Vol. 7 No. 1 Nevin • 39 It is important to note that their model of government was adopted quite closely to their original design. This gave them a significant advantage in terms of influence within the new system itself, as they exerted a significant amount of influence on the agenda within Parliament during this period. Furthermore, it also displayed the power they projected through their relationship with Cromwell. Whether he had any sympathies with their movement or whether he was simply using them, he was willing to work with them, to the point of adopting their proposed government system (with modifications). The presence of individuals in key positions of power was also significant. Thomas Harrison was an invaluable asset to the Fifth Monarchists, both because of his close ties to Cromwell as well as his position within Parliament itself. Furthermore, men such as John Rogers were able to influence Cromwell through their letters, at least to a degree, and having such talented writers and preachers with relatively close ties to Cromwell was a significant advantage for the Fifth Monarchy Men. However, they failed to take advantage of these for a number of reasons. There are two that are critically important. First, they pushed their agenda too hard and too quickly, killing the new Parliament in its infancy and alienating the other members of Parliament and even Cromwell himself. Second, the moment Cromwell changed the government system, they abandoned their political alliance with him and made him an enemy. Thus, they squandered any advantages they had at surviving and leaving a lasting mark on England. They failed to let the government that they helped establish solidify its presence, losing any advantage they possessed from having influenced its concept to begin with. They fought against Cromwell, their most important ally, resulting in many of their own leaders falling out of their influential positions, and they ultimately lost any chances they had at clinging to power. The Results of Failure The significance of this failure cannot be understated, and examining their objectives can give an idea of what England managed to avoid had they won out in the end. At the center of the Fifth Monarchy movement was the idea that the saints must prepare the way for Christ’s return by establishing the foundations of his kingdom for him. The implications this would have had can already be seen in the legislation they attempted to pass, as well as in their writings. They likely would have sought to abolish the tithes, as well as the Anglican church. Furthermore, the government may have reformed the judicial system to exclude lawyers (whom John Rogers vehemently opposed), leading to a legal system where defendants and petitioners would have to plead their own cases. It is difficult to predict whether their government could have continued without Cromwell and whether they would have been undone by the restoration of
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