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His MAJESTIES Message to both Houses, left by Him on His Table at Hamp∣ton-Court, Nov. 11. 1647.
CHALLES R.
LIberty being that which in all Times hath been, but especially now is, the common Theme and Desire of all men; common Reason shews, That Kings less then any should endure Captivity. And yet I call God and the World to Witness, with what Pa∣tience I have endured a tedious Restraint; which, so long as I had any hopes that this sort of My Suffering might conduce to the Peace of My Kingdoms, or the hindring of more effusi∣on of Blood, I did willingly undergoe: But now finding by two certain proofs, that this My continued Patience would not only turn to My Personal Ruine, but likewise be of much more prejudice then furtherance to the Publick Good, I thought I was bound, as well by Natu∣ral as Political Obligations, to seek my Safety, by Retiring My self for some time from the publick View both of My Friends and Enemies. And I appeal to all indifferent men to judge, if I have not just cause to free My self from the hands of those who change their Principles with their Condition, and who are not ashamed openly to intend the Destruction of the Nobility by taking away their Negative Voice, and with whom the Levellers Do∣ctrine is rather countenanced then punished: and as for their intentions to My Person, their changing and putting more strict Guards upon Me, with the discharging most of all those Servants of Mine who formerly they willingly admitetd to wait upon Me, does sufficiently declare. Nor would I have this My Retirement misinterpreted; for I shall earnestly and un∣cessantly endeavour the setling of a safe and well-grounded Peace where-ever I am or shall be, and that (as much as may be) without the effusion of more Christian Blood: for which how many times have I desired, prest to be heard, and yet no ear given to Me? and can any Reasonable man think that (according to the ordinary course of affairs) there can be a set∣led Peace without it; or that God will bless those who refuse to hear their own King? Sure∣ly no. Nay, I must further add, that (besides what concerns My self) unless all other chief In∣terests have not only a hearing, but likewise just satisfaction given unto them, (to wit, the Presbyterians, Independants, Army, those who have adhered to Me, and even the Scots) I say there cannot (I speak not of Miracles, it being, in My Opinion, a sinful presumption in such cases to expect or trust to them) be a safe or lasting Peace. Now, as I cannot deny but My Personal Security is the urgent cause of this My Retirement; so I take God to witness, that the Publick Peace is no less before My Eyes: and I can find no better way to express this My Profession, (I know not what a wiser man may do) then by desiring and urging that all chief Interests may be heard, to the end each may have just Satisfaction. As for ex∣ample, the Army, (for the rest, though necessary, yet, I suppose, are not difficult to content) ought (in My Judgment) to enjoy the Liberty of their Consciences, have an Act of Oblivi∣on or Indemnity, (which should extend to all the rest of My Subjects) and that all their Arrears should be speedily and duly paid; which I will undertake to do, so I may be heard, and that I be not hindred from using such Lawful and honest means as I shall chuse. To conclude, let Me be heard with Freedom, Honour and Safety, and I shall instantly break through this Cloud of Retirement, and shew My self really to be Pater Patriae.
Hampton-Court, 11. Novemb. 1647.