olicited this
appointment to the Isle of Wight as a retreat from the scene of faction
and violence. But it was precisely in this quiet little island that the
king took refuge; his perplexities, therefore, were increased and not
diminished. Cromwell writes to him to remove his scruples, and makes a
characteristic allusion to this circumstance--_improves_ it, as we
should say.

We must apprise the reader, however, that it would be dangerous to form
any opinion upon the religious sincerity or insincerity of Cromwell,
upon extracts from his letters and speeches, or even upon any single
letter or speech. From the incongruity we feel between the solemnity of
the subject of religion, and the manner and occasion in which it is
introduced, and from the use of certain expressions long since
consecrated to ridicule, it is impossible for a modern reader, on
falling upon some isolated passages, not to exclaim, that this is cant
and hypocrisy! But when the whole series, or the greater part of it, is
read--when the same strain of thought and feeling, in season and out of
season, is constantly observed--it is equally impossible not to feel
persuaded that these letters and speeches body forth the genuine
character of the man, and that the writer was verily a solemn and most
serious person, in whom religious zeal was the last quality which needed
reinforcement.

"DEAR ROBIN,--No man rejoiceth more to see a line from thee
than myself. I know thou hast long been under trial. Thou shalt
be no loser by it. All things must work for the best.

"Thou desirest to hear of my experiences. I can tell thee, I am
such a one as thou did formerly know, having a body of sin and
death; but I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, there is
no condemnation though much infirmity; and I wait for the
redemption. And in this poor condition I obtain mercy, and
sweet consolation through the Spirit. And find abundant cause
every day to exalt the Lord and abase flesh--and herein I have
some exercise.

"As to outward dispensations, if we may so call them, we have
not been without our share of beholding some remarkable
providences and appearances of the Lord. His presence hath been
amongst us, and by the light of his countenance we have
prevailed (_alludes to the battle of Preston_.) We are sure the
goodness of Him who dwelt in the bush has shined upon us; and
we can h