The British Churches Under Cromwell [pp. 629-655]

1867.] The British Churches under Cromwell. 651
of religious liberty; they were only denied the privileges of
the national ministry. The commission continued to sit at
Whitehall until the year 1659, after which it was discontinued.
Still further to distribute the force of government over the
country, and secure the regular working of minor appointments
in both church and state, the Protector, in the year 1655,
divided England into ten districts, placing in each, with the
title of Major-General, a man most carefully chosen, of real
wisdom, fearing God, and of unimpeachable integrity. These
officers were invested with a universal superintendence, civil,
military, and ecclesiasticJ. They were to take care that the
taxes were collected, to inquire after the private assemblies of
suspected persons, and such as frequented taverns and gaming
houses, and after scandalous and unlearned ministers and
schoolmasters, and to aid the commission in ejecting them.
And they were ordered to enlist a body of reserves, at half
pay, who might be called together upon any sudden emergency.
There was no appeal from the Major-General, except to the
Protector himself. This also was an extraordinary device, and
might have proved oppressively despotic, but that it was
honestly meant for good, and conducted by wise and good men;
and, like that of the Triers, wrought well. Of the MajorGenerals, Cromwell said, in his speech to the Parliament of
1656, "They have been effectual for the preservation of peace,
and in reference to the plan, "it hath been more effectual
towards the discountenancing of vice and settling religion, than
anything done these fifty years: I will abide by it, notwithstanding the envy and slander of foolish men." But as the
state of the country became more satisfactory, he reduced the
power of the Major-Generals, and finally, when he thought
them no longer needed, suppressed them.
In Scotland there was almost perfect harmony in sustaining
the Presbyterian church, which by accepting the works of the
Westminster Assembly in 1647, and adopting the Directory for
the election of ministers, in 1649 completed its form and
organization. The people were also well agreed on the subject
of royalty, and upon the death of Charles I. proclaimed his son
Charles their king. But what had one time had been their
bond of union, now proved to be a cause of dissension. The