Declaration of Reasons
THE Most Illustrious Prince William Henry,
by the Grace of God, Prince of Orange,
having published a Declaration of the Reasons
inducing him to appear in Arms in the Kingdom of
England, for preserving of the Protestant Religion,
and for restoring the Laws and Liberties of
England, Scotland, Ireland; the Tenor whereof here
followeth;
His Highness’s DECLARATION.
It is both certain and evident to all Men, that the
publick Peace and Happiness of any State or
Kingdom can-not be preserved, where the Laws,
Liberties and Customs, established by the lawful
Authority in it, are openly transgressed and
annulled ; more especially where the Alteration of
Religion is endeavoured, and that a Religion, which
is contrary to Law, is endeavoured to be introduced;
upon which those who are most immediately
concerned in it are indispensably bound to
endeavour to preserve and maintain the established
Laws, Liberties and Customs and, above all, the
Religion and Worship of God, that is established
among them ; and to take such so effectual Care,
that the Inhabitants of the said State or Kingdom
may neither be deprived of their Religion, nor of
their Civil Rights : Which is so much the more
necessary, because the Greatness and Security both
of Kings, Royal Families, and of all such as are in
Authority, as well as the Happiness of their
Subjects and People, depend in a more especial
manner upon the exact Observation and
Maintenance of these ther Laws, Liberties and
Customs.
publick Peace and Happiness of any State or
Kingdom can-not be preserved, where the Laws,
Liberties and Customs, established by the lawful
Authority in it, are openly transgressed and
annulled ; more especially where the Alteration of
Religion is endeavoured, and that a Religion, which
is contrary to Law, is endeavoured to be introduced;
upon which those who are most immediately
concerned in it are indispensably bound to
endeavour to preserve and maintain the established
Laws, Liberties and Customs and, above all, the
Religion and Worship of God, that is established
among them ; and to take such so effectual Care,
that the Inhabitants of the said State or Kingdom
may neither be deprived of their Religion, nor of
their Civil Rights : Which is so much the more
necessary, because the Greatness and Security both
of Kings, Royal Families, and of all such as are in
Authority, as well as the Happiness of their
Subjects and People, depend in a more especial
manner upon the exact Observation and
Maintenance of these ther Laws, Liberties and
Customs.
Upon these Grounds it is that we cannot any
longer forbear to declare, that, to our great Regret,
we see, that those Counsellors, who have now the
Chief Credit with the King, have overturned the
Religion, Laws and Liberties of those Realms, and
subjected them, in all things relating to their
Consciences, Liberties Properties, to arbitrary
Government ; and that, not only by Secret and
indirect Ways, but in an open and undisguised
Manner.
longer forbear to declare, that, to our great Regret,
we see, that those Counsellors, who have now the
Chief Credit with the King, have overturned the
Religion, Laws and Liberties of those Realms, and
subjected them, in all things relating to their
Consciences, Liberties Properties, to arbitrary
Government ; and that, not only by Secret and
indirect Ways, but in an open and undisguised
Manner.
Those evil Counsellors, for the advancing and
colour-ing This with some plausible Pretexts, did
invent and set on foot the King’s dispensing
Power ; by virtue of which they pretend, that,
according to Law, he can suspend and dispence
with the Execution of the Laws, that have been
enacted by the Authority of the King and
Parliament, for the Security and Happiness of the
Subject; and so have rendered those Laws of no
Effect Though there is nothing more certain, than
that, as no Laws can be made but by the joint
Concurrence of King and Parliament, so likewise
Laws so enacted, which secure the publick Peace
and Safety of the Nation, and the Lives and
Liberties of every Subject in it, cannot be repealed
colour-ing This with some plausible Pretexts, did
invent and set on foot the King’s dispensing
Power ; by virtue of which they pretend, that,
according to Law, he can suspend and dispence
with the Execution of the Laws, that have been
enacted by the Authority of the King and
Parliament, for the Security and Happiness of the
Subject; and so have rendered those Laws of no
Effect Though there is nothing more certain, than
that, as no Laws can be made but by the joint
Concurrence of King and Parliament, so likewise
Laws so enacted, which secure the publick Peace
and Safety of the Nation, and the Lives and
Liberties of every Subject in it, cannot be repealed
or suspended but by the same Authority.
