“I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken.”
- April 25, 1599 – September 3, 1658
- English
- Military and Political Leader, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland
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Quote
“I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken.”
Explanation
This quote is a plea for humility, even in the midst of strong conviction. Cromwell urges his audience—with intense spiritual language—to consider the possibility that they could be wrong. The phrase “in the bowels of Christ” conveys deep compassion and earnestness, showing that the appeal is not just intellectual but moral and emotional. At its heart, the quote underscores the importance of self-doubt and openness to correction, especially in matters of conscience and belief.
Cromwell wrote these words in 1650 to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland during a time of intense religious conflict. Both sides were deeply convinced of the righteousness of their theological positions. Cromwell, though resolute in his Puritan beliefs, recognized the danger of dogmatism and inflexibility. His appeal was not to surrender truth, but to approach it with humility and a willingness to listen—a radical notion in a time when disagreements often led to war.
In today’s polarized world, this quote serves as a timeless call for intellectual modesty and civil discourse. Whether in politics, religion, or personal relationships, it reminds us that certainty should not eclipse empathy. The strongest convictions must still allow room for the possibility of error, and true wisdom lies in the courage to doubt oneself when compassion demands it.
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