A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II. | Page 7

I am very sorry for the indisposition of your{1} father,
and for the delay of my business. I have been here about three months,
and nothing is yet concluded.
_Gr. Eric._ The uncertainty of your Dutch affair, and the Queen's desire
to know the issue of it, hath occasioned this delay.
_Wh._ As the points of amity and commerce, they concern not our
Dutch treaty.
_Gr. Eric._ You will be sure to receive all satisfaction and contentment
on that subject; but there are many particulars of the commerce to be
considered.
_Wh._ I cannot say much upon those particulars; but I was sent hither
by my Lord Protector to testify his respect to the Queen and kingdom
of Sweden, and to offer to them the amity of England, which I suppose
that wise and experienced persons as you are will accept of; and for
commerce my proposals are general.
_Gr. Eric._ I confess the particulars thereof may more conveniently be
treated on by merchants; and we do not so much desire a confederation

with any nation as with England.
It was supposed by Whitelocke, that by the deferring of his business
here, the Hollanders would be in the more suspense and doubt of the
issue of it, and might thereby come on the more freely in their treaty
with England; whereas, if the issue of his business here were known, it
might perhaps seem less to them than it was now suspected to be. Upon
this ground, though he spake of the delay, yet he did not so much press
for a positive answer, but that he imagined the Dutch treaty might be
brought to an issue; he intended to put on his business here, and the
default hitherto rested on their part, as was acknowledged by their own
excuses.
[SN: Discourse with the Chief Justice.]
Whilst Eric was with Whitelocke, the Chief Justice came in. And after
Grave Eric was gone the Chief Justice discoursed much concerning the
Protector and his family, his extraction and pedigree, his former quality
and condition, and his present state and manner of living: to which
Whitelocke answered truly, and with honour to the Protector; and as to
his present post, attendants, and ceremonies of his Court, he could not
give so punctual an account, it being altered since his coming from
England. He also inquired particularly concerning the Parliament, the
forms of their summons, sitting, debating, voting, power, and authority;
in all which Whitelocke was the better able to satisfy him, having been
a Member of Parliament for almost thirty years together: and then the
Chief Justice inquired further:--
_Chief Justice._ What opinions of Calvin are most in estimation in
England? and what is the state of your religion there?
_Whitelocke._ Neither Calvin's opinion nor Luther's are esteemed in
England further than they are agreeable to the Holy Scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments, which are the rules and contain the state of
religion professed in England. But by what state of religion is the
profanation of the Lord's Day, and of images and crucifixes in churches,
permitted?

_Ch. Just._ No recreations or works are permitted on Sundays till after
divine service ended, and then Calvin permits them; and Luther is of
opinion for the historical use of images and crucifixes, but not to pray
to them.
_Wh._ Herein both the opinion of Calvin and that of Luther are
expressly contrary to the Holy Scripture, and therefore not esteemed in
these points in England.
The Chief Justice eagerly asserted these opinions not to be contrary to
the Scripture, but alleged no proof, either from thence or out of human
authors, to make good his assertion. After much argumentation
hereupon, the Chief Justice offered to Whitelocke that he would move
the Queen for a speedy despatch of his business; and said, he did not
doubt but that satisfaction would be given him therein.
Whitelocke was the more desirous to get a conclusion of his business
while Piementelle was here, because of his great favour with the Queen;
which, with her respects to Montecuculi, both great Papists, caused
Whitelocke to have the more doubt of her inclinations.
Prince Adolphus made a great entertainment for Montecuculi,
Piementelle, and most of the grandees in town; but Whitelocke was
omitted, his humour and principles as to their jollities and drinking of
healths not being agreeable to theirs; and he held this neglect no
affliction to him.
_March 9, 1653._
Whitelocke visited the Ricks-Admiral Oxenstiern, the Chancellor's
brother, who received him with great civility; and they discoursed very
much of Whitelocke's business to the effect as others did.
[SN: Whitelocke visits the Chancellor's eldest son.]
He also visited Grave John Oxenstiern, the Chancellor's eldest son,
whose carriage was elated. Two of his pages were sons of Earls, and
had the