For though the King may pardon the Punishme
that a Transgressor has incurred, and to which he is
condemned; as in Cases of Treason or Felony; yet it
can not be, with any Colour of Reason, inferred
from thence, that the King can intirely suspend the
Execution of those Laws relating to Treason or
Felony, unless it is pretended, that he is cloathed
with a despotick and arbitrary Power, and that the
Lives, Liberties, Honours, and Estates of the
Subjects, depend wholly on his good will and
Pleasure, and are intirely subject to him; which
must infallibly follow on the King’s having a Power
to suspend the Execution of Laws, and to dispense
with them.
For though the King may pardon the Punishme
that a Transgressor has incurred, and to which he is
condemned; as in Cases of Treason or Felony; yet it
can not be, with any Colour of Reason, inferred
from thence, that the King can intirely suspend the
Execution of those Laws relating to Treason or
Felony, unless it is pretended, that he is cloathed
with a despotick and arbitrary Power, and that the
Lives, Liberties, Honours, and Estates of the
Subjects, depend wholly on his good will and
Pleasure, and are intirely subject to him; which
must infallibly follow on the King’s having a Power
to suspend the Execution of Laws, and to dispense
with them.
Those evil Counsellors, in order to the giving
some Credit to this strange and execrable Maxim,
have so conducted the Matter, that they have
obtained a Sentence from the Judges, declaring, that
this dispensing Power is a Right belonging to the
Crown; as if it were in the Power of the Twelve
Judges to offer up the Laws, Rights, and Liberties
of the whole Nation to the King, to be disposed of
by him arbitrarily, and at his Pleasure, and expresly
contrary to the Laws enacted for the Security of the
Subjects. In order to the obtaining this Judgment,
those evil Counsellors did, beforehand, examine
secretly the Opinion of the Judges, and procured
such of them, as could not in Conscience concur in
so pernicious a Sentence, to be turned out, and
others to be substituted in their rooms, till, by the
Changes which, were made in the Courts of
Judicature, they at last obtained that Judgment. And
they have raised some to those Trusts, who make
open Profession of the Popish Religion, though
those are by Law rendered incapble of all such
Employments.
some Credit to this strange and execrable Maxim,
have so conducted the Matter, that they have
obtained a Sentence from the Judges, declaring, that
this dispensing Power is a Right belonging to the
Crown; as if it were in the Power of the Twelve
Judges to offer up the Laws, Rights, and Liberties
of the whole Nation to the King, to be disposed of
by him arbitrarily, and at his Pleasure, and expresly
contrary to the Laws enacted for the Security of the
Subjects. In order to the obtaining this Judgment,
those evil Counsellors did, beforehand, examine
secretly the Opinion of the Judges, and procured
such of them, as could not in Conscience concur in
so pernicious a Sentence, to be turned out, and
others to be substituted in their rooms, till, by the
Changes which, were made in the Courts of
Judicature, they at last obtained that Judgment. And
they have raised some to those Trusts, who make
open Profession of the Popish Religion, though
those are by Law rendered incapble of all such
Employments.
