The Christina Commonwelath - analysis and criticism to this little Essay

The Christina Commonwelath - analysis and criticism to this little book by John Eliot - Essay Example (Zakai, 133-151) Perhaps more than anything else, Eliot’s work and its concurrent ideology denounced the interregnum of the Crown with the result that three years following its publication The Christian Commonwealth was banned in England. (Holstun, 128-153) Although Eliot’s work takes a definite position with respect to Puritan ideology of the perfect state it is prefaced by a position against the monarchy. By taking this position in the preface to The Christian Commonwealth Eliot introduces a position against the interregnum of the Crown in such a way that is far more controversial than the Puritanical theocracy embodied in the main part of his book. Eliot’s states his opposition to the monarchy in his preface as follows: â€Å"Much is spoken of the rightful Heir of the Crown of England, and the unjustice of casting out the right Heir: but Christ is the only right Heir of the Crown of England, and all other Nations also.† (Eliot) In his preface Eliot quotes the scriptures at various intervals to support his contention that the best model of human ordinance and government is to be found in the Bible rather than by reference to earthly state nations. The preface is laden with Puritan theocracy and puts forth the concept that it is God who truly governs and protects those who believe in him. Eliot goes on to urge that true guidance should come from God and urges as follows: â€Å"I do beseech those chosen, and holy and faith Saints, who by Councils at Home, or by Wars in the field, have fought the Lords Battels against Antichrist, and have carried on the Cause of Christ hitherunto, That you would now set the Crown of England upon the head of Christ, whose only true inheritance it is, by the gift of his father (1) â€Å" Let him be your JUDGE, let him be your LAW – Giver, Let him be your KING. Take the pattern and