In memoria Coll: HARVV. Equitis Aurati.
THE ADVICE OF THAT VVORTHY COMMANDER, Sir ED: HARVVOOD, Collonell.
Written by King CHARLES his Command, upon occasion of the French Kings preparation: and presented in his life time, by his owne hand, to his MAIESTIE: Hitherto being a private Manuscript.
Also a relation of his Life and Death. Whereunto is also annexed divers remarkable Instructions, written by the late, and ever-famous, Earle of Essex. All tending to the Securing and Fortifying of this Kingdome, both by Sea and Land, and now seasonably published for the benefit of these Times.
‘ PROV. 25. 11. A word spoken in season is like Apples of gold in pictures of silver.’
London, Printed for R. Harford. 1642.
TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE, the Lords and COMMONS assembled in the High Court of Parliament.
RIGHT Honourable Lords, and worthy Gentlemen, We are all imbarqued in the ship, the Common-wealth; and as in a ship there are divers Agents, whereof some of the chiefest, at the sterne to governe; others of an inferiour rank clime the Mast, hoysesailes, and doe inferiour workes in it, all of them according to their severall ranke, as they doe the duties of their severall places; so have interest in the Common good, and either doe, or ought to mind the publike welfare of it: And as in building of the Tabernacle, some of the chiefe sort brought gold, silver [Page] and precious stones, others of inferiour sort, goats haire and Badgers skins, every man according to his ability, did contribute unto the same. I, though but of the inferiour rank in this ship, even the meanest of all others, yet imbarqued therein, see not but I ought to endeavour, though but in inferiour workes the good of it, who though I have not gold, silver, or precio [...]s stones, nor any thing besides my poore prayers to advance the glorious Tabernacle, yet would with Ahimaaz, run also, as one willing and desirous to doe good, if I had any ability in my selfe, or opportunity: But having nothing of my owne, finding this little Manuscript among the papers of my deare deceased brother, and considering the troublesomenesse of the times the feares of the better sort, and hopes of the worse: I have adventured to make it publike, which though written some time since, and upon another occasion, yet there may something be gathered out of it (if I mistake not my selfe) which may bee of good use for these present times of our feares, and sad apprehensions, wherin if there be any thing which in your grave wisdoms, you may thinke fit to put in execution, it shall much [...] me, that I brought it to the light, or at least, if it may but occasion your wisedomes to take into your serious consideration, the subject matter of it, which is the securing of the Kingdome against all dangers, that may come to it, and in your wisedomes to thinke upon better directions, that may remove the fears and apprehensions of most men in these [...] multuous times, by reason of the Insurrection of our neighbouring Kingdome, and the just feares we have of these pestilent enemies of our Church and Common-wealth, The Papists in this Kingdome, and their Adherents, the Prelates: Now as concerning my brothers manuscript, as it was penned in time of a great Sea preparation made by the [Page] French King some ten yeares past, so (as I had it from his owne mouth) it gained the approbation and good liking of his Majesty, who commanded him to write his judgement and opinion of these preparations, and by what meanes (if they were intended against us) wee might secure our selves, both for the pesent, and in future; which though for some reasons was not thought sit to be put in execution, yet I have beene encouraged by some of good judgement, now to publish it in these times, wherein wee have some more apprehension of danger then formerly (partly by the actuall rising of these many ill affected to Religion in Ireland, and also those proud-threatning speeches lately given forth by the Papists here at home, which if not by some such course, as is here propounded, bee prevented, may breed more danger then most are sensible of.
Eliahs cloud rose but like a hand, which after orespread the whole heaven, what this may doe, if suffered to enlarge itselfe; how farrereach, we cannot directly say; but even to our owne Horison wee may well presume, if not repelled, or dispersed by a strong and swift gale The mischiefe they carry with them cannot bee contayned in the neighbour Kingdome, if they thus grow in their progresse. What combination there may be with forrainstates I leave to deeper judgements, but for my owne part, I shall ever subscribe unto the opinion of that noble Lord, concerning an old Enemy the Spaniard▪ that if he ever find an opportunity, and advantage against us, hee will not baulke it: I cannot easily be drawne to a beleefe, that that great Fleet they sent two yeares since upon our Coast, when wee and our true hearted brethren, the Scots, were ready to enter into a bloody battle, was to guard only his Souldiers, or treasure; but that there was a designe in it upon this Kingdome, though by [Page] Gods mercy prevented. Never came such a Fleet upon our Coast, save in 88. when they intended a reall invasion. But if it be objected; was he not in league with us? But alas, what security can we have thereby, in being in league with him, or any of that Religion: when first they hold that it is no fault to breake faith with Hereticks. Secondly, If it be? The Popes dispensation will take it away. Thirdly, if the Pope find it for his advantage hee will so charge them to breake with us, that so conscience and obedience shall cure their malice and perfideousnesse: I am bold to adde to what my brother wrote, what once, long since I read in a little Treatise, which may something conduce to this, of that brave Lord, the late Earle of Essex; exprest in an Apology in the late Queens time of happy memory, which may something strengthen my brothers opinion for making Sea preparations; which with my Brothers, I humbly offer to your considerations, there being none under Heaven to whom we can addresse our selves▪ for power and fitnesse to correct the malignant aspect of these influences, besides your honours: And now most noble, and grave Senators, the true and ever renouned Patriots of your Country, if my Zeale for my countries freedome and prosperity, have borne me beyond my bounds, impute it to my errour of judgement, and let your candor close with the good intentions of him, who is more in wishes, and hearty desires, then in parts and abilities, for the felicity of his Countrey. And he shall ever remaine,
THE LIFE AND DEATH of Collonell Harwood.