It is also manifest and notorious, that, as his
Majesty was, upon his coming to the Crown,
received and acknowledged by all the Subjects of
England, Scotland, and Ireland, as their King
without the least Opposition, thought he made then
open Profession of the Popish Religion, so he did
then promise and solemnly swear at his Coronation,
that he would maintain his Subjects in the free
Enjoyment of their Laws, Rights and Liberties; and
in particular, that he would maintain the Church of
England, as it was established by Law. it is likewise
certain, that there have been, at divers and sundry
times, several Laws enacted for the Preservation of
those Rights and Liberties; and of the Protestant
Religion; and, among other Securities, it has been
enacted, that all Persons whatsoever, who are
advanced to any Ecclesiastical Dignity, or to bear
Office in either university, as likewise all others
that should be put in any Employment Civil or
Military, should declare, that they were not Papists,
but were of the Protestat Religion, and That, by
their Taking of the Oaths of Allegiance and
Supremacy, and the Test: Yet these evil Counsellors
have, in Effect, annulled and abolished all those
Majesty was, upon his coming to the Crown,
received and acknowledged by all the Subjects of
England, Scotland, and Ireland, as their King
without the least Opposition, thought he made then
open Profession of the Popish Religion, so he did
then promise and solemnly swear at his Coronation,
that he would maintain his Subjects in the free
Enjoyment of their Laws, Rights and Liberties; and
in particular, that he would maintain the Church of
England, as it was established by Law. it is likewise
certain, that there have been, at divers and sundry
times, several Laws enacted for the Preservation of
those Rights and Liberties; and of the Protestant
Religion; and, among other Securities, it has been
enacted, that all Persons whatsoever, who are
advanced to any Ecclesiastical Dignity, or to bear
Office in either university, as likewise all others
that should be put in any Employment Civil or
Military, should declare, that they were not Papists,
but were of the Protestat Religion, and That, by
their Taking of the Oaths of Allegiance and
Supremacy, and the Test: Yet these evil Counsellors
have, in Effect, annulled and abolished all those
Laws, both with relation to Ecclesiastical and Civil
Employments.
Employments.
In order to Ecclesiastical Dignities and Offices,
they have, not only without any Colour of Law, but
against most express Laws to the contrary, set up a
Commission of a certain Number of Persons, to
whom they have Committed the Cognizance and
Direction of all Ecclesiastical Matters; in the which
Commission there has been, and still is, One of his
Majesty’s Ministers of State, who makes now
publick Profession of the Popish Religion; and who,
at the time of his first professing it, declared, that
for a great while before he had believed That to be
the only true Religion; By all this, the deplorable
State to which the Protestant Religion is reduced is
apparent, since the Affairs of the Church of
England are now put into the Hands of Persons,
who have accepted of a Commission That is
manifestly illegal, and who have executed it
contrary to all Law; and that now One of their chief
Members has abjured the Protestant Religion, and
declared himself a Papist; by which he is become
incapable of holding any publick Employment. The
said Commissioners have hitherto given such Proof
of their Submission to the Directions given them,
that there is no Reason to Doubt, but they will still
continue to promote all such Designs, as will be
most agreeable to them. And those evil Counsellors
take care to raise none to any Ecclesiastical
Dignities but Persons that have no Zeal for he
Protestant Religion, and that now hide their
Unconcernedness for it under the specious Pretence
of Moderation. The said Commissioners have
suspended the Bishop of London, only because he
refused to obey an Order that was sent him to
suspend a worthy Divine, without so much as citing
him before him to make his own Defence, or
observing the common Forms of Process. They
have turned out a President chosen by the Fellows
of Magdalen College, and afterwards all the
Fellows of that College, without so much as citing’
them before any Court that could take legal
Cognizance of that Affair, or obtaining any
Sentence against them by a competent Judge: And
the only Reason that was given for turning them
out, was, their refusing to choose for their President
a Person that was recommended to them by the
Instigation of those evil Counsellors, though the
Right of a free Election belonged undoubtedly to
them; but they were turned out of their Freeholds,
contrary to Law, and to that express Provision in
Magna Charta, That no Man shall lose Life or
Goods but by the Law of the Land: And now these
evil Counsellors have put the said College wholly
into the hands of the Papists; though, as is above
said, they are incapable of all such Employments,
both by the law of the Land, and the Statutes of the
College. These Commissioners have also cited
before them all the Chancellors and Archdeacons of
they have, not only without any Colour of Law, but
against most express Laws to the contrary, set up a
Commission of a certain Number of Persons, to
whom they have Committed the Cognizance and
Direction of all Ecclesiastical Matters; in the which
Commission there has been, and still is, One of his
Majesty’s Ministers of State, who makes now
publick Profession of the Popish Religion; and who,
