Politics, war, and Christianity. When studying church history, Oliver Cromwell stands out as a statesman with a unique connection to all three aspects of life.
Despite being controversial (to some), Cromwell's steadfast dedication to Christianity remains an inspiration.
Cromwell is perhaps best known to the secular world for his political and military connections. Being a devout Christian, he fully embraced the idea of God's sovereignty and believed that England relied on God's blessings. Such an understanding provided comfort and reassurance in his life, as he firmly believed the Lord remained involved in all affairs. In Cromwell's view, God guided preordained events to His intended purpose.
Cromwell’s reliance on God motivated him to achieve victories in warfare and political contention. He also constantly acknowledged that he was at the mercy of God, all but a fallen creature. When facing an illness, he penned:
It hath pleased God to raise me out of a dangerous sickness, and I do most willingly acknowledge that the Lord hath, in this visitation, exercised the bowels of a father towards me. I received in myself the sentence of death, that I might learn to trust in Him that raiseth from the dead, and have no confidence in the flesh. It’s a blessing to die daily.[1]
In a similar letter, Cromwell expressed great sorrow as his son died from complications during a procedure for the amputation of his leg—the original injury derived from a cannon blow on the battlefield. Again, relying on eternal comfort found in His Savior, he shared, “Sir, you know my own trials this way; but the Lord supported me in this, That the Lord took him into happiness we all pant for and live for. There is your precious child full of glory, never to know sin or sorrow anymore.”[2]
Cromwell's commitment to seeking the Lord's standards was unwavering. He surrounded himself with pious company, whether they were his friends or trusted soldiers. His expectations for his children were centered solely on God. In one letter, he penned to his daughter:
I desire you both [husband] to make it above all things your business to seek the Lord: to be frequently calling upon Him, that He would manifest Himself to you in His Son; and be listening what return He makes to you—for He will be speaking in your ear and in your heart, if you attend thereunto… Be above all these things, by Faith in Christ; and then you shall have the true use and comfort them—and not otherwise… I desire you may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.[4]
Although not regarded as a Protestant Reformer, Cromwell prioritized Christ in his personal life, family, army, and country. His standards were not his own, yet he always focused on the moral teachings of Christ. Jean-Henri Merle d’Aubigné explained, “Oliver not only desired a faithful preacher for his soldiers but required them to observe a Christian behavior and an exact discipline.”[5]
Historians may criticize his political motives and religious military attacks, notably against Ireland and Scotland. Yet, in his eyes, he attempted to rescue the church and restore the original Reformation principles.
Cromwell accepted his fallen state and yielded to his faith in Christ:
I am a poor weak creature, and not worthy the name of a worm; yet accepted to serve the Lord and His People. Indeed, my dear Friend, between you and me, you know not me—my weakness, my inordinate passions, my unskillfulness, and every-way unfitness to my work. Yet, yet the Lord, who will have mercy on whom He will, does as you see![6]
To understand Cromwell and his intentions, one must recognize his ambition to purify England with the Christian faith, which motivated every factor in his life.
While some may view him as controversial, his admiration for following the Lord and submitting to His standards makes him a Christian worth studying.
[1] Oliver Cromwell, “Letters,” The Oliver Cromwell Association, https://www.olivercromwell.org/wordpress/letters-and-speeches/.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] J.H. Merle D’Aubigne, The Authority of God: Four Discourses, (Harrisonburg: Sprinkle Publications, 2008).
[6] Oliver Cromwell, “Letters,” The Oliver Cromwell Association, https://www.olivercromwell.org/wordpress/letters-and-speeches/.
