Historical and Political Notes on the Life of Oliver Cromwell

Ad §. VI.

It contains two members: I. The Restoration of Religion. That nothing is more subject to abuse than religion is more than well-known. For whether the desire to subjugate peoples, to keep them in obedience, or to invade new kingdoms possesses some, they most often pretend a holy ardor for religion so speciously that they deceive even the most clear-sighted, and those who are not subdued by the sword generally succumb to religion.

Therefore, from the political treasuries, the Protector of the Kingdom brought forth this secret weapon as well. Although it is notorious that while he was a private citizen he was addicted to the sect or heresy of the libertines or Independents (so called by an invidious and at the same time ambitious name, when all England was divided into three more famous heresies: the Independents, the Presbyterians, and, among these, the neutrals who were most studious of King Charles Stuart), and had openly pledged his name to no religion: but rather was frequently carried away, dreaming of the promptings of the spirit, and, as the age then allowed, believing whatever suited his position, he served his own desires: indeed, on this occasion, he frequently held sermons to the people, sought the praise of eloquence, inveighed against the vices of those who reigned, and captured popular favor, having already stored these things among the coverings of his ambition.

And since he considered it beneath his dignity to be ruled by the blind guidance of Priests, when all things yield to refined prudence, he did not allow himself to be entangled by the faith of the common people, but always fashioned something singular for himself.

After he had attained the Protectorate through right and wrong, he wanted to appear different, and strove to forge one out of the said three heresies: and because he was persuaded that nothing favored his attempts more than predestination, and that from it a defense for any crime could easily be procured: he finally strove with all his might to force upon others the faith he never believed, and, by striking fear, began rather than completed a reformation.

Although I am also most firmly persuaded that he never desired any reformation, but used this means most cunningly to elude the efforts of Parliament. For by the vigor of the Instrument of Government, it was lawful to convoke a Parliament consisting of 400 persons from the three nations every three years, nor was it permitted...