at the time of his first professing it, declared, that
for a great while before he had believed That to be
the only true Religion; By all this, the deplorable
State to which the Protestant Religion is reduced is
apparent, since the Affairs of the Church of
England are now put into the Hands of Persons,
who have accepted of a Commission That is
manifestly illegal, and who have executed it
contrary to all Law; and that now One of their chief
Members has abjured the Protestant Religion, and
declared himself a Papist; by which he is become
incapable of holding any publick Employment. The
said Commissioners have hitherto given such Proof
of their Submission to the Directions given them,
that there is no Reason to Doubt, but they will still
continue to promote all such Designs, as will be
most agreeable to them. And those evil Counsellors
take care to raise none to any Ecclesiastical
Dignities but Persons that have no Zeal for he
Protestant Religion, and that now hide their
Unconcernedness for it under the specious Pretence
of Moderation. The said Commissioners have
suspended the Bishop of London, only because he
refused to obey an Order that was sent him to
suspend a worthy Divine, without so much as citing
him before him to make his own Defence, or
observing the common Forms of Process. They
have turned out a President chosen by the Fellows
of Magdalen College, and afterwards all the
Fellows of that College, without so much as citing’
them before any Court that could take legal
Cognizance of that Affair, or obtaining any
Sentence against them by a competent Judge: And
the only Reason that was given for turning them
out, was, their refusing to choose for their President
a Person that was recommended to them by the
Instigation of those evil Counsellors, though the
Right of a free Election belonged undoubtedly to
them; but they were turned out of their Freeholds,
contrary to Law, and to that express Provision in
Magna Charta, That no Man shall lose Life or
Goods but by the Law of the Land: And now these
evil Counsellors have put the said College wholly
into the hands of the Papists; though, as is above
said, they are incapable of all such Employments,
both by the law of the Land, and the Statutes of the
College. These Commissioners have also cited
before them all the Chancellors and Archdeacons of
England, requiring them to certify to them the
Names of all such Clergymen as have read the
King’s Declaration for Liberty of Conscience, and
of such as have not read it, without considering that
the Reading of it was not injoined the Clergy by the
Bishops, who are their Ordinaries. The Illegality
and Incompetency of the said Court of the
Ecclesiastical Commissioners Was so notoriously
known, did so evidently appear, That it tended to
the subversion of the Protestant Religion, that the
most reverend father in God William Archbishop of
Canterbury, Primate and Metropolitan of England,
seeing that it was raised for no other End but to
oppress such Persons who were of eminent Virtue,
Learning, and Piety, refused to sit or to concur in it.
Names of all such Clergymen as have read the
King’s Declaration for Liberty of Conscience, and
of such as have not read it, without considering that
the Reading of it was not injoined the Clergy by the
Bishops, who are their Ordinaries. The Illegality
and Incompetency of the said Court of the
Ecclesiastical Commissioners Was so notoriously
known, did so evidently appear, That it tended to
the subversion of the Protestant Religion, that the
most reverend father in God William Archbishop of
Canterbury, Primate and Metropolitan of England,
seeing that it was raised for no other End but to
oppress such Persons who were of eminent Virtue,
Learning, and Piety, refused to sit or to concur in it.
And, ‘though there are many express Laws
against all Churches and Chapels for the Exercise
of the Popish Religion, and also against all
Monasteries and Convents, and more particularly
against the Order of the Jesuits; yet those evil
Counsellors have procured Orders for the Building
of separate Churches and Chapels for the Exercise
of that Religion: They have also procured divers
Monasteries to be erected; and, in Contempt of the
Law, they have not only set up several Colleges of
Jesuits in divers Places, for corrupting of the Youth,
but have raised up One of the Order to be a Privy
Counsellor, and a Minister of State: by all which
they do evidently shew, that they are restrained by
no Rules or Law whatsoever; but that they have
subjected the Honours and Estates of the Subjects,
and the Established Religion, to a despotick Power,
and to arbitrary Government : In all which they are
served and seconded by those Ecclesiastical
Commissioners.
against all Churches and Chapels for the Exercise
of the Popish Religion, and also against all
Monasteries and Convents, and more particularly
against the Order of the Jesuits; yet those evil
Counsellors have procured Orders for the Building
of separate Churches and Chapels for the Exercise
of that Religion: They have also procured divers
Monasteries to be erected; and, in Contempt of the
Law, they have not only set up several Colleges of
Jesuits in divers Places, for corrupting of the Youth,
but have raised up One of the Order to be a Privy
Counsellor, and a Minister of State: by all which
they do evidently shew, that they are restrained by
no Rules or Law whatsoever; but that they have
subjected the Honours and Estates of the Subjects,
and the Established Religion, to a despotick Power,
and to arbitrary Government : In all which they are
served and seconded by those Ecclesiastical
Commissioners.
