The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 06 (of 11)
Thomas Hobbes · en
Thirdly, there were not a few, who in the beginning of the troubles were
not discovered, but shortly after declared themselves for a liberty in
religion, and those of different opinions one from another. Some of
them, because they would have all congregations free and independent
upon one another, were called Independents. Others that held baptism to
infants, and such as understood not into what they are baptized, to be
ineffectual, were called therefore Anabaptists. Others that held that
Christ’s kingdom was at this time to begin upon the earth, were called
Fifth-monarchy-men; besides divers other sects, as Quakers, Adamites,
&c., whose names and peculiar doctrines I do not well remember. And
these were the enemies which arose against his Majesty from the private
interpretation of the Scripture, exposed to every man’s scanning in his
mother-tongue.
Fourthly, there were an exceeding great number of men of the better
sort, that had been so educated, as that in their youth having read the
books written by famous men of the ancient Grecian and Roman
commonwealths concerning their polity and great actions; in which books
the popular government was extolled by that glorious name of liberty,
and monarchy disgraced by the name of tyranny; they became thereby in
love with their forms of government. And out of these men were chosen
the greatest part of the House of Commons, or if they were not the
greatest part, yet by advantage of their eloquence, were always able to
sway the rest.
Fifthly, the city of London and other great towns of trade, having in
admiration the prosperity of the Low Countries after they had revolted
from their monarch, the King of Spain, were inclined to think that the
like change of government here, would to them produce the like
prosperity.
Sixthly, there were a very great number that had either wasted their
fortunes, or thought them too mean for the good parts they thought were
in themselves; and more there were, that had able bodies, but saw no
means how honestly to get their bread. These longed for a war, and hoped
to maintain themselves hereafter by the lucky choosing of a party to
side with, and consequently did for the most part serve under them that
had greatest plenty of money.