Mediaeval and modern history . nd. Under, thisinstrument Cromwellbecam| Lord Pro-tector for hfe. 483. The Protect-orate (1653-1659).— Cromwells powerwas now almost un-limited. He was vir-tually a dictator, forhe had the power ofthe army behindhim. The Protectorsummoned, win-nowed, and dissolvedParliament at pleas-ure. He could gettogether no body ofmen who could or Fig. 81. —Oliver Cromwell. (Taken at the would work smoothly age of fifty-eight years. From an enlargement with him. The in oil of the head drawn in water colors by Lord judge between Samuel Cooper, now the property of the Duke ^^ ^
Mediaeval and modern history . nd. Under, thisinstrument Cromwellbecam| Lord Pro-tector for hfe. 483. The Protect-orate (1653-1659).— Cromwells powerwas now almost un-limited. He was vir-tually a dictator, forhe had the power ofthe army behindhim. The Protectorsummoned, win-nowed, and dissolvedParliament at pleas-ure. He could gettogether no body ofmen who could or Fig. 81. —Oliver Cromwell. (Taken at the would work smoothly age of fifty-eight years. From an enlargement with him. The in oil of the head drawn in water colors by Lord judge between Samuel Cooper, now the property of the Duke ^^ ^^^ ^^^,, ^^^^ of Buccleuch) , , , . ^. . his words 01 dismissal to his last unmanageable and obstinate Parliament. For five years Cromwell carried on the government practically alone. His rule was arbitrary but enlightened. He gave England the strongest government she had had since the days of Wolsey and of Elizabeth, a government which, while securing obedience and prosperity at home, won the fear and respect of foreign. THE PROTECTORATE 439 powers, so that Cromwell addressing Parliament could truthfullydeclare, I dare say that there is not a nation in Europe but iswilling to ask a good understanding with you. Cromwells aim was to make England great and to make herworthy of greatness. This worthiness he, zealous Puritan as hewas, conceived could be acquired by England only as her affairswere conducted by godly men and in accord with the plain preceptsof Scripture. Further, in Olivers mind, the English nation could be Godsown people and worthy of greatness only as England upheld theProtestant cause in Europe. It was this religious persuasionwhich led him to become the protector of Protestantism whereverimperiled. He interposed successfully in behalf of the Huguenotsin France, and secured for them a respite from harassment; heobliged the Duke of Savoy to cease his cruel persecution of theVaudois; and caused the Pope to be informed that if the Protes-tants continued to be mol
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