The sagacity of his actions, and the absurdity of his discourse, form the most prodigious contrast that ever was known.

The collection of all his speeches, letters, sermons, (for he also wrote sermons,) would make a great curiosity, and, with a few exceptions, might justly pass for one of the most nonsensical books in the world.
The opposition which Cromwell dreaded, was not that which came from Lambert and his adherents, whom he now regarded as capital enemies, and whom he was resolved, on the first occasion, to deprive of all power and authority; it was that which he met with in his own family, and from men who, by interest as well as inclination, were the most devoted to him.
Fleetwood had married his daughter; Desborow his sister; yet these men, actuated by principle alone, could by no persuasion, artifice, or entreaty be induced to consent that their friend and patron should be invested with regal dignity.

They told him, that if he accepted of the crown, they would instantly throw up their commissions, and never afterwards should have it in their power to serve him.[*] * Thurloe, vol.vi.p.

261.
Colonel Pride procured a petition against the office of king, signed by a majority of the officers who were in London and the neighborhood.
Several persons, it is said, had entered into an engagement to murder the protector within a few hours after he should have accepted the offer of the parliament.

Some sudden mutiny in the army was justly dreaded.
And upon the whole, Cromwell, after the agony and perplexity of long doubt, was at last obliged to refuse that crown which the representatives of the nation, in the most solemn manner, had tendered to him.