The Parliament of Saints (1653) and the Instrument of Government

Proposed reforms couldn't be agreed and couldn't maintain standing army meant R was destined to fail. Army were dissatisfied at slow pace of reform so C closed them down with force in April 53. C was advised by 5th Monarchist Harrison to ask churches and rad groups to nominate men for a godly society. Though short-lived, they passed a number of progressive reforms. 

• Members continued Dutch war to secure trade routes. * 
• Legal measures helped debators. 
• Regs on lunatics treatment. 
• Civil Marriage allowed. 
• Included members from all of Britain. 
• 'Barebones P' (Praise-God a radical). However majorrity were conservative. * 
• 140 members not solely selected by Independent Churches but by council of officers in the army who added several names inc C. 
• Clear split between radical 'saints' and conservatives, the propertied members were unhappy at the suggestion that they abolish tithes (key to their financial well-being) 

Parliament of Saints (est July 53) lasted less than half a year. In Dec the conservative members decided to dissolve themselves. Lambert produced the IoG offering a new constitution: 

• Modelled on the Heads of Proposals in 47 by Ireton, served as the constitutional basis of C's power. 
• Executive authoirty vested in C as LP, with a CoS of 21 members. 
• Single-chamber P acted as legislative with 400 members. 
• P's were to be elected every 3 years by voters with at least £200 of property. 
• C was to remain head of the NMA. 
• At his death, a new protector would be elected by the CoS. 
• There would be a Presbyterian state church, but freedom of worship was granted (Except Catholics)