LIberty being that which in all times hath been, but especially now is the Condition, the aime, and desire of all men, condition, reason shews that Kings lesse then any should endure Captivity, yet I call God to witnesse with what patience J have endured a tedious restraint, which so long as J had any hopes that this sort of my suffring might conduce to the peace of my Kingdomes, or the hindring of more effusion of blood I did willingly undergo; But now finding by two certaine proofes, that this my continued patience would not only turne to my personall Ruine, but likewise be of much more prejudice, then furtherance to the publique good, I thought I was bound as well by naturall as polliticall Obligations, to seek my safety by retyring my selfe for some time from the publick view, both of my friends and enemies. And I appeale to all indifferent men, to judge if I have not just cause to free my selfe from the hands of those who change their principles with their condition, and who are not a shamed openly to intend the distruction of the Nobility, by taking a­way their negative voice, and with whom the Levelers Doctrine, is rather countenanced then punished, and as for their intentions to my Person, their changing and putting more strict Guards upon me, with the discharging most of all those servants of mine, who formerly they willingly admitted to waite up­on me, do sufficiently declare. Nor would I have this my retirement mis-interpreted for, I shall earnestly and uncessantly endeavour the setling of a safe and well-grounded peace where-ever I am, or shall be, and that (as much as may be) without the effusion of more Christian Blood, for which how many tims have I Desired, press't to the Head, and yet no Eare given to me: and can any reasonable man thinke that (according to the ordinary course of affaires there can be a Setled Peace without it, or that God will bless those, who refuse to heare their owne King, surely no, Nay J must further adde that (besides what concernes my selfe) unless all other cheise interests have not only a hearing but likewise just satisfaction given unto them, (to witt the PRESBITERIANS, INDEPENDANTS, ARMIE, those who have adheared to mee, and even the SCOTS) I saie there cannot (I speake not of miracles, it being in my opinion a sinfull presumption in such cases to expect or trust to them) be a safe and lasting peace: Now as J cannot deny but that my personall security is the urgent cause of this my retirement. So J take God to witness that the publik peace is no less before my Eyes, and J can find no better way to express this my profession (J know not what a wiser man may doe) then by desiring and urging that all chiefe Jnterests may be heard, to the end each may have just satisfaction, as for example, the army (for the rest though necessary yet J suppose are not difficult to consent) ought (in my Judgement) to enjoy the liberty of their consciences, and have an act of Oblivion, or Indempnity (which should extend to the rest of all my Subjects) and that all their arreares should be speedily and duely paid which J will undertake to doe so J may be heard, and tha [...] J be not hindred from using such lawfull and honest meanes as J shall choose, to conclude let me be heard with Freedome, Honor and safety, and J shall instantly breake through this Cloud of retirement, and shew my selfe ready to be pater patre: