s of the crisis, by his own conscious
rectitude of purpose, and by the result.

If there is any truth in Napoleon's maxim, that "The tools belong to
him that can use them," then Cromwell had a God-given right to rule;
for, first, he had the ability; and, next, though he used his power in
his campaign in Ireland (S453) with merciless severity, yet the great
purpose of his life was to establish order and justice on what seemed
to him the only practical basis.

462. Summary.

Cromwell's original object appears to have been to organize a
government representing the will of the nation more completely than it
had ever been represented before. He strongly favored the restoration
of the House of Lords, he endeavored to reform the laws, and he sought
to secure religious toleration for the great body of Protestants. One
who knew Cromwell intimately said, "A larger soul, I think, hath
seldom dwelt in a house of clay, than his was."

Circumstances, however, were often against him; he had many enemies,
and in order to secure peace he was obliged to resort to the exercise
of absolute power. Yet the difference in this respect between
Cromwell and Charles I was immense: the latter was despotic on his own
account, the former for the advantage of those he governed.

RICHARD CROMWELL--September 3, 1658-April 22, 1659

463. Richard Cromwell's Incompetency.

Richard Cromwell, Oliver's eldest son, now succeeded to the
Protectorate (S455). He was an amiable individual, as negative in
character as his father had been positive. With the extreme Puritans
(S457), known as the "godly party," he had no sympathy whatever.
"Here," said he to one of them, pointing to a friend of his who stood
by, "is a man who can neither preach nor pray, yet I would trust him
before you all." Such frankness was not likely to make the new ruler
popular with the army, made up of men who never lacked a Scripture
text to justify either a murder or a massacre. Moreover, the times
were perilous, and called for a decided hand at the helm. After a
brief reign of less than eight months the military leaders requested
Richard to resign, and soon afterwards recalled the "Rump Parliament"
(S447).

464. Richard retires.

The Protector retired not only without remonstrance, but apparently
with a sense of relief at being so soon eased of a burden too heavy
for his weak shoulders to carry. To the people he was hereafter
familiarly known as "Tumbledown-Dick," and