e me a double portion of thy Spirit,
and that measure of grace, which only can be sufficient for me._

_As I am most afflicted, so make me most reformed: that I may not be
only happy to see an end of those civill distractions, but a chief
Instrument to restore and establish a firm, and blessed Peace to my
Kingdoms._

_Scirre up all Parties pious ambitions to overcome each other with
reason, moderation, and such self-deniall, as becomes those, who
consider that our mutuall divisions are our common distractions, and
the Union of all is every good mans chiefest interest._

_If O Lord, as for the sins of our peace, thou hast brought upon us
the miseries of War: so for the sins of War thou shouldst see fit
still to deny us the blessing of peace, and so to keep us in a
circulation of miseries: yet give me thy Servant, and all Loyall,
though afflicted Subjects, to enjoy that peace which, the world can
nether give to us, nor take from us._

_Impute not to me the blood of my Subjects, which with infinite
unwillingness and griefe, hath been shed by me, in my just & necessary
defence: but wash me with that precious blood, which hath been shed
for me, by my great Peacemaker, Jesus Christ; Who will, I trust,
redeem me shortly out of all my troubles: for, I know the triumphing
of the Wicked is but short, and the joy of Hypocrites is but for a
moment._

* * * * *

20. _Upon the Reformation of the Times._

No Glory is more to be envied then that of due reforming either
Church or State, when deformities are such, that the perturbation and
noveltie are not like to exceed the benefit of Reforming.

Although God should not honour me so far, as to make me an Instrument
of so good a work, yet _I_ should be glad to see it done.

As I was well pleased with this Parliaments first intentions to reform
what the indulgence of Times, and corruption of manners might have
depraved; so I am sorry to see after the freedom of Parliament was by
factious Tumults oppressed, how little regard was had to the good Laws
established, and the Religion setled; which ought to be the first
rule and standard of Reforming: with how much partiality and popular
compliance the passions and opinions of men have been gratified,
to the detriment of the Publick, and the infinite scandall of the
reformed Religion?

What dissolutions of all Order and Government in the Church? what
novelties of Schism, and corrupt opinions? w