reasonings may be but fleshly, either with or against; only it is good to try what truth may be in them. And the Lord teach us.” [80] The letter is given in _pp. 162-5_ of Tytler’s “_Trials of Charles I_.” H. (_Page 167._) DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN THE KING’S TROOPS AND THE TOWN’S PEOPLE. The following letter,[81] written from Bridgnorth in the year 1642, affords evidence of the fact, that there were partizans of the Parliament in the town, who doubtless did their best to alienate the minds of the people from the King’s cause; and also that the rude conduct of the soldiers, in the royal army, greatly aggravated the evil. The statements made on this latter subject must however be taken with some allowance, as they are made under the influence of strong party feeling. “_Bridgenorth, Octob. 1. 1642._ “Our Countrey is in a most miserable condition, there is nothing can be expected but a totall ruine thereof, except God do miraculously help us with assistance from the Parliament. The Kings Souldiers are altogether bent on mischief, taking, wasting, and spoyling those things we should live by: they do take our Corn unthresht to litter their horses, spoyling that which many a poor creature wants; if any one speak, be it man or woman, either a Pistoll or a Sword is straight set to the party, with many grievous oathes; They know what they do, they are the King’s servants, and will not be limitted of their will: you may judge by this what a case we are in; and for any thing we can perceive, like to be worse; for as long as these outrages are permitted, no question but the King’s Army will encrease: What with Papists, Atheists, and all desperate Ruffians, they have made _Shrewsbury_ strong, as it is reported to us; many Pieces of Ordnance, 300 Carts laden with Ammunition; and our County of _Shropshire_ is very much awed, many wel-affected people withdraw themselves: The Sheriff here hath lately seized certain thousands of pounds at our Town of _Bridgenorth_, intended to be sent down Severn lately to _Bristoll_, by M. _Charlton_ of _Ayley_, M. _Baker_ of _Hamond_, and others: We have many brags here of the Cavaliers, what victories they have had at _Worcester_, though we know for certain they are notorious lyes; yet we dare not contradict them: it grieves the soul of every good Christian, to see how His Majestie is misled. We are glad to hear of your constancy to the King and Parliament; our affections are the same, though we dare not shew it: for all the reports you have heard, you may perhaps understand by the next, that _Shropshire_ is not altogether so malignant as it is reported; fear makes us yeild to many things. I am in haste. _Yours, T. C._”