THis little Manuscript penn'd by my honoured friend, Sir Edward, Harwood Colonell of an English Regiment in the Low-Countries, was intended for the presse, and ready thereunto, when by Gods gratious providence I coming over (having had much experience of his worth;) and in some respect, obliged unto him, was not a little glad to meet with an oportunity to shew my love and respects to him. I therefore desired leave of his brother, of whom I have now obtained it, though with some difficulty, to offer to the World some Testimony of it, wherein I will forbeare to say what I may, neither is there need for mee in that kind to say any thing at all, in respect of those that knew him, and have beene conversant with him; they have beene eye witnesses to more then I write, but for their sakes, who did not know him: I desire a little to acquaint them with his worth. To the end, that they, who have alove to that Honourable profession, may have a worthy example to incite them to imitation.
[Page] It being my portion to travell with him one whole night not loing before his decease; Hee was (beyond his custome) kept awake all that time by his owne Spirit, which constrained him to open his bosome to mee, and to give mee an Epitome of his time, and Gods dealing with him, of which, and my owne observations concerning him, you may please to take this briefe extract.
His Birth was Gentile, and from a roote fit to engraft his future education and excellency; furnished hee was with such learning as his age was capable of, and grew up in an especiall respect unto the faithfull Dispensors of the Gospell, and accordingly reapt the fruits of it in Gods season. His spirit (though sad enough) yet accompanied with much naturall mettall and courage, and look't above other callings, to that which narrow minded and effeminate men close not with.
Hee soone attended the Schoole of warre of those times, where quick and curious designes issued into dayly action and execution. There my Lord Veere, who could well distinguish of men, cast his eye upon him, by whose favour, exhal'd by his owne worth, hee was not long ascending the usuall step whereon the warres placeth reward for its followers; as hee grew skilfull in his trade, so was hee amiable to others: They live who know how deare hee was to that justly lamented, Prince Henry, who tooke such delight in him, that his closset thoughts were open to my Noble friend, from whom that Noble Prince got no smale advantage in his military way; Hee was also ever precious to [Page] King Iames, of blessed memory; so also no lesse in the esteeme of our now gracious Soveraigne, witnessing their Royall affection toward him in severall expressions of their favours. The illustrious Princesse, the Queene of Bohemia, who hearing of his death, cried out in a great passion! Oh that uggly Towne of Mastricht that hath bereeved mee of so faithfull a Servant. Also to that mirrour of his time, the last Lord Harrington, to whom hee was so endeared, that hee offered to hazard estate, liberty, and life, for his good, as by divers of his Letters still extant, appeares. To the late Duke of Buckingham, who after the defeat at the Ile of Ree, remembring what service hee did at Cadiz voyage, in bringing of the retreat, cried out! Oh Ned Harwood, Ned Harwood, that I had had thee heere. To the last Lord Steward, To the old Earle of Southampton, To the late Earle of Bedford, To this now Earle of Essex, And to the now Earle of Leycester, who was sometime his Colonell; To the Earle of Warwick, To the Lord Carleton, and to most of the chiefe Nobilitie of this Kingdome. Whose Letters found among his papers mention such reall affection, as is scarcely credible, from men of their quality. Neither was hee a little deare to that highly honoured Lord, the Lord Craven (who beside the late reall expression of love to his Brother, and for his many, great, noble, and pious workes, deserves to have his name written upon pillers of brasse) who when hee heard of his death (as was related to his brother,) cast himselfe on his bed, cried out, hee had lost his Father, such was his love and opinion of him.
[Page] Moreover, when his death was noised in the Army, there was such a generall lamentation for his losse, that his Excellency was faine to send speciall command to still it, least the enemy should take courage, as thinking it were for some of greater quality; And his Excellency himselfe in my owne hearing, I being appointed to goe before his Excellency after the Hearse, heard him say, to Count Earnest, He had lost his right hand, in the losse of Monsieur Harwood. To bee briefe his name amongst Souldiours was, In omniore, tanquam mel suavis est, & tanquam instrumenta musica in convivio lauto. Hee lived, desired; and died, lamented.
Hee soone ascended (in the States service) to the highest step that Englishmen usually tread, & that was a Collonell; in which condition, I had my knowledge of him: And these things my eye observed, that Religion, fidelity, and prowesse so met in him, that there seem'd a constant strife among them, which should most appeare, and often shewed themselves together, by which hee brooke the back of that Proverb: Nulla fides pietasque viris qui castra sequuntur.
