The First Protectorate Parliament, 1654-1655

Tensions over the 'Instrument of Government'

• Republicans did not like the fact that the Protector could legislate through ordinances when Parliament was not sitting, had control of the army and the expense/size of the army
• It made Cromwell like a KIng, so they refused to ratify the new constitution

Tensions over religion - the Biddle Case (1654)

• John Biddle denied the Trinity and divinity of Christ; he was accused of blasphemy and Parliament stated he should be imprisoned and his works burnt
• Parliament argued that this was beyond what was acceptable under liberty of conscience
• Cromwell believed that this was an attack on the rights…