and necessary to Parliaments by an Arbytrary Power: I say, to make mens estates liable to confiscation, and their persons to imprisonments; sometimes by Laws made after the fact committed: often by takirg the judgement both in capital and criminal things to themselves, who in former times were not known to exercise such a Judicature.

This I suppose was the case; and in my opinion the remedy was fitted to the disease: especially coming in the Rear of a Parliament, so cxercising the Power and Authority as this had done, but immediatly before.

Truly, I confess upon these grounds, and with the satisfaction of [Page] divers other Persons, seeing nothing could be had otherwise; that Parliament was dissolv'd, we desiring to see if a few might have been call'd together for some short time, who might put the Nation into some way of certain settlement, did call those Gentlemen out of the several parts of the Nation for that purpose.

And, as I have appealed to God before you already, I know (and I hope I may say it,) though it be a tender thing to make appeals to God; yet in such exigenc es as these, I trust it will not offend his Majesty, especially to make them before Persons that know God, and know what Conscience is, and what it is to lie before the Lord. I say, that as a principal ead in calling that Asembly, was the settlement of the Nation; so a chief end to my self was, That I might have opportunity to lay down the Power that was in my hands, I say to you again, in the presence of that God, who hath blessed and been with me in all my adversities and successes, that waas to my self my greatest end. A desire perhaps (and I am afraid) sinful1 enough, to be quit of the power God had most providentially put into my hand, before he called for it; and before those honest ends of our fighting were attained and settled. I say, the authority I had in my hand, being so boundless as it was, I being by Act of Parliament Generall of all the force in the three Nations, of England, Scotland and Ireland, (In which unlimitted condition I did not desire to live a day) did call that meeting for the ends before expressed.

What the event and issue of that meeting was, we may sadly remember. It hath much teaching in it; and I hope will make us all wiser for the future.

But this meettig succeeding, as I have formerly said to you, and giving such a disappointment to our hopes, I shall not now make any repetition thereof; only the effect was, That they came and brought to me a parchment signed by very much the major part of them, expressing their resigning and re-delivery of the Power and Authority that was committed to them, back again into my hands: and I can say it in the presence of divers persons here, that do know whether I lie in that; that I did not know one tittle of that resignaton, untill they all came and brought it, and delivered it into my hands: of this there are also in this presence many witnesses.

I received this resignation, having Formerly used my endeavours and perswasions to keep them together; observing their differences, I [Page] thought it my duty to give advices to them, that so I might prevail with them for union: But it had the effect that I told you: and I had my disappointment.

When this was so, we were exceedingly to seek how to settle things for the future. My power again by this resignation, was as boundless and unlimited as before; all things being subjected to Arbitrariness, and a person having power over the three Nations boundlessly, and unlimited; And upon the matter all Government dissolved, all Civill Administrations at an end; as will presently be made appear.

The Gentlemen that undertook to frame this Government, did consult divers dayes together, (they being of known Integrity and ability) how to frame somwhat that might give us settlement; and they did so: and that I was not privy to their Councels, they know it.

When they had finished their modell in some measure, or made a very good preparation of it, it became Communicative. They told me that except I would undertake the Government, they thought things would hardly come to a Composure and Settlement; but blood and confusion would break in upon us. I denied it again and again, as God and those persons know, not complementingly as they also know, and as God knows.

I confess, after many Arguments, and after the letting of me know that I did not receive any thing that put me into any higher Capacity then I was in before, but that it limited me, and bound my hands to act nothing to the prejud [...]ce of the Nations, without consent of a Councell untill the Parliament; and then limited by the Parliament, as the Act of Government expresseth, I did accept it.

I might repeat this again to you if it were needfull, but I think I need not. I was arbitrary in Power, having the Armies in the three Nations under my command: and truly not very ill beloved by them; nor very ill beloved then by the people, by the good people; and I believe I should have been more beloved if they had known the truth, as things were before God, and in themselves; and before divers of these Gentlemen whom I but now mentioned unto you.

