INTRODUCTION. 97 put in their places. It is observed, that in a short time, there were one hundred and fifty good preachers in the thirteen Welch counties, most of whom preached three or four times a week.. But the generality of the ejected clergy did not preach at all, or were scandalous in their lives; and the commissioners affirm, that of the sixteen they turned out in Cardiganshire, only three of them were preachers, and those of very immoral character.± The protector's health, through his excessive toils and fatigues, began at length to decline. And, having nomi- nated a successor, he died of a fever, September 3, 1658, aged fifty-nine years. Never was man more highly ex- tolled, nor more basely vilified, according as men's interests led their judgments. " The royalists," says Mr. Baxter, " abhorred him as a most perfidious hypocrite, and the presbyterians thought him little better. He kept up his approbation of a godly life in the general, and of all that was good, except that which the interest of his sinful cause engaged him to be against. I perceived," our author adds, " that it was his design to do good in the main, and to promote the gospel and the interests of goodness, more than any had done before him."f His son Richard, according to his father's will, succeeded him. Numerous addresses were sent from all parts of the country, congra- tulating the new protector. He was of a. calm and peace- able temper, but unfit to be at the helm in such boisterous times. Richard Cromwell finding the nation involved in difficulties, tamely resigned his high dignity and govern- ment, after enjoying it only eight months. The nation being tired of changes, and now in danger of universal anarchy, soon discovered its uneasiness. General Monk, with his army, was, called out of Scotland ; and upon his arrival in London, he declared in favour of the king. A council of state was called ; and having agreed to invite home the king, the question was put, " Whether they should call him in upon treaty and covenant, or entirely confide in him After some debate, it was. resolved to trust him absolutely.' The new parliament assembling, they unanimously voted the king home. He was sent for to Holland, when Mr. Calamy, Mr. Bowles, Dr. Manton and some others, were deputed by the parlia- ment and city to attend him. His majesty gave them such encouraging promises, as raised in some of them very high Whitlocke's Mein. p. 518. .1. Neal's Puritans, vol. iv. p. 116. 1: Sylvester's Lifeof Baxter, part i. p. 71, 98. VOL. J. is
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