To Kill a Cromwell

 

I watched Mike Barker’s 2003 To Kill a King, forgetting why I disliked it the first time around. Cromwell is portrayed as a petty-minded bigot, who at one laughable point, unsuccessfully orders Sir Thomas Fairfax to be burnt at the stake, and shoots a civilian in the street without trial. Puritans pray kneeling down in peculiar V-formations, silently intoning spiteful devotions to their merciless God. Having enough knowledge of the period to find the portrayal derisory, I do not think I shall be watching it again any time soon. This film represents a version of Cromwell which is incorrect and inaccurate, but which is sadly inevitable considering his fame and varied historical assessments of his mission and methods. Indeed, we who love him and those who hate him will always be united in our dislike of any version of his life which does not suit our bias.

Around my home I have a quantity of pictures, statues and models, a significant number of which depict the Great Oliver. Many show him in military dress, surveying a battle scene or planning strategy. Others show him as victor, enjoying the laurels of power and martial success.

None show him for his real greatness, however. Indeed, the victories and the power and the enhanced reputation which Cromwellian England enjoyed abroad were nothing when compared to his walk with the Lord. Cromwell is in glory now, not because he was the perfect ruler, for he was not; nor because he always dealt well with his enemies, for he didn't. Rather, he is before the throne of grace because, though a very great sinner, Christ was his very great Saviour. When people ask me why my humble home is littered with Cromwelliana, it is because it serves as a reminder that this land was once ruled by a capable, incorruptible, indefatigable ruler, whose greatest quality was his godliness and whose greatest friend was Christ Jesus.

It's a blessed thing to die daily. For what is there in this world to be accounted of! The best men according to the flesh, and things, are lighter than vanity. I find this only good, to love the Lord and his poor despised people, to do for them and to be ready to suffer with them....and he that is found worthy of this hath obtained great favour from the Lord; and he that is established in this shall ( being conformed to Christ and the rest of the Body) participate in the glory of a resurrection which will answer all.

Letter to Sir Thomas Fairfax (7 March 1646)

“Sir, what can be said of these things? Is it the arm of the flesh that hath done these things? Is it the wisdom and counsel, or strength of man? It is the Lord only. God will curse that man and his house that dares to think otherwise. Sir, you see the work is done by a Divine leading.”

― Oliver Cromwell, Cromwell's Letters and Speeches: Volume Two