LI. To the Lords and Commons, at OXFORD, February 7. MDCXLIII. IV.
MY Lords and Gentlemen, I have hardly thus long forborn to give you thanks for the care and pains you have taken for the publick safety since your coming to∣gether.
And first I thank you for your inclination to Peace; to which as My willingness of complying shewed the constancy of My endeavours in the best way for the publick good; so the Rebels, by their scornfully rejecting your Overtures, as they have done hereto∣fore Mine, have shewed their constancy in their way.
Next, I must thank every one of you for so chearfully applying your selves to the maintenance and recruiting of My Army, which I hope God will so bless, that thereby these enemies of Peace shall have their due reward. And truly, My Lords and Gentle∣men, this alacrity of yours in providing for My Army doth please Me in no considera∣tion so much, as that it is the best way for Peace; for certainly this strange arrogance of refusing to treat with you can proceed from nothing but their contempt of our Forces. But it is your present Honor, and will be more to posterity, that God hath made you instruments to defend your Sovereign, and to preserve your Country; to see that Re∣ligion and Law to flourish which you have rescued from the violence of Rebellion; for which I hope in time to recompense every one of you: but if I shall not, here is one I hope will; in which He shall but perform My Commands: For I have no greater sadness for those who are My ill Subjects, than I have joy and comfort in your affections and fidelities.
And so God prosper your proceedings.