I am guilty in this War of nothing but this, That I gave such advantages to some men, by confirming their power, which they knew not to use with that modesty and gratitude, which became their loyalty and My confidence.
Had I yeelded lesse, I had been opposed lesse; had I denied more, I had been more obeyed.
'Tis now too late to review the occasions of the War; I wish only a happy conclusion of so unhappy beginnings: The inevitable fate of our sins was (no doubt) such, as would no longer suffer the divine Justice to be quiet: we having conquered this patience, are condemned by mutuall conquerings, to destroy one another: for, the most prosperous successes on either side, impair the welfare of the whole.
Those Victories are still miserable, that leave our sins unsubdued; flushing our pride, and animating to continue injuries.
Peace is not it self desirable, till repentance hath prepared us for it.
When we fight more against our selves, and lesse against God, we shall cease fighting against one another; I pray God these may all meet in our hearts, and so dispose us to an happy conclusion of these Civil-Wars; that I may know better to obey God, and govern my people, and they may learn better to obey both God and me.
Nor do I desire any man should be further subject to me, then all of us may be subject to God.
O my God, make me content to be overcome, when thou wilt have it so.
Teach me the noblest victory over my self and my enemies by patience, which was Christs conquest, and may well become a Christian King.
Between both thy hands, the right sometimes supporting, and the left afflicting, fashion us to that frame of Piety thou likest best.