The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part E. From Charles I. to Cromwell — A Closer Reading

Hume's Use of Parliamentary Speeches

The excerpts feature extended orations from figures like Cromwell and Whitlocke, rendered in indirect discourse. Hume does not simply summarize; he constructs arguments that reveal each speaker's rhetorical strategy. Cromwell's speech, for instance, begins by commending preachers for speaking 'plainly and impartially,' then pivots to advocate for army reform, claiming that 'affairs are now changed.' Whitlocke counters by invoking classical precedents and warning against 'mercenary forces.' These passages are not verbatim records but Hume's crafted versions, blending factual basis with literary shaping. Readers should note how Hume uses these speeches to dramatize ideological conflicts without explicit authorial judgment.

The Role of Religious and Political Factions

Hume distinguishes between Independents and Presbyterians through their arguments in Parliament. The Independents, led by Cromwell, push for a 'new model' army, while Presbyterians like Whitlocke defend the existing hierarchy of 'men of family and fortune.' Religious language permeates the debates: Cromwell speaks of 'the immediate operation of the Holy Spirit' and warns against trusting 'the arm of flesh.' Hume presents these factions as competing over military control and constitutional principles, but he does not endorse either side. The excerpts suggest that religious fervor and political calculation are intertwined, a theme that recurs in later chapters.

Narrative Structure and Pacing

The volume is divided into twelve chapters, with the first nine focused on Charles I and the final three on the Commonwealth. The excerpts show Hume moving from the king's initial actions to the parliamentary debates of the 1640s. His pacing is deliberate: he lingers on key speeches and decisions, then accelerates through less dramatic periods. The text includes footnotes referencing sources like Rushworth and Whitlocke, indicating Hume's reliance on printed records. Readers should observe how Hume selects and arranges events to create a coherent narrative arc, even when the historical record is fragmented.

Characterization Through Action and Speech

Hume characterizes historical figures primarily through their words and reported actions. Charles I appears as well-intentioned but naive, 'secure of the affections of the commons' yet unable to manage Parliament. Cromwell is depicted as a shrewd orator who 'acted his part' in debates, using religious rhetoric to advance political goals. Whitlocke is described as 'a man of honor, who loved his country, though in every change of government he always adhered to the ruling power'—a subtle critique of political flexibility. Hume avoids direct moral condemnation, instead letting the speeches and events imply judgments.

The Commonwealth Chapters

The final three chapters shift focus to the Commonwealth period, though the excerpts do not include their content. Based on the table of contents, these chapters likely cover Cromwell's rise and the establishment of the Protectorate. The transition from Charles I to the Commonwealth marks a structural shift in the narrative, from royal biography to institutional history. Readers should anticipate a change in tone and focus, as Hume moves from the drama of civil war to the complexities of republican governance.

This volume rewards careful attention to Hume's rhetorical construction of speeches and his subtle handling of factional conflict. Readers may find it useful to compare his version of events with other contemporary accounts, as Hume often condenses or dramatizes for narrative effect. The footnotes provide a trail of sources for those who wish to verify his claims.