The first of these, shewed it selfe in attendance upon the word, intimate acquaintance with, and respect unto the faithfullest dispensours of it; The exercise of his family therein; His purse standing open to the advancement of every worke of that nature in England and Holland; Hee gave a large summe annually to the redeeming impropriations, the ruine whereof was none of his least griefes, together with the many soules that suffer by it; His conceipt was, [Page] that nothing lesse then Atheisme and hellish malice could blast it; Hee kept a diary of his inward man, wherein hee wrot his owne slips, infirmities, and Gods severall wayes of providence toward him, which stood him in no small stead; He was very often in humiliations, and loved those dayes in his life time, and to his death, being slaine in a publique day of fasting; In all his actions, hee gave testimony, that hee thought as much of dying, as of living. For the second, hee was famous and precious to both the Princes of Orange, in that respect.
In the quelling the Arminian faction, hee alone was trusted with a message to King Iames, and upon his returne Barnevell, went to his last home. In the leaguer of the Busse, hee had the charge of the Vello [...], when Picolominy was in the bowels of the Countrey with 10000. men. His Excellency intrusting him with the sole trust, mannaging and ordering of that service, without limiting his commission, left it, though a matter of maine concernment to his wisedome and fidelity. In which service, hee watched 30. whole nights on Hor [...]eback, and never in that time came in bed, and in conclusion by his providence and vigilancy discharged that great trust, and fully secured the Countrey.
At Cadiz voyage Wch was a matter of trust & great difficultie, hee had imposed on him the Charge of bringing up the Reare, where the Enemie setting upon many scattered Troupes, hee brought them off with safety, by an honourable Retreat. For want of which at the Isle of Ree, how many brave Engglish lost their lives, and our Nation, much of their honour.
[Page] Lastly, his Valour was unstained, as all the Services he was in, can beare large testimony thereof. To be short, He was first hurt by a Granado in the foot, at Mastrick (a sufficient warrant to have exempted him from the Service for that day) yet would he not leave the prosecution of the designe, though often disswaded and advised, of the great danger he adventured, by the worthy Gentleman, Captaine Skippon, now Serjeant Major Generall, for the Citie of London, but going often into the Trenches, to view the Enemies Workes, in a Scarlet Coate, gave the Enemy so faire a marke, that he received from the wall, a sudden shot, out of a small Brasse Piece, which strucke him through the heart, and was from thence, by Command of the Prince of Orenge, carryed to the Hague, where he was interred, with as much honour, as ever was any that dyed in those parts, of his quallitie. In fine, Thus much I must say of him, He was true to his Principles, (a rare vertue in this Age) Hee was neither above, nor beneath his Calling, but very aeduquate and true unto it; So sad, serious, and skilfull in his way, that you may doe well to beleeve what he writes. Hee was a good man, a good Souldier, a good Christian, and is now wearing his Crown. Much more I might have said, but I must not make the Porch greater then the Building, and therefore I conclude,
Epitaph.
COLLONELL HARVVOODS advice to King CHARLES. OR, A Discourse on the rumour of the French Kings Preparation at Sea.
THe particulars of his preparations not being certainely knowne, there is no certain judgement to be made of them; I will therefore only take the case, as I suppose it will be granted. That the French King endeavours to make himselfe strong at sea, and that by two meanes, one encouraging his subjects to trade at sea, giving his Merchants great priviledges, and immunities, another of his owne proper cost, buying, and building many great and good ships, and ordaining a yearely brave proportion out of his revenue, for the increasing, and maintaining his Navie, as some say 300. thousand l. sterling, others but 300. thousand crownes, one or other, are considerable, and may prove of danger to this state: For this disposition of his argues, that hee intends either to enter into a new war, with his Majestie, or at least, to put himselfe into such a condition, as when he shal thinke [Page] fit, hee may doe so, without his disadvantage. That this his Arming at sea, must be intended, in emulation of His Majesties Lordship of the narrow Seas, to equall, ore-top him at sea is probable. For against whom else? Not against the Hollanders, they are his obsequious friends, desirous of his friendship, fearefull of his displeasure; not against the King of Spain, for he can more easily invade him by land, when hee will, as Spaine can him: Besides, the French King shewes no disposition to enter into open warre with him, for having taken on him the protection of Mantua, and not well dealt with by him in the last treaty for Italy, making a peace in shew, and yet after taking his advantage, renuing the warre in the Emperours name, yet doth he not enter into open war with him, but will only be an assistant, else had it not beene more facile for him to have invaded Flaunders, or Artois, and so by diversion aided the Duke of Mantua, then by sending an Army into Italy in the winter; therefore this preparation of the French King, for the sea, hath his chiefe ayme, in present, or future at His Majestie. I suppose, not to invade England, or it may be none of His Majesties Ilands, though that is more then we can be assured of: some of his ships of warre were this winter on His Majesties coast, went from Harbour to Harbour, doubtlesse to discover them, and not for any good to His Majestie: besides, who cantell, since the Ilands of Garnesey, and Iersey, are the only remainders of the large Dominions, His Majesties Predecessors formerly have possessed in France, if hee have not an itching to joyne them to France againe, or if not them, nor [Page] Wight; yet to share the dominion of the narrow Seas with His Majestie, and that is to take it from him, if he can; to which hitherto hee hath not pretended, as not being able to match His Majestie at Sea, but if he continue these His preparations, and that His Majestie out of hand prepare not also against it, hee will in short time undoubtedly effect it. It will be said (it may be) hee hath no good ports or havens? that is an errour; it is true, he hath not so many good harbours, as His Majesty hath, yet some he hath, not inferiour to any of His Majesties, it may be also said that his Subjects are not so proper for the Sea, nor so affected to Trade, as his Majesties are: it is true, but if he continue to encourage his Merchants, turne Merchant himselfe, will not his Princes, great Lords, and Gentlemen, follow his example? For Saylors, if he give great pay, and pay well, he will not want them of other Nations; nay, if his Majesties owne Subjects have not the like great and good payment, it is to be feared, he may draw many of his, to his service, at first, untill there be open warres twixt the Kingdomes: for doe not, at this present, many hundreds, I might say, thousands of his Majesties Subjects, serve other States at Sea; as the Hollanders, nay, the Turkes, without either leave, or knowledge of his Majestie.
