a troop of horse, which the King said were "instructions written in very legible characters; " once more put the monarch into his carriage, and ordered him to journey to Childersey, near Cambridge. Thither, came Fairfax, Cromwell, and Ireton, to meet him. But, without staying long there, he proceeded by easy stages to Hampton Court, lodging, In his progress, at the seats of the various nobility. Here, though the Parliament had, on the motion of the army, expelled from the house twelve members most friendly to peace, and to the royal cause, great indulgences were allowed him; and, especially, the privilege always, it would appear, chiefly desired by him that of having his own chaplains. These "halcyon days," as Sir Thomas calls them, did not, however, long continue. Soon began the meetings and cabals of the "Agitators," a body composed of two men from each regiment; by whom the King was, at length, so effectually alarmed, that he secretly, in disguise and in the night, fled from Hampton Court, towards the Isle of Wight, leaving a letter explanatory of his intentions and his motives. He proceeded to Carisbrook Castle, as being the only fortified place in that island. There he was join, ed by many of his servants, old and new; none of whom, with the exception of his chaplains, were for a time excluded. This exclusion, however, says the author (p. 57), was "no little grief to him, in regard, he had no disposition to hear those that exercised according to the Directory, which was then practised; but hindered not his private devotion, which every day he carefully attended; and the Lord's day he ob served, by reading the Bible, and other books fitting him, for prayer and meditation in his oratory." Soon, however, whatever privileges and liberty he enjoyed were abridged. His servants, except a Mr. Harrington and our Author, were dismissed; and bis excursions CHRIST, OBSERY. No. 150. beyond the limits of the castle restrained. Here the author gives a particular account of his employment. "He carefully observed his usual times Mr. Harrington and Mr. Herbert continued set apart for his devotion and for writing. waiting on his majesty in the bed-chamber; he gave Mr. Herbert the charge of his books, of which the King had a catalogue, and from time to time had brought unto him, such as he was pleased to call for. The sacred Scripture was the book he most delighted in, read often in Bishop Andrews' Sermons, Hooker's Ecclesiastical Policy, Dr. Ezekiel, &c., Sands's Paraphrase upon King Hammoud's Works, Villalpandus upon David's Psalms, Herbert's Divine Poems," &c. &c. p. 61. The unsuccessful invasion of Eng, land by the Scotch, under Duke Hamilton, and the rising of various bodies of military to assist the King, soon took place; and, after giving a rapid sketch of these events, the author proceeds to examine the validity of the charge brought against Charles, of having first pledged his faith to the army, and then clandestinely corresponded with the Queen, with a view to the re-esta blishment of himself, and the ancient system of arbitrary government. The discovery of this treachery is supposed to have been made, by a letter dispatched from the Queen to the King, which was detained, and opened by the army; and then re-sealed and dispatched to Charles. This letter, however, he endeavours, and we think successfully, to prove a mere forgery. It certainly is almost incredible, that a letter of such importance should not have been sent by a confidential messenger-that it should have been opened without detection that the Parliament should not have immediately and explicitly, instead of covertly and circuitously, acted upon it. A political secret might die in the breast of a single diplomatist, but never upon the lips, or on the drum-head, of an army. Sir Thomas next gives a brief 3 C history of the convention of Newport, if such it might be called, where all the concessions were required to be on one side. To some of the terms, however, his majesty acceded; to others, he opposed a stout refusal. He refused the aboJition of episcopacy; and the impu tation of treason to his own adherents in the late conflict. Nor is his refusal a matter of astonishment or blame. On the contrary, those who survey the strife from the eminence on which history and political science have now placed us, and who see it divested of the clouds with which the fury of contending parties had then surrounded it, are disposed, for the most part, to con. tend, that the concessions were rather too many than too few. What would be thought, for instance, in any free government in modern times, of demanding from the monarch-that Parliament should have power to confer all offices, and appoint all the magistrates for twenty years?