They have also followed the same Methods with
relation to Civil Affairs ; for they have procured
Orders to examine all Lords Lieutenants, Deputy
Lieutenants, Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, and also
all others that were in any publick Employment, if
they would concur with the King in the Repeal of
the Test and the Penal Laws : And all such whose
Consciences did not suffer them to comply with
their Designs, were turned out, and others were put
in their Places, who they believed would be more
compliant to them in their Designs of defeating the
Intent and Execution of those Laws which had been
made with so much Care and Caution for the
Security of the Protestant Religion And in many of
these Places they have put professed Papists ;
though the Law has disabled them, and warranted
the Subjects not to have any Regard to their Orders.
relation to Civil Affairs ; for they have procured
Orders to examine all Lords Lieutenants, Deputy
Lieutenants, Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, and also
all others that were in any publick Employment, if
they would concur with the King in the Repeal of
the Test and the Penal Laws : And all such whose
Consciences did not suffer them to comply with
their Designs, were turned out, and others were put
in their Places, who they believed would be more
compliant to them in their Designs of defeating the
Intent and Execution of those Laws which had been
made with so much Care and Caution for the
Security of the Protestant Religion And in many of
these Places they have put professed Papists ;
though the Law has disabled them, and warranted
the Subjects not to have any Regard to their Orders.
They have also invaded the Privileges, and
seized on the Charters of most of those Towns that
have a Right to be represented by their Burgesses in
Parliament, and have secured Surrenders to be
made of them; by’ which the Magistrates in them
have delivered up all their Rights and Privileges to
be Disposed of at the Pleasure of those evil
Counsellors; who have thereupon placed new
seized on the Charters of most of those Towns that
have a Right to be represented by their Burgesses in
Parliament, and have secured Surrenders to be
made of them; by’ which the Magistrates in them
have delivered up all their Rights and Privileges to
be Disposed of at the Pleasure of those evil
Counsellors; who have thereupon placed new
Magistrates in those Towns, such as they can most
entirely confide in ; and in many of them they have
put Popish Magistrates notwithstanding the
Incapacities under which the Law has put them.
entirely confide in ; and in many of them they have
put Popish Magistrates notwithstanding the
Incapacities under which the Law has put them.
And whereas no Nation whatsoever can subsist
with out the administration of good and impartial
Justice, upon which Men’s Lives, Liberties,
Honours and Estates do depend; those evil
Counsellors have subjected these to an arbitrary and
despotick Power. In the most important Affairs they
have studied to discover beforehand the Opinions
of the Judges, and have turned out such as they
found Would not conform themselves to their
intentions; and have put others in their Places of
whom they are more assured, without having any
Regard to their Abilities: And they have not stuck
to raise even professed Papists to the Courts of
Judicature,. notwithstanding their Incapacity by
Law, and that no Regard is due to any Sentences
flowing from them. They have carried this so far, as
to deprive such Judges, who in the common
Administration of Justice, shew, that they were
governed by their Consciences, and not by the
Directions which the others gave them : By which it
is apparent, that they design to render themselves
the absolute Masters Of the Lives, Honours and
Estates of the Subjects, of what Rank or Dignity
soever they may be; and That, wihout having any
Regard either to the Equity of the Cause, or to. the
Consciences of the Judges; whom they will have to
submit in all things to their own Will and Pleasure
hoping by such Ways to intimidate those other
Judges, who are yet in Employment ; as also such
others as they shall think fit to put in the rooms of
those whom they have turned out; and to make
them see, what they must look for, if they should at
any time act in the least Contrary to their Good
liking; and that no Failings of that kind are
pardoned in any Persons whatsoever. A great deal
of Blood has been shed in many Places of the
Kingdom, by Judges, governed by those evil
Counsellors, against all the Rules and Forms of
Law, without so much as suffering the Persons, that
were accused, to plead in their own Defence.