Now, if the French King should come to bee as powerfull, or more, then his Majestie at Sea, he will be a more dangerous and fearfull neighbour to England then Spaine, whom hitherto this Kingdom have of latter yeares onely had cause to feare, for that against Spaine, the Low-Countries will ever bee a good [Page] Bulwarck; who if the King of Spaine at any time, make any great preparations at Sea, will be ever jealous, it is intended 'gainst them, and so ever arme against him, and be alwaies ready to joyne with, and to assist his Majestie 'gainst Spaine, which may bee doubted, they will not so readily doe against France, with whom they are in league, and not jealous off. Besides the King of Spaine hath not so populous a Countrey, as hee can easily prepare, either a great Fleet, or Land Army, and much lesse both, without long time, and so his Majestie may have the more warning thereof; Then Spaine is further from England, and so the journey is the longer, and from thence cannot come many Horse, which are the forces most to be feared in England. Whereas France being so neere us, and so full of Souldiers, both Horse and Foot, if it once come to be able to equall England at Sea, by sudden and quicke preparations, stealing opportunities, he may oretop England at Sea, and then transport such an Army of Horse and Foot, as we might justly be afraid of: For old Souldiers both Horse and Foot, France abounds in, and the French have a vertue proper to them, that not a Gentleman thinkes himselfe any thing, untill he have seene the Warres, learned at least, good and perfect use of his Armes, and naturally they are all good Horsemen; their Land affords Horses fit for service, and every man almost knows to use Pistoll and Carabin: wheras in England, unlesse those, which have beene Souldiers, few or none can use their Armes, and of those which have bin Souldiers, it may be not all, can well use their Armes; especially the Musquet, which is of most offence, which our Nation are not naturally so [Page] prompt to learn the use of, as the French are; and for Horse, this Kingdom is so deficient, as it is a question, whether or not, the whole Kingdome could make 2000. good Horse, that might equall 2000. French.
To redesse these deficiences, In all humility, I here present my poore and slender advice, under correction, and with submission to better judgments.
First, and principally I would advise that his Majesty would arme at Sea, for that is the surest defence, for we can never be hurt by a forraigne enemy, by land, till we be first beaten at Sea; and therein I cannot give better advise, then to doe what the French King doth, as to repaire and increase his own Royall Navie, which is the greatest and best assured strength of England, and to that end, to set apart some certaine large proportion of his revenue, that His Sea-men may have good pay, and well paid; and if there be good and strict courses taken, that there be no abuses in the Musters, victualling, consumption of Ammunition (which without good payment cannot well be executed) His Majesty will be a Gainer thereby, in matter of profit, besides, the reputation and advantage of his service; and it is my opinion, that no Prince nor State, but had better give 40 in the hundred, for monies to pay his Militia well, then not to pay well: Then to encourage his Merchants, and other subjects to trade, and in making new plantations. For his land-forces, that His Majestie would take order, that the numbers of trayned men were increased, or rather that the whole Kingdome from 18. or 20. to 35. or 40. as many men as were able of bodies were armed, one [Page] third with pikes, and armours, another with muskets, and the third with calivers; that there were powder, bullets, and match through the whole Kingdome, magazines thereof in suncry places of the Kingdome in such a quantity, as if it were invaded in one, or divers parts, there be no want of Ammunition in any place: for it would be then too late to fetch it else-where, and much worse, then to make it, or send over Seas for it. That there were care taken, that these men then armed might be well exercised; and to that end, that there be in every hundreth, or wapentake, some old souldier, Sergeant, or other inferiour Officer, had out of the Low-countries well chosen, t [...]at might teach men the use of their Armes, and that there were certaine dayes set and appointed, for the shewing their Armes, and exercising them: and if the Statutes which were formerly for sporting in the Long Bow, were revived, or converted, (with deliberation) for the musket and Caliver, to practise by shooting at markes on ordinary Holy-dayes, and such like times, and at some time some small prize for them, that shoot nearest; under correction, I thinke it were much for the strength of the Kingdome: Then that there were good choyse made of the Mustermasters, none to be but such as had borne office in some actuall warre of reputation; for better there were none, and their allowances divi [...]ed unto sundry inferiour men, then for one to draw a great pay, that either knowes not to doe, or doth not any thing for it: and because there is, or may be such as have borne office [Page] in the warres, and yet discontinue so long, as they have forgotten their trade, or that the fashion of the warres and exercising bee changed, since hee was last a souldiour, that every Mustermaster, shall not onely at his first enterance, bee approved by such as are able to judge him, to bee fit for that charge, but to the end hee may continue so, hee bee injoyned once, in 4 or 5. yeares, to goe personally for the Sommer time into some actuall warre abroad, if any bee, to retaine and renew his knowledge, That the Captaines of the Trained bands, bee injoyned themselves to passe the Seas, to learne the duties of their places, or at least, to keepe of his owne charge, one that can discharge his place, and if neither to quite their commands to such, as will doe the one or other.