I did, at the intreaty of divers persons of honour and quality; at theintreaty of very many of the chief Officers of the Army then present, and at their request, I did accept of the place, and title of Protector, and was in the presence of the Commissioners of the Seal, the Judges, the Lord [Page] Major and Aldermen of the City of London, the Souldierie, divers Gentlemen, Citizens, and divers other people, and persons of quality, &c accompanied to West minster-Hall, whe [...]e I took my oath to this Government. This was not done in a corner: it was open and publick.

This Government hath bin exercised by a Councel, with a desire to be faithfull in all things; and amongst all other trusts, to be faithfull in calling this Parliament.

And thus I have given you a very bare and lean discourse; which truely I have been necessitated unto, and contracted in, because of the unexpectednesse of the occasion; and because I would not quite weary you nor my self. But this is a Narrative that discovers to you the Series of Providence, and of Transactions leading me into this Condition wherein I now stand.

The next thing I promised you, wherein I hope I shall not be so long, (though I am sure this occasion does require plainnesse and freedom,) is, That as I brought not my self into this Condition, (as in my own apprehension I did not; and that I did not, (the things being true which I have told you) I submit it to your Judgements, and there shall I leave it, let God do what he pleaseth.) The other things I say that I am to speak to you of, is, That I have not, nor do not bear witnesse to my self I am far from alluding to him that said so; yet truth concerning a member of his he will own, though men do not.

But I think (if I mistake not) I have a cloud of witnesses. I think so, let men be as froward as they will: I have witnesse within, without, and above. But I shall speak of them that are without, having fully spoken before of the witnesse above, and the witnesse in my own conscience, upon the other Account; because that subject had more obscurity in it, and I in some sort needed appeals; and I trust might lawfully make them, as well as take an oath, where things were not so apt to be made evident. I shall enumetate my witnesses as well as I can.

When I had consented to accept of the Government, there was some solemnity to be performed; and that was accompanied with some persons of considerablenesse in all respects, who were the persons before expressed, who accompanied me at the time of my entring upon this Government to west minster Hall to take my oath.

There was an explicite consent of Interessed persons, and an implicite consent of many, shewing their good liking and approbation thereof. And (Gentlemen) I do not think that you are altogether strangers [Page] to it in your Country: some did not nauseate it: very many did approve it.

I had the approbation of the Officers of the Army in the three Nations of England, Scotland, and Ireland, I say of the Officers, I had that by their Remonstrances, and under signature: There was went along With that explicite consent, an implicite consent of persons that had somewhat to do in the World, that had been instrumentall by God to sight down the enemes of God and his people, in the three Nations And truly, untill my hands were bound, and I limited, (wherein I took full contentment, as many can bear me witnesse,) when I had in my hands so great a power and Arbitrarinesse, the Souldiery were a very considerable part of the Nations, especially all Government being dissolved: I say, when all Government was thus dissolved, and nothing to keep things in order but the Sword, and yet they (which many Histories will not parallel) even they were desirous that things might come to a Consistency, and Arbirrariness might be taken away, and the Government put into a person (limited and bounded, as in the Act of Settlement) whom they destrusted the least, and loved not the worst: this was another evidence.

I would not forget the honourable and civill entertainment, with the approbation I found in the great City of London; which the City knows whether I directly or indirectly sought. And truely I do not think it is folly to remember this: For it was very great and high, and very publick; and as numerous a Body of those that are known by names, and t [...]ttles, (the severall Corporations and Societies of Citizens in this City, as hath been at any time seen in England, and not without some appearance of satisfaction also.

I had not onely this witnesse, but I have had from the greatest County in England, and from many Cities and Boroughs, and many Counties, explicit Approbations, not of those gathered here and there, but from the County of York and City of York, and other Counties and Places assembled in their publick and generall Assizes, the Grand-Jury in the name of the Noblemen, Gentlemen, Yeomen, and Inhabitants of that County, giving very great thanks to me for under-taking this heavy Berden at such a time, and giving very great Approbation and incouragement to me to go through with it. These are plain. I have them to shew. And by these in some measure it will appear, I do not bear witness to my self.

