to proceed to the finishing of the treaty without staying for new
instructions from England, because otherwise all his negotiation would
become fruitless; and he held himself obliged, in honour and conscience,
to make good what he had already assented unto before any mention of new
instructions came to him, and what he had done being pursuant to his
former instructions, and in his judgement for the advantage and good of
England.

He was also willing to persuade himself that the new instructions would
extend only to the order of his return, and was so to be taken by
Thurloe's letter, and to the close of his whole negotiation; wherein he
had done nothing, and resolved not to do anything, but what he believed
to be just and honest. He was also troubled lest the Queen should put off
the treaty upon some distaste about the secret article, and yet pretend
only the absence of her Chancellor; but Whitelocke left all to the
providence of God, and His blessing upon honest and diligent means,
wherein he resolved not willingly to be wanting. And whether to put it
off or to proceed to the despatch of it seemed the more difficult,
because of a letter from his wife, wherein she wrote that Thurloe said to
her, that it was fit her husband should receive certain instructions what
to do before his coming away, because, if he should do anything too
suddenly, without good warrant, it might cost him his life. This indeed
were a worthy and meet recompense for all the hardships, perils, and
faithful services undergone and performed for those who were then in
power; but his hope and expectation of reward was from above the highest
of them.


_April 21, 1654._