so long and perilous a separation, for which he is obliged to
praise the name of God for ever.

After ceremonies past at his coming to his own house, Whitelocke sent
Captain Beake to Hampton Court, to acquaint the Protector with his
return, to present his duty, and to receive his commands when Whitelocke
should wait upon his Highness to kiss his hand, and to give him an
account of his negotiation. Beake returned this evening from Hampton
Court to Whitelocke with this answer:--that the Protector expressed much
joy at the news of the safe arrival of Whitelocke and of his company in
England; that he looked upon it as a mercy, and blessed God for it; and
that he much desired to see Whitelocke, and hoped, on Monday next, at
Whitehall, to have his company, who should be very welcome to him.

A little while after this message returned, there came two of the
Protector's gentlemen, sent by him to Chelsea in his name, to visit
Whitelocke and to bid him welcome home, to inquire of his health, and to
testify the contentment the Protector received by Whitelocke's happy
return home, and that he hoped on Monday next to see him. Whitelocke
desired the gentlemen to present his humble thanks to the Protector for
this great favour to inquire after so mean a servant, who hoped to have
the honour to wait upon his Highness at the time appointed by him.

_July 2, 1654._

[SN: The Protector compliments Whitelocke on his return.]

_The Lord's Day._--Whitelocke began to enjoy some more privacy and
retirement than he had been lately accustomed unto, and was at the public
church with his wife and family, and courteously saluted and bid welcome
home by many. In the evening the Protector sent another compliment to
Whitelocke by Mr. Strickland, one of his Council, who came to
Whitelocke's house, and told him that he was sent by the Protector to
salute him, and to inquire of his health after his long and dangerous
voyage, and to assure him of the great joy his Highness received by
Whitelocke's safe arrival in England, and the desire he had to see him,
and personally to entertain him. Whitelocke desired his most humble
thanks might be returned to his Highness for this great favour, giving
him the opportunity of seeing so honourable a person as Strickland was,
and for taking such care of so poor a servant as Whitelocke, and to let
his Highness know that he should obey his Highness's commands in waiting
on him the next day as he appointed.

_J