with out the administration of good and impartial
Justice, upon which Men’s Lives, Liberties,
Honours and Estates do depend; those evil
Counsellors have subjected these to an arbitrary and
despotick Power. In the most important Affairs they
have studied to discover beforehand the Opinions
of the Judges, and have turned out such as they
found Would not conform themselves to their
intentions; and have put others in their Places of
whom they are more assured, without having any
Regard to their Abilities: And they have not stuck
to raise even professed Papists to the Courts of
Judicature,. notwithstanding their Incapacity by
Law, and that no Regard is due to any Sentences
flowing from them. They have carried this so far, as
to deprive such Judges, who in the common
Administration of Justice, shew, that they were
governed by their Consciences, and not by the
Directions which the others gave them : By which it
is apparent, that they design to render themselves
the absolute Masters Of the Lives, Honours and
Estates of the Subjects, of what Rank or Dignity
soever they may be; and That, wihout having any
Regard either to the Equity of the Cause, or to. the
Consciences of the Judges; whom they will have to
submit in all things to their own Will and Pleasure
hoping by such Ways to intimidate those other
Judges, who are yet in Employment ; as also such
others as they shall think fit to put in the rooms of
those whom they have turned out; and to make
them see, what they must look for, if they should at
any time act in the least Contrary to their Good
liking; and that no Failings of that kind are
pardoned in any Persons whatsoever. A great deal
of Blood has been shed in many Places of the
Kingdom, by Judges, governed by those evil
Counsellors, against all the Rules and Forms of
Law, without so much as suffering the Persons, that
were accused, to plead in their own Defence.
They have also, by putting the Administrations of
Justice in the hands of Papists, brought all the
Matters of Civil Justice into great Uncertainties,
with how much Exactness and Justice so ever that
those Sentences may have been given: For, since
the Laws of the Land do not only exclude Papists
from all Places of Judicature, but have put them
under an Incapacity, none are bound to
acknowledge or obey their Judgments ; and all Sentences
given by them are null and void of
themselves; so that all Persons, who have been cast
in Trials before such Popish Judges may justly look
on their, pretended Sentences as having no more
Force than the Sentences of any private and.
unauthorized Person whatsoever: So deplorable is
the. Case of the Subjects,. who are obliged to
Justice in the hands of Papists, brought all the
Matters of Civil Justice into great Uncertainties,
with how much Exactness and Justice so ever that
those Sentences may have been given: For, since
the Laws of the Land do not only exclude Papists
from all Places of Judicature, but have put them
under an Incapacity, none are bound to
acknowledge or obey their Judgments ; and all Sentences
given by them are null and void of
themselves; so that all Persons, who have been cast
in Trials before such Popish Judges may justly look
on their, pretended Sentences as having no more
Force than the Sentences of any private and.
unauthorized Person whatsoever: So deplorable is
the. Case of the Subjects,. who are obliged to
answer to such Judges, that must in all things stick
to the Rules, which are set them by those evil
Counsellors who as they raised them up to those
Employments, so can turn them out of them at
pleasure; and who can never be esteemed lawful
Judges; So that all their sentences are in the
construction of the Law, of no Force and Efficacy.
They have likewise disposed of all Military
Employments in the same manner; for though the
Laws have not only. excluded Papists from all such
Employments, but have, in particular, provided that
they should be disarmed; yet they, in Contempt Of
those Laws, have not only, armed the Papists but,
have Likewise raised them up to the greatest
Military Trsts, both by Sea and Land; And that
Strangers as well As Natives And Irish as well as
English; that So, by These Means they Having
Rendered themselves Masters both of the Affairs of
the Church, of the Government of The nation, and
of the Course of Justice, And subjected Them All
to a despotick and arbitrary Power, they Might Be
in a Capacity To Maintain and execute Their
wicked designs by the Assistance of the Army, and
thereby. To enslave the Nation.,
to the Rules, which are set them by those evil
Counsellors who as they raised them up to those
Employments, so can turn them out of them at
pleasure; and who can never be esteemed lawful
Judges; So that all their sentences are in the
construction of the Law, of no Force and Efficacy.
