Required reading
The Protector: A vindication by J. H. Merle D'Aubigne (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 1 (Cromwell's private life).
My summary
Today we learn of the early life of Cromwell.
D'Aubigne teaches us about:
(i) the political unrest in England;
(ii) Cromwell's immediate descendants;
(iii) Cromwell's boyhood;
(iv) Cromwell's time at Cambridge;
(v) Cromwell's seclusion after marriage to farming, industrial and social duties;
(vi) Cromwell's piety;
(vii) the rise of Roman Catholicism in England.
What grabbed me
I enjoyed reading about Cromwell's spiritual state as expressed in his letter to a cousin: ' " Truly no poor creature hath more cause to put himself forth in the cause of his God than I, I have had plentiful wages beforehand ; and I am sure I shall never earn the least mite. The Lord accept me in His Son, and give me to walk in the light, — and give us to walk in the light, as He is the light ! He it is that enlighteneth our blackness, our darkness. I dare not say. He hideth His face from me. He giveth me to see light in His light. One beam in a dark place hath exceeding much refreshment in it : — blessed be His Name for shining upon so dark a heart as mine ! You know what my manner of life hath been. Oh, I lived in and loved darkness, and hated light ; I was a chief, the chief of sinners. This is true: I hated godliness, yet God had mercy on me. O the riches of His mercy ! Praise Him for me ; — pray for me, that He who hath begun a good work would perfect it in the day of Christ.'
Firm evidence of a lively Christian faith.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 2 (Cromwell's parliamentary life).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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