[Page]This is not all: the Judges, (and truly I had almost forgotten it.) they thinking that there was a dissolution of Government, met and consulted, and did declare one to another, that they could not administer Justice to the satisfaction of their consciences, untill they had received Commissions from me: And they did receive Commissions from me. And by vertue of those Commissions they have acted. And all the Justices of the Peace that have acted, have acted by vertue of like Commissions, which was a little more then an implicit Approbation. And I believe, all the Justice administred in the Nation, hath been by this Authority, which also I lay before you, desiring you to think, whether all these Persons before-mentioned, must not come before you for an Act of Oblivion and Generall Pardon, who have acted under, and testified to this Government, if it be dis-owned by you.

I have two or three witnesses more, equivalent to all these I have reckoned, if I be not mistaken, and greatly mistaken, If I should say, All you that are here are my Witnesses, I should say no untruth. I know you are the same persons here that you were in the Countrey. But I will reserve to speak to this at the last, for this will be the issue of my Speech: I say, I have two or three Witnesses that are more then all I have accounted and reckoned before.

All the People in England are my Witnesses, and many in Ireland and Scotland: All the Sheriffs in England are my Witnesses, and all that came in upon the Process issued out by the Sheriffs, are my Witnesses: Yea, the Returns of the Elections to the Clerk of the Crown, not a thing to be blown away with a breath, the Returns on the behalf of the Inhabitants in the Counties, Cities and Boroughs, all are my Witnesses of Approbation to the condition and place I stand in.

And I shall now make you my last Witnesses, and ask you whether you came not hither by my Writs directed to the severall Sheriffs? And so to other Officers in Cities and Liberties, to which the People gave obedience, having also had the Act of Government communicated to them, to which end great numbers of Copies were sent down on purpose to be communicated to them; And the Government also required to be distinctly read unto the People at the place of Elections, to avoid surprizes, where also they signed the Indenture, with proviso, That the persons so chosen, shall not have power to alter the Government, as it is now settled, in one single Person and a Parliament.

And thus I have made good my second Assertion, That I bear not [Page] witness to my self; but the good people of England, and you all are my witnesses.

Yea surely, And this being so, though I told you in my last Speech, that you were a free Parliament; yet I thought it was understood, that I was the Protector, and the Authority that called you, and that I was in possession of the Government by a good Right from God and men. And, I beheve, if the learnedst men in this Nation were called to to shaw a President so clear, so many wayes approving of a Government; they would not in all their search finde it.

I did not in my other speech to you take upon me to justifie. the Government in every particular; and I told you the reason of it; which was plain. It was publick; and had been long publi [...]ed, and it might be under the most serious inspection of all that pleased to peruse it.

By what I have said, I have approved my self to God, and my conscience, in my actions; and in this undertaking. And I have given cause of approving my self to every one of your consciences in the sight of God.

If it be so, why should we sport with it? with a business thus serious? May not this Character, this stamp bear equall Poyze with iany hereditary Interest, which may have, and hath had in the common Law, matters of Dispute, and Tryall of learning? wherein many have exercised more W [...]t, and spilt more blood then I hope ever to live to see, or hear of in this Nation.

I say, I do not know why I may not balance this providence, as in the sight of God, with any hereditary Interest, as being less subject to those Cracks and Flaws they are commonly incident unto. Which Titles have cost more blood in former times in this Nation then we have leisure to speak of now.

Now if this be thus, and I am deriving a Title from God and men, upon such Accounts as these are: Although som men be froward, yet that your judgements that are Persons sent from all parts of the Natition, under the Notion of acceptance of the Government, for yon to disown, or not to own it; for you to act Parliamentary Authority, especially in the disowning of it; contrary to the very fundamentall things; yea, against the very root it self of this Establishment; to sit and not own the Authority by which you sit, is that that I believe astonisheth more men then my self; and doth as dangerously disappoint and discompose the Nation, as any thing could have been invented by [Page] the greatest enemy to our peace and welfare; or could well have happened.

It is true, there are some things in the Establishment that are Fundamentall, and some things are not so, but are Circumstantial. Of such, no question but I shall easily agree to vary, or leave out, as I shall be convinced by reason. Some things are Fundamentals, about which I shall deal plainly with you, they may not be parted with; but will (I trust) be delivered over to Posterity, as being the fruits of our Blood and Travel.

