Cromwell, our chief of men, who through a cloud, Not of war only, but detractions rude, Guided by faith and matchless fortitude, To peace and truth thy glorious way has ploughed And on the neck of crowned fortune proud Has reared God's trophies, and his work pursued, While Darwen stream with blood of Scots imbrued, And Dunbar field resounds thy praises loud, And Worcester's laureate wreath. Yet much remains To conquer still; peace hath her victories No less renowned than war: new foes arise, Threatening to bind our souls with secular chains: Help us to save free conscience from the paw Of hireling wolves whose gospel is their maw.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker urges divine help to overcome new secular threats after military victories, emphasizing that peace requires as much effort as war.
- In plain terms
- Ask God to protect free conscience from corrupt leaders now that the battles are won.
- What can you take from it?
- Peace demands vigilance against new kinds of enemies.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does peace require after victory?
- How do you protect conscience?
Another view
The quote assumes a specific religious framework that may not apply universally.
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