Required reading
The Protector: A vindication by J. H. Merle D'Aubigne (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 7 (Scotland).
My summary
This week we learn of Cromwell's time in Scotland.
We hear about:
(i) the Scottish support for Charles II, including Charles' plan to invade England;
(ii) Cromwell's successful military campaigns in Scotland;
(iii) Cromwell's interaction with Scotch clergy;
(iv) Cromwell's poor health;
(v) Cromwell's care for his family;
(vi) Charles departure for France;
(vii) the blessing Cromwell was to Scotland.
What grabbed me
I continue to enjoy reading Cromwell's letters. As D'Aubigne reminds us, there we see Cromwell's true piety.
For example, when Cromwell was ill he wrote: 'Indeed, my Lord, your service needs not me : l am a poor creature ; and have been a dry bone : and am still an unprofitable servant to my master and you. I thought I should have died of this fit of sickness ; but the Lord seemeth to dispose otherwise. But truly, my Lord, I desire not to live, unless I may obtain mercy from the Lord to approve my heart and life to Him in more faithfulness and thankfulness, and to those I serve in more profitableness and all diligence. And I pray God, your Lordship, and all in public trust, may approve all those unparalleled experiences of the Lord's wonderful workings in your sight, with singleness of heart to His glory, and the refreshment of his people.'
This is a man who knows what Paul meant when he said 'to live is Christ and to die is gain' (Philippians 1:21).
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 8 (The protectorate).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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