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of mind, perfect in many languages, and most sorts of learning,
especially history, and, beyond compare with any person whom I have
known, understanding the affairs and interest of all the States and
Princes of Christendom.
_Prot._ That is very much; but what are her principles in matters of
religion?
_Wh._ They are not such as I could wish they were;[435] they are too much
inclined to the manner of that country, and to some persuasions from men
not well inclined to those matters, who have had too much power with her.
_Prot._ That is a great deal of pity; indeed I have heard of some
passages of her, not well relishing with those that fear God; and this is
too general an evil among those people, who are not so well principled in
matters of religion as were to be wished.
_Wh._ That is too true; but many sober men and good Christians among them
do hope, that in time there may be a reformation of those things; and I
took the boldness to put the Queen and the present King in mind of the
duty incumbent upon them in that business; and this I did with becoming
freedom, and it was well taken.
_Prot._ I think you did very well to inform them of that great duty which
now lies upon the King; and did he give ear to it?
_Wh._ Yes truly, Sir, and told me that he did acknowledge it to be his
duty, which he resolved to pursue as opportunity could be had for it; but
he said, it must be done by degrees with a boisterous people, so long
accustomed to the contrary. And the like answer I had from the Archbishop
of Upsal, and from the Chancellor, when I spoke to them upon the same
subject, which I did plainly.
_Prot._ I am glad you did so. Is the Archbishop a man of good abilities?
_Wh._ He is a very reverend person, learned, and seems very pious.
_Prot._ The Chancellor is the great wise man.
_Wh._ He is the wisest man that ever I conversed with abroad, and his
abilities are fully answerable to the report of him.
_Prot._ What character do you give of the present King?
_Wh._ I had the honour divers times to be with his Majesty, who did that
extraordinary honour to me as to visit me at my house; he is a person of
great worth, honour, and abilities, and not inferior to any in courage
and military conduct.
_Prot._ That was an exceeding high favour, to come to you in person.
_Wh._ He never did the like to any public minister. But this, and all
other honour done to me, was but to testify their respects to your
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