Cromwell and his Parliaments 429
shall be called the blessed of the Lord. The generations to come shall bless us. You shall be f the repairers of breaches, and the restorers of paths to dwell in.' And if there be any higher work which mortals can attain unto in the world beyond this, I acknowledge my ignorance of it.*'
Cromwell was speedily undeceived. As soon as the proceedings began, it was evident that a breach between the two Houses was imminent. In Cromwell's second speech to them, four days after the session began, he spoke of his fears rather than his hopes. Abroad, he said, the Protestant cause was in danger through the complications in Northern Europe, and Charles II. had got together an army and was projecting a landing in England. At home, the Cavaliers were planning another insurrection, but the greatest danger lay in their own divisions. " Take us in that temper we are in : it is the greatest miracle that ever befell the sons of men that we are got again to peace/' Consider how many different sects and parties there were in the nation, each striving to be uppermost. " If God did not hinder, it would all make up one confusion. We should find there would be but one Cain in England, if God did not restrain ; we should have another more bloody civil war than ever we had in England." What stood between England and anarchy except the army, and except the Government established by the Petition and Advice? " Have you any frame or model of things which would satisfy the minds of men if this be not the frame ? "
The Republican leaders, who had now obtained