markable circumstance, that the same question, under almost the same forms, is, at this very day, the topic upon which the public mind in England is exercised with a predominating interest. The reformers, who now complain of the "unhappy condition the civil state is in, whilst the Bishops have a vote in the Lords' House," are not uttering novelties, but merely repeating the language with which the halls of Parliament resounded, and England rang from side to side, nearly two hundred years ago.

When the Assembly of Divines was summoned to deliberate on the state of the church and the interests of religion, Sir Henry Vane was nominated by the Parliament one of its lay members; and in the consultations of that grave and learned body he distinguished himself by his theological attainments, as well as by his skill and influence in debate.

CHAPTER X.

Civil War.- Solemn League and Covenant. Treaty with the King. - Vane's Speech. Colonel Pride's Purge. - Rump Parliament. Vane retires from Parliament. - Execution of the King. Vane returned to the Administration of the Government. Conducts the na

val War with Holland.. Blake and Van Tromp. Vane reports to Parliament a Bill for Parliamentary Reform.-Milton's Panegyric upon Him.

THE Course of events was rapidly drawing on that crisis in which all theological and theoretical discussions would have to give place to military operations, and every other contest be hushed in the louder controversy of arms. The King and the Parliament had put their cause to the issue of battle, the resources of the country were all drawn out in support of the combatants, and the sad traces of a civil and domestic war were already deeply imprinted on many a bloody field. Although very great success, considering the circumstances, had attended the cause of the Parliament, it was found necessary to procure additional reinforcements, in order to enable them to bear up

against the power of the King. The plan was accordingly devised of gaining the coöperation of the Scotch, by forming a close alliance with that nation. In June, 1643, commissioners were appointed to proceed to Edinburgh for this purpose. In mentioning the circumstance that Sir Henry Vane was one of these commissioners, Clarendon observes, "Therefore the others need not be named, since he was all, in any business where others were joined with him."

The mission was perfectly successful. The SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT was agreed upon; a complete union was formed between the patriots of England and Scotland, and upon a basis which also comprehended the Irish, and was adapted to secure their favor and aid. It is impossible to ascribe too much importance to the Solemn League and Covenant in determining the issue of the war. The alliance of France with the United States in the American Revolution was not more decisive of the independence of the latter, than the alliance with Scotland was of the triumph of the Parliament. It is very amusing to see with what sensibility the royalist historians speak of this brilliant and memorable diplomatic achievement, the glory of which they all ascribe to Sir Henry Vane alone. "There need no more be said of his ability," says Clarendon, “than that he was chosen to cozen and deceive a whole

nation, which excelled in craft and cunning, which he did with notable pregnancy and dexterity."

Hume also gives the credit of the transaction to Sir Henry, although he cannot, any more than Clarendon, refrain from mingling a little abuse with his praise. "In this negotiation," says he, "the man chiefly trusted to was Vane, who in eloquence, address, capacity, as well as art and dissimulation, was not surpassed by any one, even during that age so famous for active talents. By his persuasion was framed at Edinburgh the Solemn League and Covenant."

On the return of the commissioners to London, Sir Henry Vane made a full report of their proceedings, which were approved and confirmed by the Parliament. His name, being next to that of Cromwell on the list, was subscribed to the Covenant on the 22d of September. The alliance was thus solemnly ratified. The strength of all the opponents of Charles's government was collected and concentrated, and from that moment the tide of success continued to follow the arms of the Parliament until the monarchy was overthrown.

Sir Henry Vane was a prominent member of all the commissions, which were appointed from time to time to treat with the King, and was also employed as one of the Parliament's committee, which, on special seasons of emergency, accom

panied their army in its movements, and exercised, in its stead, the whole authority of Parliament. He was thus continually engaged, in public and in private, on the floor of the House and in committees, in council and in camp, laboring without intermission in the service of the country and of the republican cause.

During the negotiations with the King, he manifested a fixed resolution to do all that could be done to make the best of the opportunity the country then enjoyed, of securing to itself the blessings of liberty. He, therefore, resisted all attempts to make a compromise with the King, except upon a basis which would render it impossible for the executive branch of the government ever again to encroach upon the rights of the people; and he was desirous of proceeding, as a Parliament, to settle the government, and organize anew all the civil institutions of the country, upon the principles of liberty and justice, without meddling with the person of the King, or removing him from his retreat, or in any way concerning themselves about him. But other counsels prevailed.

As the civil war continued to rage, the moral effects of such a state of things began to show themselves, not only in private life, but in the various institutions and relations of society. Passion, violence, and misrule, became more and