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GODLY ADVICE FROM OLIVER CROMWELL

Oliver Cromwell has been much misjudged. In my opinion, after nearly ten years of reading him, I esteem him as one of the most remarkable Christians of his day.

Here, for example, is advice he gave but two years before his death to his son Harry Cromwell: “with singleness of heart make the glory of the Lord your aim. Take heed of professing religion without the power…” (Letter, April 21, 1656).    

Have you read D'Aubigne's book on Cromwell? He would share your opinion. I bought an old, leather-bound copy of it on eBay a few years ago. It's a great little book.

Well, if Pastor Payne could read that, he'd be cheering you on -- he was such a fan of Cromwell. It was his enthusiasm that first had me reading Antonia Fraser's biography of Cromwell many years ago. I suppose he is like many good men, their faults seem greater because of their greatness. Thankfully God's perspective is so different than ours is sometimes!

Books on Cromwell:

Tim, I have not read D'Aubigne's bio of Cromwell. But other stuff he did was excellent. But dated becuase of new resources found. The best book on Cromwell is the one Janice mentions: Antonia Fraser's bio. But John Buchan--Pastor Payne's favourite bio--comes a close second.

I am sure I do not know as much about Cromwell as you but it seems to me that these could be dangerous words considering many of Cromwell's actions. Sadly, “with singleness of heart" Cromwell slaughtered thougsands of Irish Catholics and the King of England in his efforts to "make the glory of the Lord [his] aim."

Are these the kind of actions you deem to be misjudged? If so, what do you make of them?

Missm:

Were the Catholics killed all non-combatants, or were many of them combatants? A recent book, called CROMWELL: AN HONOURABLE ENEMY by a Roman Catholic historian from Drogheda, Ireland, where Cromwell beseieged the city, says that Cromwell observed the rules of war of his day and did not do anything that other generals were not doing. This does not exonertae him completely, but his actions must be understood in context.

Thanks for visiting.

Michael.

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