Rump Parliament religious groups Flashcards
What did Pride’s Purge reduce Parliament to? How did Cromwell rise?
Pride’s Purge reduced Commons from 470 to 211 but the remnant wasn’t united. Only 70 had been involved in setting the High Court to try the King and of that number 43 signed his death warrant. It was not a legitimate representation of the Long Parliament and it largely relied on the army. In 1649 Lord Fairfax withdrew from public affairs and Cromwell became increasingly important.
What was the first Council of State’s structure?
The first Council of State in 1649 had 41 members, 34 of whom were MPs. It reflected conservatism of Rump and prevented Henry Ireton, and Thomas Harrison of Fifth Monarchists, from being voted on the Council. Rump to continue verdict of civil war and preserve constitution.
What did Baptists believe?
Faith based on personal experience and acceptance couldn’t be taught. New focus on adult baptism as an expression of their choosing to become one with Christ. Denied an organised Church with priests administering sacraments. General Baptists would cooperate with other sects, Particular Baptists wouldn’t. Conservatives in the 1650s associated them with German Anabaptists, known for defiance of law, and Cromwell had to defend them.
What did Independents believe?
Congregationalists (Independents) .. Didn’t have rigid theology but rejected nationally administered Church. Cromwell had a congregationalist outlook as he didn’t oppose Church organisation but felt it shouldn’t be imposed.
What did Fifth Monarchists believe?
Fifth Monarchists – Largely built up from army membership, had around 10,000. Led by Colonel Thomas Harrison. Central belief derived from Book of Revelations, New Testament, arguing that the death of Charles I had ushered in the fifth monarchy, that of King Jesus. All earthly government had to be broken. With the failure of the Nominated Assembly they resisted Cromwell’s Protectorate – Cromwell had gone against God’s will. Attempted assassination of Cromwell in 1657.
What did Muggletonians believe?
Muggletonians – named by Lodowick Muggleton, a London tailor. Christ had visited him and given him power to save or damn people, predestination. In 1652 Muggleton set the small sect of ‘elects’ who were saved. They felt free to reject State or Church laws but were too small to be a challenge.
What did Seekers and Ranters believe?
Seekers and Ranters – emotionally driven. They believed God manifested Himself as a spiritual force within. Ranters often loudly declaimed their thoughts. Their threat was flouting social convention through shared housing and wives. Inspired 1650 Blasphemy Act which declared all acts of uncleanness and profanity would lead to 6 months in prison. Inspired Quakers.
What did Quakers believe?
Quakers – established by George Fox in early 1650s, gained 50,000 members by 1660. The Society of Friends prayer meetings took form of Quakers calling out thoughts as Lord inspired them. Lords message came to individuals directly through inner light, people only entitled to be obedient to God, so earthly authority was undeserving of respect. Disrupted Church service and rejected tithes. Over 2000 trialled during Interregnum.
