When, as time went on, the
evils of the rebellion developed themselves more fully, he was
already high in command, and so involved with his own party that he
had not the resolution requisite for a change of course and
renunciation of his associates. He would willingly have come to
terms with the King, and was earnest in the attempt at the time of
the conferences at Hampden Court. He strongly disapproved of the
usurpation of power by the army, and was struck with horror, grief,
and dismay, at the execution of King Charles; but still he would not,
or fancied that he could not, separate himself from the cause of the
Parliament, and continued in their service, following Cromwell to
Scotland, and fighting at Worcester on the rebel side, disliking
Cromwell all the time, and with a certain inclination to the young
King, and desire to see the old constitution restored.
He was just one of those men who cause such great evil by giving a
sort of respectability to the wrong cause, "following a multitude to
do evil," and doubtless bringing a fearful responsibility on their
own heads; yet with many good qualities and excellent principles,
that make those on the right side have a certain esteem for them, and
grieve to see them thus perverted.
Lady Woodley, who knew him well, though sorry to have a rebel in her
house at such a time, was sure that in him she had a kind and
considerate guest, who would do his utmost to protect her and her
children.
Pages:
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46