JUST over 350 years ago (April 20, 1653) our Oliver Cromwell addressed the House of Commons thus: It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice

JUST over 350 years ago (April 20, 1653) our Oliver Cromwell addressed the House of Commons thus:

"It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice: ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government: ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would, like Esau, sell your country for a mess of pottage, and, like Judas, betray your God for a few pieces of money.

"Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse: gold is your God; which of you have not bartered your conscience for bribes?

"Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?

"Ye sordid prostitutes, have you not defiled this sacred place, and turned the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation. You were deputed here by the people to get grievances redressed, are yourselves gone.

"So, take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors. In the name of God, go."

Things just don't seem to change. Come back Olly, all is forgiven.

Rev PHILIP FOSTER

Common Lane

Hemingford Abbots