ABSTRACT
During 1658–1663, three main interlinking issues emerged involving the 'Covenanted interest': the preservation of the Reformation, involvement in Royalist conspiracy and the restoration of the monarchy. During the Protectorate of Richard Cromwell, the Presbyterian revival continued in all three kingdoms. Despite the success of the Church in Ulster and attempts to bring Presbyterians to other parts of Ireland, an unresolved problem still existed between the government and the ministry regarding tithes as a source of funding. Booth's Rebellion reignited fears of a patriotic accommodation between Royalists and Presbyterians. Sharp continued to lobby Members of Parliament on Presbyterian Church government and the Covenant on behalf of English Presbyterians. For Presbytrians in each of the three kingdoms, the starting point for any settlement, and their eventual disestablishment was shaped by needs and environment of each individual kingdom. For Presbyterians in Ireland, a similar process of disestablishment and decoupling from the State also occurred between 1660 and 1662.
