Certain letters, evidencing the Kings stedfastness in the Protestant religion

PARIS April the 3^d. 1660.

S^r My honoured Brother,

Nothing hath happen∣ed more strange in our daies, then the revolutions of England, Scotland, and Ire∣land. After the tragicall death of the late King, hopes were gi∣ven that a Common-wealth might be established, that should become the wonder and admi∣ration of the whole world. But the severall changes that have happened since, from time to time, and the confusions that are to be feared, cause many to believe, that God will re∣duce affaires to their first state, and set the three Crownes u∣nited, upon the head of one Monarch. That which in this doth most rejoyce and comfort

us: is, that it seems for the do¦ing of this glorious work, God will use the Service of those with whom we have more strict Communion in doctrine and discipline. For we understand, that such as are called Presbi∣terians, are now possessed of the greatest Power, and sit at the Helme of State. That illu∣strious Assembly which would have preserved to their King his life, and his Royaltie was without doubt very farre from designing to rob his Children of that right which is convey∣ed to them by a continued suc∣cession in their Royall Fami∣lie for many ages. A report is here, that the thing from being recalled to the Inheri∣tance of his Fathers, is, the Opinion conceived by some, of his being turned to the Roman

Catholick Profession, and the fear that in time he might ru∣ine the Religion now flourishing in those three Kingdoms. But Sir, you know that we have ever detested the doctrine of Popes and their Instruments, who teach that all Princes, called by them Hereticks, are inca∣pable of succession of Crowns, and if in possession, to be tur∣ned out. And more then this, I see not any ground there is for calling this Prince a Ro∣man Catholick, he making no profession of it; but on the con∣trary hath rejected all the ad∣vantages and all the aides of∣fered to him upon that conditi∣on. Charity is not jealous, and if it forbid us to suspect on slight grounds private persons, how can it approve jealousies upon Persons so sacred? Experience hath taught us how little reason

hath in the end appeared, for the like, and even the greatest apprehensions of that kinde, our History doth furnish us with a convincing example. The League never pretended other cause for their rebellion against King Henry the Third, but for his being an Heretick, and a maintamer of Hereticks. And thence was inferred, that he was no waies affected to the Roman, and a Favourer of our Religion. In the mean time, we never had a more potent Enemy; and to all mens know∣ledge he lived and dyed in the Communion of Rome, and therein shewed as much zeal as any of his Predecessors. But not pass the Seas, you have in the midst of you an instance a∣gainst all contradiction: For what jealousies have not been raised against the Religion of

the late King of Great Britain, and yet at the hour when there was no place for dissembling, as being void of feares and hopes from man, he made his zeale to the true Religion appear, and even that sweetness and that admirable patience with which he suffered death by the hands of his own Subjects, hath made it very visible that the Spirit of God reign'd in his heart. True it is that from my self, I am not able to relate any thing touching the Religion of that Prince: Because for rea∣sons of State, we had not the honour of his presence in our Assemblies of Charenton, the only place where in a formall body wee are able to witness the respect we bear to stranger Princes in commu∣nion with us. And as to my self, I am not considerable enough to

have made a visite to so great a Prince, which was also the reason why I had not the ho∣nour to see the Duke of York: But two year since being in∣formd, how the Duke of Glocester, had manifested his ability to confound the false Doctors that had undertaken to seduce him, and that he had courage and generosity enough to resist those who would have placed him in the Colledge of the Jesuites: I thought consi∣dering how very young he was, that I might have the honour to give him a visite, without apprehending any disadvan∣tage. And I performed it the work freely because: I knew that not only he would accept it, but did also desire it. I can∣not express how much I was sa∣tisfied with that young Prince. For besides the obliging man∣ner

wherewith he receaved, and he gave me severall proofs of his zeale and piety. I re∣member that among other dis∣courses, he tould me, how the late King his Father, a little before his death, had charged him with three things.? Ne∣ver to change his Religion, to obey his elder Brother, who was to be his King, in the same manner as he would have o∣beyed himself if God had spa∣red his life. And to continue obedient to the Queen his Mo∣ther, in all: but what related to Religion. To which he ad∣ded, that in persevering in his Religion, he did not only do his duty towards God, and preserve the peace of his con∣science; but also performe the last will of the King his Fa∣ther, and follow the order of the King his Brother, who

had sent for him, to free him of future temptations. This discourse which he delivered with a very good grace, confirm∣ed me in the beliefe I had of the late Kings Religion, and made me see what I ought in charity to believe of the King his Son. But over and above there be in his family among his domesticks, some gentle∣men of our Religion, and my auncient friends, who at seve∣rall times have given me assu∣rances of the piety of this Prince, and his stability in the profession he makes. True it is English men have unad∣visedly done him great wrong; for upon false prejudices they have stayed from Communion with us, and so have raised jealousies, as if their King and all his Court, were inclined to

Popery: But the more dis∣creet behave themselves other∣wise, for knowing that the be∣liefe of our Church, and that of that Church of England is the same they willingly came to our Churches and even Dr Cosin the King of Great Bri∣tain's Chapplain hath joyn'd with us with great devotion. To returne to my discourse, God intrusts at this day your Presbyterians; the Gentlemen now in power with the honour and reputation of our Chur∣ches: For if without the in∣tervening of any foraigne pow∣er, they recall this Prince and seate him in his Throne, they acquire to them selves, and to their posterity an im∣mortall glory, and stop their mouthes for ever: who charge us falsly as enemies of Royalty,

and make appear, that the Maxime, of no Bishop no King is injuriously imputed to us. For my part I confess, that as I have deplored with bitter teares the bloody death of the late King: So shall it be to me an exceeding joy, to behold the reestablishment of the King his Son: if perform∣ed with circumstances not les∣sening the splendor of Royall Majesty: And which may be to the glory of God, and the good and rest of the three Kingdomes. 'Tis for this that I will offer up my hearty pray∣ers to God: and for you Sir, that he will preserve and bless you. I have per∣swaded my selfe, that you would not take it ill that I open my heart to you, and discover my thoughts upon a

subject of such moment: since I am.

SIR,

Your Most humble, and Most affectionate Bro∣ther and Servant, DRELINCOURT, Minister of the Church of PARIS.

A Monsieur Monsieur Stroupe f. M. D. S. E. A Londres.

FINIS.