Cromwell on the Re-admission of the Jews to England in 1655

Oliver Cromwell’s summing up of the 1655 debate on whether to readmit the Jews to England:

Now the Protector having heard all their [theologians] sentiments upon this affair, declared, “That he had no engagement to the Jews, but what the scriptures held forth, and that since there was a promise of their conversion, means must be used to that end, which was the preaching of the gospel, and that could not be had unless they were permitted to reside where the gospel was preached. That he had hoped, by these preachers, to have hade some clearing of the case, as to matters of conscience, but seeing these agreed not, but were of different opinions, it was left more doubtful to him, and the council, than before: And he hoped he should do nothing herein hastily or rashly, and had much need of all their prayers, that the Lord would direct them so as might be to his glory, and the good of the nation.”

Two journeys to Jerusalem: Containing first, A strange and true ..., Volume 1. Page 152

A debate held at white-hall about the admission of the Jews, 1655

A failed attempt by Manasseh Ben Israel to win admission to England in 1655:

“Upon the tendring of certain Proposals to the Protector by Manasseh Ben Israel, a Jewish Merchant, in the behalf of his Hebrew Nation, for their free admission to Trade and exercise of the Religion in England, a Conference was held about it several days at White hall, but the Members of the Council, and certain Divines of the most Eminent then in esteem: and many Arguments being urged, some for, others against their admission; those against it so far prevailed, that the Proposals took no effect.”

Sir Richard Baker, Edward Phillips, Sir Thomas Clarges. A chronicle of the kings of England. 1684. Page 627