As likewise a letter from col. Lockhart to secretary Thurloe, concerning Peters, which, as very characteristical of the man,

I. Why he was silent at the surrender of Oxford? II. What he observed at Worcester, it being the last town in the king's hand?

III. What were best to be done with the army ? IV. If he had any expedient for the present difference?

V. What his thoughts were in relation to foreign states?

VI. How these late mercies and conquests might be preserved and improved?

VII. Why his name appears in so many books, not without blots, and he never wipe them off?

In this pamphlet he observes, p. 14. that he had lived about six years near that famous Scotsman, Mr. John Forbes; "with whom," says he, " I travelled into Germany, and enjoyed him in much love and sweetness constantly; from whom I never had but encouragement, though we differed in the way of our churches. Learned Amesius breathed his last breath into my bosom, who left his professorship in Frizeland, to live with me, because of my church's independency, at Rotterdam: he was my collegue and chosen brother to the church, where I was an unworthy pastor."

In 1647, he published at London, in quarto, ‘a pamphlet of fourteen pages, intitled, "A Word for the Army, and two Words to the Kingdom, to clear the one and cure the other, forced in much plainness and brevity, from their faithful servant, Hugh Peters."

and containing some curious particulars relating to him, I cannot forbear giving at length*.

It appears by a pamphlet, printed in 1651, written. by R. V. of Gray's-Inn, and intitled, A Plea for the Common Laws of England, that it was written in answer to Mr. Peters's Good Work for a Good Magistrate, or a short Cut to great Quiet; in which Mr. Peters had proposed the extirpation of the whole system of our laws, and particularly recommended, that the old records in the Tower should be burnt, as the monuments of tyranny.

* I cannot forbear giving at length.]

Colonel Lockhart to Secretary Thurloea.

"From Dunkirk, July 8-18, 1658.

"May it please your Lordship,

"I could not suffer our worthy friend, Mr. Peters, to come away from Dunkirk, without a testimony of the great benefits we have all received from him in this place, where he hath laid himself forth in great charity and goodness in sermons, prayers, and exhortations, in visiting and relieving the sick and wounded; and, in all these, profitably applying the singular talent God hath bestowed upon him to the chief ends, proper for our auditory: for he hath not only shewed the soldiers their duty to God, and pressed it home upon them, I hope to good advantage, but hath likewise acquainted them with their obligations of obedience to his highness's government, and affection to his person. He hath laboured amongst us here with

VOL. I.

a

Thurloe's State Papers, vol. VII. p. 249.

d

much good-will, and seems to enlarge his heart towards us, and care of us for many other things, the effects whereof I design to leave upon that providence. which hath brought us hither. It were superfluous to tell your lordship the story of our present condition, either as to the civil government, works, or soldiery. He who hath studied all these more than any I know here, can certainly give the best account of them. Wherefore I commit the whole to his information, and beg your lordship's casting a favourable eye upon such propositions, as he will offer to your lordship for the good of this garrison. I am,

May it please your lordship, your most humble, faithful and obedient servant,

WILL. LOCKHART.

[This part is all written with Lockhart's own hand.]

"Mr. Peters hath taken leave at least three or four times, but still something falls out, which hinders his return to England. He hath been twice at Bergh, and hath spoke with the cardinal' three or four times; I kept myself by, and had a care that he did not importune him with too long speeches. He returns, loaden with an account of all things here, and hath undertaken every man's business. I must give him that testimony, that he gave us three or four very honest sermons; and if it were possible to get him to mind preaching, and to forbear the troubling himself with other things, he would certainly prove a very fit minister for soldiers. I hope he cometh well satisfied from this place. He hath often insinuated to me his

a Mazarin.

desire to stay here, if he had a call. Some of the officers also have been with me to that purpose; but I have shifted him so handsomely, as, I hope, he will not be displeased: for I have told him, that the greatest service he can do us, is to go to England, and carry on his propositions, and to own us in all our other interests, which he hath undertaken with much zeal."

THE END.