They have likewise disposed of all Military
Employments in the same manner; for though the
Laws have not only. excluded Papists from all such
Employments, but have, in particular, provided that
they should be disarmed; yet they, in Contempt Of
those Laws, have not only, armed the Papists but,
have Likewise raised them up to the greatest
Military Trsts, both by Sea and Land; And that
Strangers as well As Natives And Irish as well as
English; that So, by These Means they Having
Rendered themselves Masters both of the Affairs of
the Church, of the Government of The nation, and
of the Course of Justice, And subjected Them All
to a despotick and arbitrary Power, they Might Be
in a Capacity To Maintain and execute Their
wicked designs by the Assistance of the Army, and
thereby. To enslave the Nation.,
The dismal Effects of this Subversion of the
Established Religion Laws and Liberties in England
appear More Evidently to us by What we see Done
in Ireland where the whole Government is put In
the Hands of Papists ; and where all The Protestant
Inhabitants are Under the daily Fears of what may
be justly apprehended from, the Arbitrary Power
which is set up there ; Which has made great
Numbers of Them leave that Kingdom, and
Abandon their Estates In, it; Remembering well that
cruel and bloody Massacre which fell out in that
Island in the Year 1641.
Established Religion Laws and Liberties in England
appear More Evidently to us by What we see Done
in Ireland where the whole Government is put In
the Hands of Papists ; and where all The Protestant
Inhabitants are Under the daily Fears of what may
be justly apprehended from, the Arbitrary Power
which is set up there ; Which has made great
Numbers of Them leave that Kingdom, and
Abandon their Estates In, it; Remembering well that
cruel and bloody Massacre which fell out in that
Island in the Year 1641.
Those Evil Counsellors have also Prevailed with
the King to declare in Scotland, that he is Cloathed
with absolute Power, And that All the Subjects are
bound to obey him without Reserve; upon which he
Has Assumed An arbitrary Power both over the
Religion And Laws Of that Kingdom. From all
which it is Apparent, what is to be Looked for in
England, as soon as. Matters are duly prepared for
it.
the King to declare in Scotland, that he is Cloathed
with absolute Power, And that All the Subjects are
bound to obey him without Reserve; upon which he
Has Assumed An arbitrary Power both over the
Religion And Laws Of that Kingdom. From all
which it is Apparent, what is to be Looked for in
England, as soon as. Matters are duly prepared for
it.
Those great and insufferable Oppressions, and
the open Contempt of all Law, together with The
Apprehensions of the Sad consequences that must
certainly Follow upon it, have put the Subjects
under great and just Fears, and have made Them
look after such lawful Remedies as are allowed of
in all Nations : Yet all has been without Effect. And
those evil Counsellors have endeavoured to make
all Men to apprehend the Loss of their Lives,
Liberties Honours and Estates, if they should go
about to preserve themselves from this Oppression
by Petitions, Representations, or Other Means
authorized by Law. Thus did they proceed with the
Archbishop of Canterbury, And the Other bishops;
who, having offered a Most humble Petition to the
the open Contempt of all Law, together with The
Apprehensions of the Sad consequences that must
certainly Follow upon it, have put the Subjects
under great and just Fears, and have made Them
look after such lawful Remedies as are allowed of
in all Nations : Yet all has been without Effect. And
those evil Counsellors have endeavoured to make
all Men to apprehend the Loss of their Lives,
Liberties Honours and Estates, if they should go
about to preserve themselves from this Oppression
by Petitions, Representations, or Other Means
authorized by Law. Thus did they proceed with the
Archbishop of Canterbury, And the Other bishops;
who, having offered a Most humble Petition to the
King, in Terms full of Respect, and not exceeding
the Number Limited by Law, (in Which they set
forth, in short, the Reasons for Which they could
not obey that Order, which by The Instigation of
Those Evil Counsellors Was sent them, requiring
them to Appoint their Clergy To Read In Their
Churches the declaration for liberty of Conscience)
Were sent to Prison, and Afterwards brought to
Trial, as if they had been guilty of some enormous
Crime. They were not only obliged to defend
themselves in that Pursuit, but to appear before
professed Papists, who had not taken the Test, and
by consequence were Men whose interest led them
to condemn them: And the Judges that gave their
Opinions in their favours were thereupon turned
out.
