The Life of Oliver Cromwell

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1848. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIII. FROM THE SECOND PROTECTORATE PARLIAMENT TO TIIE DEATH OF CROMWELL, SEPT., 1656 TO SEPT., 1658. Opening of Parliament--Members Rejected--Naylor and the Quakers--Victory of Blake and Montague--Sindercombe Conspiracy--Narrow Escape of Cromwell--Petition and Advice--Cromwell Offered the Crown--Conferences on the Subject--Finally Rejects It--Statements of His Enemies--Conspiracies--Marriage of His Two Daughters--Re-assembling of Parliament--Refuses to Acknowledge the New House Provided for in Petitions and Advice--Cromwell's Speech--The Madness of Parliament Encourages Conspirators--Dissolved by Cromwell--His New Life Guard--Family afflictions--His Last Sickness And Death--His Character. The new parliament assembled on the 17th of Sept., and, after service, received the opening message of the Protector. He spoke, as was his wont, extempore; sometimes flashing up with excitement, and freeing his overwrought spirit in strong expressions, and then floundering heavily through a sea of thoughts. He first took up the Spanish war--spoke of its origin and justice--then referred to the plots laid to assassinate him--denounced the Levellers and Fifth Monarchy men--defended the appointment of major-generals, with openness and earnestness--pressed on parliament the propriety of toleration of all Christian sects--recommended public appropriations for the support of the gospel ministry, and urged reform in law, especially the criminal law, which made almost every offence a capital one. He then alluded to the state of finances, saying, there was great need of money to carry on the war abroad, and protect the government at home, and concluded by quoting the 85th Psalm, beginning, Lord, Thou hast been very favorable to thy land--Thou hast brought back the ca...