By this meanes, his Majesty may have an Army of foot on a sodaine in any part of England to answer all occasions, without drawing his forces much farre out of their proper Countries; for an Enemy may make shew of landing in one place, and having drawen the greatest strength of the Kingdome thither (windes serving for it) sodainly transport himselfe to another, before that Army can by land come there.
Now for horse, wherein this Kingdome is more defective, then I thinke is any other, it were a worke worthy of his Majesty, seriously to take it into consideration, how to amed it, and though on a sodaine, it is not to bee hoped to bring the worke to any great perfection, yet a good foundation once well layed, in processe of time, it may bee effected, [Page] and for the present bee much helped: it is so great a worke, and my experience being not so much that way as in foote, I will not take upon mee to deliver any certaine grounds for it, but will onely point at some wayes, whereby I conceive it may bee reformed: The defects consists chiefely in want of fit horses, and fit men to bee horse-men, which I take to bee the greater want of the two, and can but wonder, that so great a kingdome should bee so defective in so brave and noble a strength, wherein our nearest neighbours so abound; in ancient times wee were not so, it may bee one reason is, that now our Nation is more addicted to running and hunting horses, then in those elder times.
For remedy, under correction, First, that there where care taken, that there were a stronger breed of horses through the Kingdome; then that his Majesty would beginne at his Court, and there convert his bands of Pensioners into a brave troupe of Curassers, there horses at least so ready, as to give and change a pistoll on, sometimes to exercise them, by shooting at a marke on horseback with their pistols, and alwayes to keepe this band so. To admit none to those places, but such as before, were knowen to bee horsemen, and could use pistoll on horseback: Then that the Lords, & others of his Majesties great Officers, and Councell, did follow this example, and every one to keep some great horses, to have armes, and pistols, and some such Servants as were fit to bee horsemen, and to induce other Lords, and Gentlemen of great estates, to doe to like, and incourage them thereto; to reserve all personall honours (except [Page] experienced souldiers that had born good command) for such Noblemen, and Gentlemen as did in this conforme themselves to doe his Majesty and Countrey service, whereby those, which never intended to make the warres their trade, might bee brought so farre as to be enabled to doe something for the defence of their King and Countrey: if the Noblemen and Gentlemen would take this to heart, as they have done, running of races for bels (which I could wish, were converted to shooting at a marke with pistols on horseback for the same bell;) they would bee sufficient for Curassiers. Now for other kinds of horse, I would that the Trained bands were increased, and all reformed to Harquebusiers, but whether their Peeces to bee with Fire-locks or Snaphaunces, is questionable, the Fire-lock is more certaine for giving fire, the other more facile for use. For the present my opinion is, at first, it were best to take up the Snaphaunce, untill Pistols be more frequent, which being more difficult to use, are fittest as before for Gentlemen to begin first to bring into use: When they have once brought them to be ordinary, it will be more facile to bring them into use amongst the inferiour sort; and for the present, this Kingdome hath not (except in London, and it may bee some few Townes besides) Artificers, that can make or amend fire-locks: Then I would have a Muster-master a part, for the horse, as well as for the foote, well choosen, some old Horseman out of the Low-countries; For that it is scarce possible to find men that are fit and able for both horse and foote: The Kingdome thus armed and exercised [Page] an Enemy cannot land in any part of it, but, (without unturnishing the other parts,) there will bee a competent Army presently found to make resistance.
It may bee said, these Advises will be found not practiquable, or very difficultly; so are all great workes at first; but I conceive, if his Majesty would take it to heart, and give incouragements of honour and preferrements, to such as conforme themselves to his pleasure herein, and make this the way of advancement, it would not bee difficult, but if without this way honour and advancement may bee had; well may many thinke, why should they take such pains, or be at such charge, for that which may more easily bee had: And here I cannot but blame our Nation in the generall, (for I beleeve, the most gloriousest of our neighbours, will grant, it as Valiant a Nation, as is on the Earth,) that they should not bee more addicted to Armes, but give themselves for the most, to expensefull pleasures, altogether unserviceable for King and Countrey: whereas there is not a French Gentleman, that so soone as hee begins to write man, but learnes to ride, to use his armes on foote and horseback, and whether younger or elder brother, puts himselfe into some actuall warre for some time, to learne the trade of a souldier, though hee never intend to make it his profession. I would further advise, that all the principall Harbours & good landing places were so fortified, as farre as is possible, that no Enemies Fleet should anchour in them, or much lesse land in them, without remarkeable disadvantage. The command [Page] of which places I would have given to none, but experienced souldiers, and such, as are sound in Religion, and had borne commands in the warres for many yeares; and they to reside in them: not unto Noblemen, or Gentlemen of great estates, which seldome, or never, come at them; and much lesse to meaner men that are no souldiers: for maintenance whereof the charge once arrested, to repartite them on some revenue neere adjoyning, and being well paid, to have strict oversight had, that there bee alwayes such, and so many able Gunners and Souldiers present in them, as his Majesty payes, on all occasions to bee used; if lesse will serve, then why should his Majesty bee charged to pay more.
