s were, which they first set
forth, as the onely plausible (though not justifiable) grounds of
raising a War, and continuing it thus long against Me, and the Laws
established; in whose safety and preservation all honest men think the
welfare of their Country doth consist.

For, and with all which, it is far more honourable and comfortable to
suffer, then to prosper in their ruine and subversion.

I have often prayed, that all on my side might join true pietie with
the sense of their Loyalty; and be as faithfull to God and their own
souls, as they were to Me; That the defects of the one might not blast
the endeavours of the other.

Yet I cannot think, that any shews of truth of piety on the other
side were sufficient to dispence with, or expiate the defects of their
dutie and Loyaltie to Me, which have so pregnant convictions on mens
consciences, that even profaner men are moved by the sense of them to
venture their lives for Me.

I never had any Victory which was without My sorrow, because it was
on Mine own Subjects, who, like _Absolom_, died many of them in their
sin: And yet I never suffered any Defeat which made Me despair of Gods
mercy and defence.

I never desired such victories, as might serve to conquer, but only
restore the Laws and Liberties of My people; which I saw were extremly
oppressed, together with my rights, by those men, who were impatient
of any just restraint.

When Providence gave Me, or denied Me Victory, my desire was never to
boast of my power nor to charge God foolishly; who I believed at last
would make all things to work together for my good.

I wished no greater advantages by the War, then to bring my Enemies to
moderation, and my Friends to peace.

I was afraid of the temptation of an absolute conquest, and never
prayed more for Victory over others, then over my self. When the first
was denied, the second was granted me, which God saw best for me.

The different events were but the methods of divine justice, by
contrary winds to winow us: That, by punishing our sins, he might
purge them from us; and by deferring peace, he might prepare us more
to prize, and better to use so great a blessing.

My often Messages for Peace shewed, that I delighted not in Warre; as
my former Concessions sufficiently testified, how willingly I would
have prevented it; and My totall unpreparedness for it, how little _I_
intended it.

The Conscience of my Innocence forbad Me to fear a Warr; but the l