Cromwell’s experience and theology of conversion are key to his understanding of the Christian life. Together they affirmed the goodness of God’s wise sovereignty and his eternal rest in Christ.

The life of Oliver Cromwell is fascinating. From his role in the 17th century English civil war, to his appointment as “Lord Protector” (head of state) of England Ireland and Scotland in 1653, a position he held until he died in 1658, his life is thoroughly interesting for the history-inclined person. But alongside this, Cromwell is deeply instructive for Christian spirituality (how to live the Christian life).

“To Honour God” The Spirituality of Oliver Cromwell is a collection of letters and extracts from Cromwell with an introduction written by historian Michael Haykin. The book is part of the Classics of Reformed Spirituality series by H & E Publishing. These letters reveal the core of Cromwell’s spirituality, which Haykin notes, is founded on three pillars: Providence, Conversion, and Christian Unity. These are not unique to Cromwell, or to his time, but are hallmarks of Biblical spirituality and therefore useful for us today.

Providence

That a sovereign, just and merciful God governed all things by his wise providence was crucial for Cromwell. Sometimes he goes too far and, in my opinion, overestimates his ability to discern God’s purposes behind certain events. But most of the time his providential spirituality is soaked with a humble confidence and a sweet comfort in God’s goodness and mercy. For example, when writing to inform William Lenthall that his son died in battle, Cromwell says,

God hath taken away your eldest son by a cannon-shot…the Lord took him into the happiness we all pant after and live for. There is your precious child full of glory, to know sin nor sorrow anymore…Let this drink up your sorrow; seeing these are not feigned words to comfort you, but the thing is so real and undoubted a truth (pp. 51-52).

Here is confidence, comfort and peace stabilized by the absolute sovereignty of God.

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