Sketches of the Progress of Freedom - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1900. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... traitor. Charles had to consent to the execution of his too faithful servant, and also to promise that what soon became famous as the Long Parliament should not be dissolved without its own consent. Thus, in May, 1641, he accepted the position of a constitutional monarch, ruling according to the laws. If he had kept faith with the nation he might have reigned safely; and this would have prevented the Presbyterians from putting England under a more intolerant rule than that of the bishops. Pym, Vane, Cromwell, and other opponents of absolute monarchy were ready to ce-operate with Chillingworth, who had said in his book against the exaction of subscription to creeds, "I will love no man the less for differing in opinion from me"; and the same position had been taken by many other Royalists like Falkland and Herbert of Cherbury. The latter had published a system of religion free from intolerance or superstition, but had unfortunately written in Latin, and overloaded his book with metaphysics. Union with such men would have made it possible for Charles to establish a toleration of all Protestants with little molestation of loyal Catholics. The golden opportunity was lost early in 1642, when Charles broke his word of honor to the members of Parliament, and came with armed men to take Pym, Hampden, and three other patriots from their seats. This justified the suspicions, excited by his intrigues in Scotland and his sending the queen with the crown jewels to the continent, that he was plotting to destroy English liberty by force. Vigorous measures were taken against him and his devoted partisans, the bishops, while the need of more help from Scotland increased the influence of the Presbyterians in Parliamerit. Falkland, Chillingworth, and other men who hated all tyrann...