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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.

Oliver Cromwell#83

LeadershipFaithFreedomPeaceVictoryConscience

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

  • post-war governance
  • religious freedom debates
  • political reform

Putting it to work

  • advocating for conscience
  • resisting corrupt authority
  • promoting peace

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.

More from Oliver Cromwell

  1. So restless Cromwell could not cease In the inglorious Arts of Peace, But through adventrous war, Urged his active star... To ruine the great work of time, And…

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  2. I've been dreaming of a time when the English are sick to death of Labour and Tories and spit upon the name Oliver Cromwell and denounce this royal line that s…

    Permalink to quote #84
  3. Of late I have not given so free and full a power unto (Cromwell) as formerly I did, because I heard that he used his power so as in honour I could not avow hi…

    Permalink to quote #81

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