To conclude, if his Majesty would reserve the places properly belonging to the warres, (whereof hee hath the fewest of any great Prince of Christendome;) as, the Governments of his Ilands, the keeping of the Forts, and Castles, and places of command in Zeeland, onely for souldiers, and worthy souldiers, and men sound in Religion. It would bee a great incouragement to his Subjects to follow the warres, to inable themselves to doe him service, though to their cost and charge, when they have to hope, that though they serve a strange Prince, or State to their no advantage, yet thereby inabling themselves to doe their owne King service, they may in time bee provided for in their owne Countrey; whereas if charges of commands, advancements of honour may bee had better cheape, by staying at home [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] and following their pleasures, there will but few ever take the paines and labour, or bee at the charges to inable themselves by following the warres abroad, all men being led, either by honour, or profit, or both.
THE LATE EARLE OF ESSEX His Instructions for Englands SAFETIE.
AFter I had resolved to publish this Manuscript of my Brothers, I remembred I had read something, long since, in a little Treatise, written by that brave and worthy Commander, the late Earle of Essex, concerning Sea Preparations (though then written in a time when we had an open Enemie, and now no such occasion, yet we know not how soone we may,) Which though but short, yet my Brothers judgement concurring with it, which was, that the safest and surest defence for this Kingdome, was our Navy, and that we could never be hurt by Land, by a Forreigne enemy, unlesse we were first beaten at Sea. I thought it not amisse, to annex it to this of my Brothers, and by that occasion, reading the whole Discourse from which I had it. I found in it besides, what concernes this point, which was Directions for the securing of this Kingdome, some such worthy [Page] expressions, which as they did much affect me in the reading, so I conceive, they might be of some use also for these times; as some for imitation, others, for other purposes. I thought it not amisse to revive, and bring them againe to light; some things were spoken by that brave Lord of himselfe, some others are related by him of those Ancient and renowned Romans, where we may see a bravenesse of spirit, even in those that were but Heathen. Now if there were such brave spirits in them that had nothing but the light of nature to direct them: What should be then in Christians that have a Sunne to their Candle, Shal they come short of them, in love and affection to their Countrey? Will it not one day rise up in judgement against us, as our Saviour saith of Tirus and Sidon, that haue such principles, and such encouragements of rewards above them. They had but honour and reputation, I may say, a vaine and windy motive: We have the Command of God, and a heavenly reward promised, even a Kingdome, and that everlasting; and shall we come so short of them, as not to venture anything for God, his Gospel, and our Religion▪ Did a Roman say, he cared not to leave to bury him, so the Common-wealth might flourish? What shall a Christian doe for his Countrey? shall he not lay aside all private respects of his owne, and only seeke Gods honour, in his care of the Common good.
Now most noble Lords, and Gentlemen, God having called you unto it. Let your Countrey see, and all the World know, that there is more power in Religion, then in Heathenish Principles; Ioyne all your forces together to promote his Gospell, and [Page] your Countreyes good.
O that the reviving of these few sparks that I have by this occasion brought to light, might adde fervour to your brave English Spirits; What though there be some so degenerate, as to raise their fortunes and keepe their honours, cares not what becomes of the Common-wealth, and Gospell of Christ; Yet we have found there are many, yea many, that still retain that ancient vertue in them, and doe even at this time practise it; to such I will say, goe one Noble Lords and Gentlemen, doe worthily in Bethelem, and you shall be famous in Ephrata, set aside all private respects, and as you have begun with unwearied paines and patience (which in all due thankefulnesse we doe humbly acknowledge) Goe on still to continue your care of us, and our Countries good, and for all others contrarily minded, the Lord either convert them, or suddenly confound them.
In this ensuing relation, I shall onely use that Honourable Lords owne words. I leave their application to all true-hearted English-men. The heads are these,
First, His advice for Sea Preparations, which are not (as I conceive) un-usefull for this present time.
Secondly, his Protestation of his affection to his Country, worthy the imitation of men of his quality.
Thirdly, his extraordinary affection to Souldiers and men of Warre, the favouring and cherishing of whom, will be no small security to this Kingdom.
Fourthly, his Iudgement concerning Pluralities of Religion, tollerated in a State, A thing worthy of due consideration.
