Required reading
The Protector: A vindication by J. H. Merle D'Aubigne (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 2 (Cromwell's parliamentary life).
My summary
Today we learn of the early political life of Cromwell.
We hear about:
(i) Cromwell's first appearance in parliament;
(ii) the rejection of the King's orders by parliament;
(iii) the rejection of the parliament by the king;
(iv) the persecution of the Protestants;
(v) Cromwell's enrolment in the army against the monarch.
What grabbed me
It was sickening to read of the vicious persecutions against some of the Protestants.
Yet after one man had his ears hacked off we read: 'On descending from the scaffold he drew from his ear the sponge soaked with his blood, and, holding it up to the people, exclaimed : " Blessed be my God, who hath counted me worthy, and of his mighty power hath enabled me to suffer anything for his sake ; and as I have now lost some of my blood, so I am ready and willing to spill every drop that is in my veins in this cause, for which I now have suffered : which is, for maintaining the truth of God, and the honor of my king against popish usurpations. Let God be glorified, and let the king live forever."'
Amazing courage in the face of such fierce opposition!
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 3 (Schism between the king and the parliament).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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