As in the course of my researches I have detected in authors of the highest reputation a number of minute inaccuracies, and some important errors, I cannot hope to have escaped such evils myself, and I shall be very thankful to candid critics for kindly pointing them out. About one half of this volume covers ground traversed by me in _Church and State two hundred years ago_, published in 1862: but it will be found, that with the exception of a few sentences here and there, the account now published is quite new. Facts before passed over are here described at length, whilst certain trivial details are omitted; my views on some points have undergone a little modification, and the entire narrative has been rearranged; but the spirit which I sought at the beginning I have endeavoured to retain throughout. It would be ungrateful not to add, that for facilities in research, and for direct literary aid, I am indebted to many friends. Besides special obligations which I have acknowledged in the foot-notes and Appendix, I beg to acknowledge the kindness of Mr. Thoms, Sub-Librarian to the House of Lords--Mr. Aldis Wright, Librarian of Trinity College, Cambridge--Mr. Bullen, of the British Museum--and Mr. Hunter, keeper of Dr. Williams' Library. Nor can I omit to mention again, my fellow-workers at home, especially one whose assiduity and care in helping me to correct the press, deserve the highest praise. Two literary friends who took much interest in this work,--the Rev. Joseph Aspland and Mr. John Bruce, F.S.A.,--are now, alas, beyond the reach of my thanks. Should my life be spared, I hope in another volume to bring the Ecclesiastical History down to the Revolution. A history of the eighteenth century lies amongst the visions of the future. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. Political Character of Puritanism 1 Ecclesiastical Character of Puritanism 7 Spiritual Character of Puritanism 11 CHAPTER I. Richard Cromwell 15 His Parliament 17 Petitions from the Army 23 Richard's Resignation of the Protectorate 26 Independents 28 Baptists 31 Presbyterians 33 Episcopalians 34 CHAPTER II. Interregnum 40 Restoration of Rump Parliament 42 Monk's Military Power 44