more on the Puritans

I was too harsh on the Puritans in yesterday's essay, and must say at least a few words in their defense. Or rather, I point to one person, who is an example of what was best about them: John Milton.

My heart is with the cause of the Established Church, because of what the Puritans did to pipe organs, choral libraries, liturgical furnishings and vestments, and the people who were at the heart of liturgical worship - choristers, lay clerks, organists, composers, priests.

But it is complicated. As Mr. Lincoln said about another conflict, "Both sides pray to the same God."

Still, it must be said that even Milton was disappointed in the results:

On the new forcers of conscience under the Long Parliament

Because you have thrown of your Prelate Lord,
And with stiff Vowes renounc't his Liturgie
To seise the widdow'd whore Pluralitie
From them whose sin ye envi'd, not abhor'd

Dare ye for this adjure the Civill Sword
To force our Consciences that Christ set free,
And ride us with a classic Hierarchy
Taught ye by meer A. S. and Rotherford?

Men whose Life, Learning, Faith and pure intent
Would have been held in high esteem with Paul
Must now be nam'd and printed Hereticks

By shallow Edwards and Scotch what d' ye call:
But we do hope to find out all your tricks,
Your plots and packing wors then those of Trent,

That so the Parliament
May with their wholsom and preventive Shears
Clip your Phylacteries, though bauk your Ears,

And succour our just Fears
When they shall read this clearly in your charge
New Presbyter is but Old Priest writ Large.