[Page] Fiftly, the sweet harmony betwixt a loving Prince, and loyall subjects, a desireable and imitable thing. Lastly, a sweet reprehension of the superfluous expence of these times, which if some course were taken therein to limit them: I see not, but it would make much to the generall good of this Common-wealth.
First, for his advise for Sea-preparations, it was this, that if Her Majestie would be pleased, but to raise up a summe of a hundred, and fifty thousand pounds a yeare; and put it into the hands of an honest and sufficient Treasurer, for the warres, and to bee issued by a Councell well chosen, would fully and sufficiently maintaine the warre with Spaine; yea, such a force should be maintained thereby, as Her Maiesty having a convenient number of her owne ships, and repairing and furnishing them, as yearely she doth, the enemy should bring no Fleet into the Seas for England, or Ireland, or Low-countries, but should be beaten, nor seeke to gather one into Spain, but the parts of it should be defeated, before the whole could be assembled, yea, those services should bee done upon the enemy, that the poorest Prince or State in Christendome, should have little cause to feare his malice.
2. For his Protestation of his affection to his Country, it was, that the reputation of a most faithful subject, and zealous Patriot, with the hazard of his life, and decay of his estate he had sought to purchase, and when he was offered by the King of Spaine, what Tittle, summe of money, or pension he would desire, so as hee might be won to take their part, hee did [Page] professe, that if God had not put him back, and arrested him by contrary winds and tempests that summer, he would have taught that proud King, what effects his proffer had wrought in him, and the longer the will of God, and his Soveraigne did restraine him, with the greater interest to hope to pay him in the end, that had sought him out as a fit man to betray his Queene and Countrey.
Thirdly, for his respect to Souldiers, and men of warre, hee profest he did intirely love them. First, for his owne sake; for hee found sweetnesse in their conversations, strong assistance in their imploiments with him, and happinesse in their friend-ship: that he loved them for their vertues sake, and for their greatnesse of mind (for little minds, though never so full of vertue, can be but little vertuous) and for their great understanding, for to understand little things, or things not of use, is little better then to understand nothing at all; That he loved them for their affections; for selfe-loving men, love ease, pleasure, and profit, but they that love paines, danger, and paine, shew that they love publick profit, more then themselves: That he loved them for his countries sake, for they are Englands best Armour of defence, and weapons of offence, if we have peace, they have purchased it; if we should have warre, they must mannage it; Yea, while we are doubtfull, and in treaties, wee must value our selves by what may be done, and the enemy will value us by that which hath beene done by our chiefe men of action. Before action, providence made him cherrish them for the service they can doe, and after action, expeperience, [Page] and thankfulnesse made him love them for the service they had done.
Fourthly, concerning Plurality of Religion, profest in one Estate, that it was against the policy of all States; because where there is no unity, or order in the State, it is the manifest ruine of that State; for as the mingling of poyson with wholesome liquor in one vessell, doth not correct that which is Lethal, but corrupts that which is wholesome: so the poysoned doctrine of those Hispanioliz'd Iesuites once brought in that state, will not indure any profession (save their owne.)
Fiftly, for the sweet harmony, betwixt a loving Prince, and loyall subjects: Thus doth he say, wee, thankes be to God, have a Queene, who hath never beene wastfull in her private expence; yet will shee sell her plate, and jewels in the Tower, ere her people shall be undefended: We are a people that will turne our silken coats into iron Iacks, and our silver plate into coats of plate, rather then our Soveraign shall be unserved.
Sixtly, and lastly, his pleasing reprehension of the superfluous expences of those times, it is by way of objection that was made in those times; that they could neither have a good peace, or jnst warre; and of two evils, it were better to have a patched peace, then an unsupportable warre. To which he answers, that those that did so thinke were injurious; First to our men of warre (that fight for them, and defend them) in thinking their armes (which have ever done honour to our nation, and stricken terrour into the [Page] hearts of our enemies) lesse able to defend our countrey, then their treaties, which have never beene free from scorne and disadvantage. Injurious they are to the Countrey that bred them, which being one of the bravest, strongest, and happiest States in Christendome, is judged by these men, to be as weak as their owne weake hearts. Injurious they are to her Majestie, who being so great, so glorious, and so victorious a Queene, shall be judged unable to maintaine warre, when she cannot have peace, but at the pleasure of her enemie. Yea, injurious, and most unthankfull they are to God himselfe (who hath hitherto fought for them) in that (for an unsafe peace, with an idolatrous, and irrelegious nation) they would leave an honourable, and just warre. But when some objections might bee made, that Her Majesties Treasure was drawne deepe into, and if there were any weaknesse in our meanes, to make warre, it was in our Treasure: To this he answers, that though Her Majesties treasure be drawne deep into, and the poore Hus-bandman by the late hard yeares past, hath now left scarce any meanes to live; yet if our sumptuous buildings, our surfetting diet, our Prodigality in Garments, our infinite Place, and costly Furniture of our houses, be well considered, England cannot be thought poore: can we exceed all nations in Christendome in wastfull vanities, and can we not arme our selves against one nation (whom wee have ever beaten) for our necessary defence? Was Rome so brave a State, that the very Ladies to supply the common Treasure, and to maintaine [Page] the warres, spoyled themselves of their Iewels, and rich ornaments, and is England so base a State, as that the people therein, will not bestow some part of their superfluous expences, to keepe themselves from conquest, and slavery? Did the godly Kings and religious people, which wee read of in the old Testament, to maintaine warre, against the enemies of God, sell the ornaments of the Temple, and the things consecrated to holy uses? and shall not wee that have as holy a warre spare those things we have dedicated to our owne idle, and sensuall pleasures? Could our owne nation in those gallant former ages, when our countrey was farre poorer, then now it is, levy armies, maintaine warres, atchieve great conquests in France, and make our powerfull Armies knowne, as farre as the Holy-Land? And is this such a degenerate age, as wee shall not be able to defend England; no, no, there is yet left some seed of that ancient vertue. I remember with what spirit and alacrity, the Gentlemen of England have put themselves voluntarily into our late actions; there wil ever be found some valorous, which (so the State may stand) and flourish care not though they leave not, wherewith to bury themselves: though others bury their money, not caring in what case they leave the state.
