36 • The Fifth Monarchists Channels 2022 The Fifth Monarchists were livid and soon turned against Cromwell. Welsh preacher Vavasor Powell began to preach openly against Cromwell,45 and John Rogers wrote him a stern warning, threatening the wrath of God upon Cromwell and England if he dared align himself with “anti-christ.”46 Soon, suspicions arose that the Fifth Monarchists were plotting a coup, and many of the leading figures, including Harrison himself, were dismissed and sent home.47 Thus, as quickly as they had gained power, they lost it, their influence vanishing with the loss of their ally Cromwell. Death of the Movement Cromwell seemed to show a bit of remorse at the turn of events. In a speech given on September 4, 1654, he stated this: But, I say, there is another error of more refined sort; 'which' many honest people whose hearts are sincere, many of them belonging to God, 'have fallen into:' and that is the mistaken notion of the Fifth Monarchy . . . Nevertheless, as many of these men have good meanings, which I hope in my soul they have, it will be the wisdom of all knowing and experienced Christians to do as Jude saith…"Of some," says he," have compassion, making a difference; others save with fear, pulling 45 Rogers, John and Rogers, Edward, pg. 107 46 Rogers, John and Rogers, Edward, pgs. 108-111 47 Rogers, P. G., pgs. 42-43 48 Cromwell, Speeches and Letters, Vol. 2, pgs. 93-95 49 Rogers, John and Rogers, Edward, pgs. 108-111 them out of the fire."* I fear they will give too often opportunity for this exercise! But I hope the same will be for their good.48 Cromwell, therefore, seemed to take a moderate approach, at least initially, in regards to his treatment of the radical movement. Regardless of whether these statements were sincere or not, however, any reconciliation of the Fifth Monarchists with Cromwell’s cause was not likely to happen. The Fifth Monarchists insisted their way was just and necessary, and, being called by God, they could not compromise on their principles. Thus, the movement found itself isolated from mainstream society and with few allies, if any, in Cromwell’s government. Still, there were some attempts on the part of men such as Rogers to call Cromwell away from his “apostasy.” Rogers wrote him a letter shortly after he assumed the position of “Lord Protector,” urging him to avoid “carnal counselors” and to continue to serve the cause of Christ.49 However, this attitude was to be short-lived, and a complete break between them took place instead. The Fifth Monarchists doubled down on their criticism of Cromwell and his government in the following years. In response to Cromwell’s speech on September 4, John Spittlehouse wrote a
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