142 what had passed; Ormond finding bimself discovered, immediately quitted London, and ayailed himself of the earliest opportunity of returning to the king. BOYLE. The kindness and affection with which Lord Broghill was always treated by the Protector, excited correspond- ing sentiments in his bosom; and when, on the decease of Oliver, his son Richard sncceeded him in his power, he resolved upon endeavouring to evince his gratitude to the father, by supporting the son. He saw the weak and vacillating state of Richard Cromwell's mind, and he soon became aware of the impossibility of his maintaining the situation to which his father's merits and abilities had raised him. As one of his cabinet council, which consisted of Dr. Wilkins, Colonel Phillips, and himself, he bad fre- quent opportunities of perceiving that want of decision and firmness which marked the administration of the new Protector, and which prevented his proiting by the advice of those who were so well capable of directing him. Per- suaded by the faction then prevalent in the army, Richard was induced, without acquainting his cabinet council, to consent to the meeting of a general council of officers at the same time that the parliament met. Broghill was per- fectly aware of the destruction the Protector was drawing on his own head by this imprudent measure, and expostu- lated with him on the occasion, promising at the same tine, that if he would resolve upon dissolving the council at the first opportunity, he would endeavour to prevent the mischief which might otherwise ensue, having, as a general, the right to be present at its meeting. Wallingford House was the place appointed for the meet- ing of the general council of officers, and on the first day they assembled to the number of above five hundred. After a long prayer by Dr. Owen, Major-General Desborough rose, and in a long speech reminded them how gracious the Lord had been, and how their arms had flourished, though he feared this would not continue long, as several sons of Belial had crept in amongst them, who in all pro