-Yet, to this proposal, Charles agreed. The issue of the the treaty is well known; but King's prophetic judgment upon the conduct of the contracting parties is not so generally quoted: "God knows," said he and time will certainly discover, who are most to blame for the unsuccessfulness of that treaty, the product of many succeeding calamities." Time, we think, has done justice both to King and Parliament in this particular instance. man's life so happy, as hath not some cross, evidencing the uncertainty of worldly enjoyments, and that real comforts are elsewhere to be expected." p. 122. The unquiet state of things admitting of no consistency of plan, the King was soon removed; and he, to his own temporary satisfaction at least, found himself on his way to Windsor. But no sooner was he established there, than the Governor informed him, that he was to be taken to Whitehall, This last removal is thus introduced. "The King seemed nothing so delighted with this remove, as he was with the former; but turning him about, said, God is every where alike in wisdom, power, and goodness. Some information he had, how preposterously things went in both Houses of Parliament, wherein he was concerned; and how that the army officers had then published a remonstrance, designing thereby an alteration of the government and trial of his person by some way that was extraordinary and unprecedented; so that immediately he retired into his bedchamber, and was a good while private in his addresses to God, ever having recourse to him by prayer and meditation, in what condition soever he was, as being the surest way to find comfort." pp. 150, 151. There is something exceeding affecting in seeing the cord by which the royal victim was fastened to the stake thus shortening every day. Invisible hands were gradually drawing him to the place of execution. The instruments of death were prepared, and nothing wanting but a plausible pretext to strike the awful blow. But in the mean time, in what state was the victim himself? The author paints his state by several touches so incidental and natural, that their accuracy cannot be questioned. We shall produce some of them to our readers: The conference ended by the appearance of another officer, like the cornet before noticed, who, hurry ing the King into a coach with many indignities, conveyed him to Hurst Castle, one of the most desolate spots and mansions in the king dom, being " built on a spot connected with the land only by a neck of gravel, covered at high water." "As soon as the king came to his bedIn these circumstances, the justice of the author's observation on the chamber, before he either eat or drank, or discoursed with any, he went to prayer, state of his King will not be disand reading of the Bible." p. 155. Again, puted, as the trial came on, he says, "his faith "We see plainly, there is no state of overcoming his fear, he continued lus When at Whitehall, he observes, that accus. tomed prudence and patience, so as no outward peturbation could be discerned, with Christian fortitude submitting to the good pleasure of the Almighty; sometimes sighing, but never breaking out into a passion, or attering a reproachtul or revengeful word against any that were his adversaries; saying only, God forgive their impiety."" p. 156. Sunday, the 21st of January," (two days after the trial had begun)," Dr. Juxon, that good bishop of London, had (as his majesty desired) the liberty to attend the King, which was much to his comfort, and (as he said) no small refreshing to his spirit, especially in that his uncomfortable condition. The most part of the day was spent in preaching to the King." p. 162. "As his majesty returned from the hall to Cotton house (after the second day's trial), a souldier that was upon the guard said aloud, as the king passed by, God bless you, sir.' The king thanked him; but an uncivil officer struck him with his cane upon the head; which his majesty observing, said, The punishment exceeded the offence.' Leing come to his apartment in Cottonhouse, he immediately, upon his knees went to prayer. Afterwards he asked Mr. Herbert if he heard that cry of the soldiers for justice? who answered, he did,' and marvelled thereat. So did not I (said the king) for I am weil assured the soldiers bear no malice to me. The cry, no doubt, was given by their officers, for whom the soldiers would do the like, were there occasion.'" pp. 163, 164. "On the fourth day's trial, the King having demurred to the authority of the court, and desired a conference with the Lords and Commons, this conference, as well as the privilege of putting his objections to their authority unto writing, was denied him; and at length," the author adds, the president gave judgment against the king; who, at the president's pronouncing it, was observed to smile, and lift up his eyes to Heaven; as appealing to the Divine Majesty, the most Suprenie Judge." p. 168. The next passage, though longer than the rest, is too interesting to suffer any abridgment. "The king, at the rising of the court, was, with a guard of halberdiers, returned to Whitehall in a close chair, through King-street; both sides whereof had a guard of foot soldiers, who were silent as bis majesty passed. But shop-stalls and windows were full of people, many of which shed tears, and