Page:Works of Thomas Carlyle - Volume 06.djvu/332

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298
PART III. BETWEEN THE CIVIL WARS
[3 JAN.

to the name of God and to religion. Go on in the strength of the Lord; and the Lord be still with thee.

But, dear Robin, this business hath been, I trust, a mighty providence to this poor Kingdom and to us all. The House of Commons is very sensible of the King’s dealings, and of our brethren’s,[1] in this late transaction. You should do well, if you have anything that may discover juggling, to search it out and let us know it. It may be of admirable use at this time , because we shall, I hope, instantly go upon business in relation to them,[2] tending to prevent danger.

The House of Commons has this day voted as follows: 1st, They will make no more Addresses to the King; 2nd, None shall apply to him without leave of the Two Houses, upon pain of being guilty of high treason; 3rd, They will receive nothing from the King, nor shall any other bring anything to them from him, nor receive anything from the King; lastly, the Members of both Houses who were of the Committee of Both Kingdoms are established im all that power in themselves, for England and Ireland, which they “formerly” had to act with England and Scotland; and Sir John Evelyn of Wilts is added in the room of Mr. Recorder, and Nathaniel Fiennes in the room of Sir Philip Stapleton, and my Lord of Kent in the room of the Earl of Essex.[3] I think it good you take notice of this; the sooner the better.

Let us know how it is with you in point of strength, and what you need from us. Some of us think the King well with you, and that it concerns us to keep that Island in great security, because of the French, etc.: and if so,[4] where can the King be better? If you have more force “sent,” you will be sure of full provision for them. The Lord bless thee. Pray for thy dear friend and servant,

OLIVER CROMWELL.[5]
  1. ↑ the Scots.
  2. ↑ Ibid.
  3. ↑ Essex is dead; Stapleton, one of the Eleven who went to France, is dead; Recorder Glyn, another of them, is in the Tower. For the ‘Votes,’ see Commons Journals, v. 415 (3d January 1647-8).
  4. ↑ If we do secure and fortify it.
  5. ↑ Birch’s Hammond Letters, p. 23. Given also in Harris, p. 497.
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