The Government by a single Person and a Parliament, is a Fundamental; It is the Esse. It is Constitutive. And for the preson, though I may seem to plead for my self, yet I do not, no nor can any reasonable man say it. But if the things throughout this Speech be true, I plead for this Nation, and all honest men therein, who have born their Testimony, as aforsa [...]d, and not for my self. And if things should do otherwise, then well, which I would not fear; and the Common Enemy, and discontented persons take advantage at these Distractions, the issue will be put up before God. Let him own, or let him disown it, as he please.

In every Government there must be som [...]what Fundamentall, somewhat like a Magna Charta, that should be standing, and be unalterable. Where there is a Stipulation on one Part, and that fully accepted, as appears by what hath been said; surely a return ought to be: else what does that Stipulation signifie; If I have upon the Tea [...]ms aforesaid undertaken this great Trust, and Exercised it, and by it called you, surely it ought to be owned.

That Parliaments should not make themselves Perpetuall, is a Fundamentals. Of what assurance is a Law to prevent so great an evil, if it lie in one or the same Legislator to unlaw it again? Is this like to be lasting? It will be like a Rope of Sand; it will give no security, For the same men may unbuild, what they have built.

Is not Liberty of Conscience in Religion a Fundamentall? so long as there is Liberty of Conscience for the Supream Magistrate, to exercise his Conference in erecting what Form of Church Government he is satisfied, he should set up; why should not he give it to others? Liberty of Conscience is a Naturall Right: and he that would have it ought to give it; having Liberty to settle what he likes for the Publick.

Indeed that hath been one of the Vanities of our Contests. Every Sect saith, Oh! Give me Liberty. But give him it, and to his power [Page] he will not yeeld it to any Body else. Where is our ingenuity? Truly that's a thing ought to be very Reciprocal. The Magistrate hath his Supremacy, and he may settle Religion according to his Conscience. And I may say it to you: I can say it; all the Money of this Nation would not have tempted men to sight, upon such an Account as they have engaged, if they had not had hopes of Liberty, b [...]tter then they had from Episcopacy; or then would have been afforded them from a Scottish Presbyterian, or an English either, if it had made such steps, or been as sharp and Rigid, as it threatened when it was first set up.

This, I say, is a Fundamentall. It ought to be so: it is for us, and the Generations to come. And if there be an absoluteness in the Imposer, without fitting allowances, and exceptions from the Rule, we shall have our People driven into Wildernesses; as they were when those poor and aflicted People that forsock their estates and inheritances here, where they lived Pleat fully and comfortably, for the enjoyment of their Liberty, and were nece sitated to go into a vast howling wilderness in New England, where they have for Liberty sake stript themselves of all their comfort, and the full enjoyment they had, embracing rather lots of friends, and want, then to be so ensnared, and in Bondage.

Another, which I had forgotten, is the Militia, that's Judged a Fundamental, if any thing be so. That it should be well and equally placed, is very necessary: For, put the Absolute Power of the Militia into One without a Check, what doth it? I pray you, what doth your Check put upon your Perpetuall Parliaments, if it be wholly stript of this? It is equally Placed, and Desires were to have it so (viz.) in one Person and the Parliament, sitting the Parliament. What signifies a Provision against perpetuating of Parliaments, if this be solely in them? Whether without a Check the Parliament have not Liberty to, alter the Frame of Government, to Aristocrasie, to Democrasie, to Anarchy, to any Thing, if this be fully in them? yea, into all Confusion, and that without Remedy, And if this One Thing he placed in One, that One, be it Parliament; be it Supreain Governour, They, or He hath Power to make what they please of all the rest.

Therefore, if you would have a Ballance at all, and that some Fundamentals must stand, Which may be wortby to be delivered over to Posterity, truly, I think, it is not unreasonably urged, That the Militia should be disposed as it is laid down in the Government, and that it [Page] should be so equally placed, that one Person neither in Parliament nor out of Parliament, should have the Power of Ordering it. The Councell are the Trustees or the Commonwealth, in all Inte [...]vals of Parliaments who have as absolute a Negative upon the Supream Officer in the said Intervals, as the Parliament hath whilst it is sitting. It cannot be made use of: a man cannot be raised, nor a penny charged upon the People, nothing done without consent of Parliament: and in the Intervals of Parliament, without Consent of the Councill, it is not to be exercised.