some of them with audible voices pray'd for the king, who through the privy-garden was carried to his bed-chamber; whence, after two hours' space, he was removed to St. James's. Nothing of the fear of death, or indignities offered, seem'd a terror, or provoked him to impatience, nor utier'd he a reproachful word, reflecting upon any of his judges (albeit he well knew that some of them had been his domestic servants), or against any member of the house or officer of the army; so wonderful was his patience, though his spirit was great, and might otherwise bave expressed his resentments upon several occa-". sions. It was a true Christian fortitude to have the mastery of his passion, and submission to the will of God, under such temptations. "The king now bidding farewell to the world, his whole business was a serious preparation for death, which opens the door unto eternity; in order thereunto he laid' aside all other thoughts, and spent the remainder of his time in prayer and other pious exercises of devotion, and in conference with that meek and learned bishop Dr. Juxon, who, under God, was a great sup port to him in that his afflicted condition; and, resolving to sequester himself so as he might have no disturbance to his mind, nor interruption to his meditations; he order'd Mr. Herbert to excuse it to any that might have the desire to see hin. I know (said the king) my nephew, the prince-elector, will endeavour it, and some other lords that love me, which I would take in good part, but my time is short and precious, and I am desirous to improve it the best I may in preparation. I hope they will not take it ill, that none have access unto me, but my children. The best office they can do now, is to pray for me.'" pp. 168-170. Nor would our readers, we think, consent to lose any part of the next ing. This was the 29th of January. The princess, being the elder, was the most sensible of her royal father's condition, as appeared by her sorrowful look and excessive weeping; and her little brother seeing his sister weep, he took the like impression, thongh, by reason of his tender age, he could not have the like apprehension. The king rais'd them both from off their knees: he kiss'd them, gave them his blessing, and setting them on his knees, admonish'd them concerning their duty and loyal observance to the queen their mother, the prince that was his successor, love to the duke of York, and his other relations. The king then gave them all his jewels, save the george he wore, which was cut in an onyx with great cu tiosity, and set about with 21 fair diamonds, and the reverse set with the like number; and again kissing his children, had such pretty and pertinent answers from them both as drew tears of joy and love from his eyes, and then praying God Almighty to bless 'em, he turned about, expressing a tender and fatherly affection. Most sorrowful was this parting, the young princess shedding tears and crying lamentably, so as moved others to pity that formerly were hard hearted and at opening the bed-chamber door, the king return'd hastily from the window and kiss'd 'em bless'd 'em; so parted. and "This demonstration of a pious affection exceedingly comforted the king in this his affliction; so that in a grateful return he went immediately to prayer, the good bishop and Mr. Herbert being only present." pp. 178-180. We shall next extract the account of the night before his execution. "After the bishop was gone to his lodging, the king continued reading and praying more than two hours after. The king commanded Mr. Herbert to lie by his bedside upon a pallet, where he took small rest, that being the last night his gracious sovereign and master enjoy'd; but nevertheless the king for four hours, or thereabouts, slept soundly, and awaking two hours afore day, he opened his curtain to call Mr. Herbert; there being a great cake of wax set in a silver bason, that then as at all other times, burned all night; so that he perceived him somewhat disturb'd in sleep; but calling him, bad him rise; For (said his majesty) I will get up, having a great work to do this day: however, he would know why he was so troubled in his ་ "He then appointed what cloaths he would wear. Let me have a shirt on more than ordinary,' said the king, by reason the season is so sharp, as probably may make me shake, which some observers will imagine proceeds from fear. I would have no such imputation. I fear not death! Death is not terrible to me. I bless my God, I am prepared." pp. 183-185. In the morning came Dr. Juxon. Mr. Herbert then "falling on his knees humbly beg'd his majesty's pardon, if he had at any time been negligent in his duty, whilst he had the honour to serve him. The king thereupon gave him his hand to kiss, having the day before been graciously pleased, under his. royal hand, to give him a certificate, ex pressing, that the said Mr. Herbert was not imposed upon him, but by his majesty made choice of to attend him in his bed. chamber, and had serv'd him with faithfulness and loyal