The Conclusion.
THus farre are his owne words, and here I intended to have finished this discourse, but my thoughts prest me to a new taske, and what shall I [Page] say most Noble Lords, and worthy Gentlemen, I will say to you even as Abraham did to God; Seeing, saith hee: I have begunne to speake unto my Lord, that am but dust and ashes, Let not my Lord bee angry, I will speake but this once. Seeing, I have taken upon mee to publish something, that I hope, may tend to the good of our bodies; give mee leave now to adde something, (which I hope) may bee no lesse for the good of soules, and that is this, most Humbly to crave, that you will bee pleased to take to your most wise and grave considerations, that noble and pious worke happily begunne and successefully proceeded in, of the Feoffees for redeeming in impropriations, of which body before it was supprest, I was (though unworthy) a member, and therefore can say the more, of which I dare bee bould to say, it was one of the most glorious workes that ever was undertaken in this Kingdome of late yeares, and did more conduce to the spreading abroad of the glorious Gospell of IESVS CHRIST, then any I ever understood of, or heard of. Of which I may truly say, as Solomon of the vertuous Huswife, to those that did contribute to it Many Daughters have done vertuously, but thou surmounts them all. I deny not, but it is good to give to Hospitals, to repairing of Churches, setting up of Free-Schooles, building of Almes-houses and the like; But I have ever thought such as concerne soules, to bee as farre above them, as the soule is above the body.
This Pious Worke it was well approved by his Majesty, as we were informed, at our first taking of [...]t; And I am sure of all the best Subjects, onely the [Page] Diotrephes, that Saint Iohn speakes of, ( That love Preheminence, and thrust their Brethren out of the Church) the Prelates of our time, that never did further, but ever hinder any good Worke that tended to the advancement of the Gospell of Christ, if it did not Comply with their ambitions. But of them I will say no more, (you have said so much, and so wel.) But for this Pious worke I dare be bound to say, if it had continued, and not beene supprest, by their meanes, That by this time most of the Impropriations of this Kingdome had beene brought in, and laid unto the Church againe. A worke fit for such an Age as this, that hath enjoyed the Gospell so long, to have propagated it to the darke corners of this Kingdome, and this to be effected and done, not by a forced and strained exaction, but by a free and willing contribution of such as understand the nature of it, and saw the present good fruits and effect of it, which adde much to the glory of it. The Contributions at first were very incouraging, and some underwrit yearely good summes, others to every impropriation we brought certaine summes; but towards the time of our unhappy dissolution the contribution grew much greater; for, not a weeke before we were supprest, a Lady, yet living, sent us word, shee would give a thousand pounds presently to the furtherance of the Worke, and many wills have since beene altered that we heard off, that gave brave proportions to it. I never heard of, nor can yet see any such way to spread the Gospell to the remote and blind corners of this Kingdome, neither can we, for ought I know, ever hope to see Popery quelled, [Page] till a godly painfull Ministry be established, and that will never be, till competent meanes bee provided: both these had been effected, and the effects in time, would have manifested what I have said, and the benefit thereof would not onely have extended to the Church, but also to the Common-wealth; for where a good Ministery is placed in a Towne, there idlenesse will be abolished, the poore and impotent children, and vagrant set on worke, and His Majesty have gained true and loyall Subjects, such as he may repose himselfe in their loves and fidelities. Its the glory of our Religion, it was never stained with those hellish Plots, Massacres, and Treacheries against their Soveraigne; and if ever Popery bee put downe to purpose, it must be by the meanes of establishment of a powerfull Ministry; then shall we see Satan fall downe like Lightning, It must be the breath of the Lord that must abolish the man of Sinne. I deny not but good Lawes doe well, but what through favour, conniving, and want of execution, we dayly see they have not such good effect, as were to be wished: that I am confident, it must be the powerfull conscionable Preaching Ministery of the Gospell, that must especially effect it, and to procure that, nothing wil more conduce, then a full, free, and plentifull provision for the Dispencers of it, and not for such as doe least to have most. The Lord in mercy direct you, blesse and prosper your proceedings, and in his good time, give us to enjoy the happy fruits and effects of your great, long, and unwearied Paines.