Give me leave to say, That there is very little Power, none but what is Co-ordinate in the Supream Officer, and yet enough in him that hath the Chief Government, in that particular he is bound in strictnesse by the Parliament, out of Parliament by the Councill, that do as absolutely binde him, as the Parliament; when the Parliament is sitting.

For that of Money, I told you some things are Circumstantials. To have Two hundred thousand pounds to defray Civill Officers, to pay the Judges and other Officers, defraying the Charges of the Councill in sending their Embassies, in keeping Intelligence, and doing that that's necessary, and for supporting the Governour in Chief. All this is by the Instrument supposed and intended. But it is not of the Esse to much, and so limited, as so many Souldiers, 30000. twenty thousand Foot, and Ten Thousand Horse. If the spirits of men be composed, five thousand House, and ten thouasnd Foot may serve. These things are between the Chief Officer and the Parliament to be moderated as occasion shall offer.

So there are many other Circumstantiall things, which are not like the Laws of the Medes and Persians. But the things which shall be necessary to deliver over to Posterity, these should be unalterable, else every succeeding Parliament will be disputing to charge and alter the Government, and we shall be as often brought into confusion, as we have Parliaments, and so make our Remedy our Disease The Lords Providence appearing Evils, appearing Good, and better Judgement will give occasion for the ordering of things for the best interest of the People. And those Things are the Matter of Consideration between you and me.

I have indeed almost tired my self. That I have further to say, is this, I Would it had not been needful for me to have called you hither to have [Page] expostulated these things with you, and in such a manner as this is, but Neccssity hath; no Law Feigned necessities, Imaginary necessities are the greatest Cousenage that men can put upon the Providence of God, and make pretences to break known Rules by. But it is as legal and as carnal, and as Stupid, to think that there are no Necessities that are manifest Necessities, because Necessities may be abused or feigned. And truly should be so, if I should think so, and I hope none of you think so.

I say, that the willfull throwings away of this Government, such as it is, so owned by God, so approved by men, so testified to, in the Fundamentals of it, as is before mentioned, and that is Relat [...]on to the good of these Nations, and Posterity, I can sooner be wi [...]ling to be ro [...]led into my Grave, and buried with infamy, then I can g [...]ve my consent unto.

You have been called hither together to save a Nation;—Nations. You had the best; people indeed in the Christian World in your Trust, when you came hither. You had Affairs, and there Nations delivered over to you in Peace and quietnesse: You were, and we all were put into an uninterrupted Possession, no body making Title to us. Through the blessing of God our enemies were hopelesse and scattered. We had Peace at house: Peace almost with all Neighbours round about: fit to take advantages where God did administer them.

To have our Peace and Interest, that had those hopes the other day thus shaken, and under such a confusion; and we rendered hereby (almost the scorn and contempt of those strangers that are amongst us, to Negotiate their Masters Affairs; To give them opportunity to see our nakednesse as they do, a People that have been unhinged this twelve years day, and un inged still, as if scattering, division, and confusion should come upon us (as if it were desired) which are the greatest plagues God ordinarily layes upon Nations for sin: I would be loath to say, they are Matters of our delight; but if not, Why not the matter of our care, so wisely as we ought by uttermost endeavours to avoid? Nay, when by such Actions as these are, these poor Nations shall be thrown into heaps of Confusion through blood, and ruine, and trouble, upon the saddest account that ever was, if breaking should come upon us, and all because we would not settle when we might, when God put it into our hands: Your Affairs now almost settled every where: And to have all recoyled upon us, and we our selves shaken in our Affections, loosened from all known and publick Interests, [Page] as I have mentioned to you: Who shal answer for these things to God? Who can answer for these things to God, or to Men? To the people that sent you hither? who lookt for refreshment from you, who lookt for nothing but Peace and Quietnesse, and Rest and Settlement. And when we shall come to give an Account to them, we shall be able to say; Oh! we have quarrelled for, and we contested for the Liberty of England. Wherein forsooth for the Liberty of the people? I appeal to the Lord, that the desires and endeavours, and the things themselves will speak for themselves; That the Liberty of England; The Liberty of the people, the avoiding of Tyranous Impositions, either upon men as men, or Christians as Christians, is made so safe by this Act of settlement, that it will speak sufficiently for it self.