affection. At the same time his majesty also deliver'd him his Bible, in the margin whereof he had with his own hand writ many aunotations and quotations, and charged him to give it the prince so soon as he return'd; repeating what he had enjoined the princess Elizabeth, his daugh ter, that he would be dutiful and indulgent to the queen his mother (to whom his majesty writ two days before by Mr. Seymour), affectionate to his brothers and sisters, who also were to be observant and dutiful to him their sovereign; and for as much as from his heart he had forgiven his enemies, and in. perfect charity with all men would leave the world, he had advised the prince his son to exceed in mercy, not in rigour; and, as to espiscopacy, it was still bis opinion, that it is of apostolique institution, and in this kingdom exercised from the primitive times, and therein, as in all other his affairs, pray'd God to vouchsafe him, both in reference to church and state, a pious and a discerning spirit; and that he would fre quently read his Bible, which in all the time of his affliction had been his best ins structor and delight; and to meditate, upon what he read; as also such other books as might improve his knowledge." pp. 185, 187. The history of the execution is thus briefly given:→ « A guard was made all along the galle ries and the banqueting-house; but behind the soldiers abundance of men and women crowded in, though with some peril to their persons, to behold the saddest sight England ever saw. And as his majesty pass'd by, with a cheerful look, heard them pray for him, the soldiers not rebuking any of them; by their silence and dejected faces seeming aflicted rather than insulting. There was a passage broken through the wall, by which the king pass'd unto the scaffold; where after his majesty had spoken a little, the fatal stroke was given by a disguised person." p. 193. Then comes the account of his sepulture, which leaves little room to doubt that the body recently discovered at Windsor was that over which Herbert shed the tears of pious affection, and of which this little volume is the lasting and affecting monument. We make no apology for the length of these extracts-partly on account of their extraordinary in terest-partly because a considerable number were necessary to fix our estimate of the royal character -partly because we love ourselves to linger about this almost sacred grave--and partly because we are desirous of supplying, especially to our younger readers, a certain rallying point for their loyal emotions of teaching them that, while they honour the crown of their country, it is not merely from blind adulation, but because, not only now, but in earlier ages, it has encircled brows on which will be placed that imperishable crown which God hath prepared for them that love him." But we should do little justice to our feelings if we were to make no further use of this interesting document. There is a question, which it is almost impossible should not be suggested by the reading of this or almost any other impartial history of this extraordinary period: How came such a man to be put to death? Where was the justice and humanity of the nation? Were no such qualities then to be found of Englishmen ? in the usually just and loyal bosoms Or, if they existed, how came they not to range themselves under the royal stan dard? We think the answer to these questions somewhat more complicated than the questions themselves. But such important lessons arise out of the discussion, that we are desirous of shortly detaining our readers, while we point some of them out. that the catastrophe of the king's We begin, then, by observing, dethronement and death originated in the distinct faults of three parties; the king, the parliament, and the army; and we shall proceed to state what we conceive some of their respective faults to have been. In enumerating the principal defects of the king, we shall pass over his love of arbitrary power. This, in him, was rather a misfortune than a crime. He was the inheritor of these principles-he partook of them in common with almost every king who had preceded him, or who then occupied the thrones of the world. At that period, a free government existed only in the pages of theoretical or fanciful writers. That the sceptre was a trust reposed in the bands of the monarch for the benefit of the peo ple-that the people might lawfully be the watchful guardians of their own welfare-that the consent of the governed was, in any sense, the legitimate basis of government -were propositions then so mon strous in the eyes of monarchs as to border upon rebellion and im» piety. It is curious that these principles appear never to have occupied the attention of so profound and independent a political thinker as Aristotle, even when employed in the investigation of the Greek republies-that they should also have escaped the penetrating and licentious eye of Machiavel, in his similar investigation of the republics of Italy and that, perhaps, Aquinas, a |
