Excerpt from The History of the Puritans, or Protestant Nonconformists, Vol. 2 of 3: From the Reformation in 1517, to the Revolution in 1688; Comprising an Account of Their Principles; Their Attempts for a Farther Reformation in the Church, Their Sufferings and the Lives and Characters of Their Most Considerable Divines

WE are now entering upon the proceedings of the long parliament, which continued Sitting with some little intermission for above eighteen years, and occasioned such prodigious revolutions in church and state, as were the surprise and wonder of all Europe. The house of commons have been severely censured for the ill success of their endeavours to recover and secure the constitution Of their country; but the attempt was glorious, though a train Of un foreseen accidents rendered it fatal in the event. The members con sisted chiefly Of country gentlemen, who had no attachment to the court: for, as Whitelocke observes, Though the court laboured to bring in their friends, yet those who had most favour with them, had least in the country; and it was not a little strange to see what a spirit Of Opposition to the court-proceedings was in the hearts and actions Of the most of the people, SO that very few of that party had the favour Of being chosen members of this Mr. Echard insinuates some unfair methods Of election, which might be true on both Sides; but both he and lord Clarendon admit, that there were many great and worthy patriots in the house, and as eminent as any age had ever produced; men of gravity, of Wisdom, and of great and plentiful fortunes, who would have been satisfied with some few amendments in church and state.

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