And when it shall appear what hath been said, and done, and what our Transact [...]o [...]s have been: for God can discover, and no Priviledge will hinder the Lord from-discovering, no Priviledge or Condition of men can hide from the Lord: He can and wi1l make all manifest if he see it for hi [...] Glory. And when these shall by the Providence of God be manifested, and the people shall come and say Gentlemen, What condition are we in? We hoped for Light, and behold Darknesse, obscure Darknesse! We hoped for Rest, after ten years civil Wars: We are plunged into deep Confussion again. I, we know these Consequences will come upon us, if God Almighty shall not finde out some way to prevent them.

I had this thought within my self, That it had not been d [...]shonest, nor dishonourable, nor against true Liberty, no not of Parliaments, when a Parliament was so chosen, in pursuance of, in conformity to, and with such an approbation, and consent to the Government, so that he that runs might read by what Authority you came hither; That an owning of your Call, and of the Authority bringing you hither, might have been required before your entrance into the House.

But this was declined, and hath not been done, because I am perswaded scarce any man could reasonably doubt you came with contrary mindes. And I have reason to believe, the people that sent you least doubted thereof at all. And therefore I must deal plainly with you. What I forbare upon a just confidence at first, you necessitate me unto now—That seeing the Authority calling you is so little valued, and so much sleighted, till some such assurance be given, and made known; That the Fundamentall Interest of the Goverment be settied and approved, [Page] according to the Provisoe contained in the Return; and such a Consent testified, as will make it appear that the same is accepted, I have caused a stop to be put to your entrance into the Parliament-House.

I am sorry, I am sorry, and I could be [...]orry so the death, that there is cause for this. But there is cause. [...]d if things be not satisfied, that are reasonably Demanded. I for my part shall do that that becomes me, seeking my Councell from God.

There is therefore somewhat to be offered to you, that I hope will (being understood with the Qualifications that I have told you of: Reforming Circumstantials, and agreeing in the Substance and Fundamentals (which is, the Government Setled, as it is expressed in the Indenture) not to be altered; The making of your mindes known in that, by giving your assent and Subscription to it; is that, that will) let you in, to Act those things as a Parliament, which are for the good of the people And this thing shewed to you, and Signed, as aforesaid, doth determine the controversie; and may give a happy progresse and issue to this Parliament.

The Place where you may come thus, and Sign, as many as God shall make free thereunto, is in the Lobby without the Parliament door.

The Government doth declare, that you have a Legislative Power without a Negative from me. As the Government doth expresse, you may make any Laws; and if I give not my Consent within twenty dayes, to the passing your Laws, they are ipso facto Laws, whether I consent or no, if not contrary to the Government. You have an absolute Legislative Power in all things that can possibly concern the good, and interest of the publick.

And I think you may make these Nations happy by this Settlement: And I for my part shall be willing to be bound more then I am in any thing that I may be convinced of, may be for the good of the people, in preservation of the Cause and Interest so long contended for.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

His Highnesse the Lord Protector's two speeches to the Parliament in the Painted Chamber the one on Monday the 4. of September; the other on Tuesday the 12. of September, 1654. Taken by one who stood very near him, and published to prevent mistakes.Speeches. 1654-09

England and Wales. Lord Protector (1653-1658 : O. Cromwell)

Edition statement

1654

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2009-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A81017

ID [STC]

Wing C7177A

ID [STC]

ESTC R231703

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99900015

ID [PROQUEST]

99900015

ID [VID]

137201

Availability

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.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A81017)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 137201)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2494:5)

Source

— His Highnesse the Lord Protector's two speeches to the Parliament in the Painted Chamber the one on Monday the 4. of September; the other on Tuesday the 12. of September, 1654. Taken by one who stood very near him, and published to prevent mistakes., Speeches. 1654-09, England and Wales. Lord Protector (1653-1658 : O. Cromwell), Cromwell, Oliver, 1599-1658..

Extent

31, [1] p.

Printed at London, and re-printed at Leith,. [Leith] :: 1654.. (Reproduction of original in the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library.)

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