the Number Limited by Law, (in Which they set
forth, in short, the Reasons for Which they could
not obey that Order, which by The Instigation of
Those Evil Counsellors Was sent them, requiring
them to Appoint their Clergy To Read In Their
Churches the declaration for liberty of Conscience)
Were sent to Prison, and Afterwards brought to
Trial, as if they had been guilty of some enormous
Crime. They were not only obliged to defend
themselves in that Pursuit, but to appear before
professed Papists, who had not taken the Test, and
by consequence were Men whose interest led them
to condemn them: And the Judges that gave their
Opinions in their favours were thereupon turned
out.
And yet it cannot be pretended, that any Kings,
how great soever their Power has been, and how
arbitrary and despotick soever they have been in the
Exercise of it, have ever reckoned it a Crime for
their Subjects to come, in all submission and
Respect, and in a due number not exceeding the
limits of the Law, and represent to them the
Reasons that made it impossible for them to obey
their Orders. Those evil Counsellors have also
treated a Peer of the realm a criminal only because
he said that the subjects were not bound to obey the
Orders of a Popish Justice of Peace; though it is
evident that, they being by law rendered incapable
of all such Trust, no regard is due to their orders;
this being the security, which the people have by
the Law, for their Lives, Liberties Honours and
Estates, that they are not to be subjected to the
arbitrary proceedings of Papists, that are Contrary
to law, Put into any employments Civil or Military.
how great soever their Power has been, and how
arbitrary and despotick soever they have been in the
Exercise of it, have ever reckoned it a Crime for
their Subjects to come, in all submission and
Respect, and in a due number not exceeding the
limits of the Law, and represent to them the
Reasons that made it impossible for them to obey
their Orders. Those evil Counsellors have also
treated a Peer of the realm a criminal only because
he said that the subjects were not bound to obey the
Orders of a Popish Justice of Peace; though it is
evident that, they being by law rendered incapable
of all such Trust, no regard is due to their orders;
this being the security, which the people have by
the Law, for their Lives, Liberties Honours and
Estates, that they are not to be subjected to the
arbitrary proceedings of Papists, that are Contrary
to law, Put into any employments Civil or Military.
Both we ourselves, and our Dearest and most
entirely beloved Consort the Princess, have
endeavoured to signify in terms full of respect to
the King, the just and deep regret which all these
proceedings have given us; and in Compliance with
his Majesty’s Desires, signified to us, we declared
both by word of mouth to his Envoy, and in Writing
what our Thoughts were touching the repealing of
the Test and Penal Laws ; which we did in such a
Manner, that we hoped we had proposed an
Expedient, by which the peace of those kingdoms,
and a happy agreement a among the subjects of all
Persuasions, might have been settled : But those
evil Counsellors have put such ill construction on
those our good intentions that they have
endeavoured to alienate the King more and more
from us, as if we had designed to disturb the
happiness and Quiet of the kingdom.
entirely beloved Consort the Princess, have
endeavoured to signify in terms full of respect to
the King, the just and deep regret which all these
proceedings have given us; and in Compliance with
his Majesty’s Desires, signified to us, we declared
both by word of mouth to his Envoy, and in Writing
what our Thoughts were touching the repealing of
the Test and Penal Laws ; which we did in such a
Manner, that we hoped we had proposed an
Expedient, by which the peace of those kingdoms,
and a happy agreement a among the subjects of all
Persuasions, might have been settled : But those
evil Counsellors have put such ill construction on
those our good intentions that they have
endeavoured to alienate the King more and more
from us, as if we had designed to disturb the
happiness and Quiet of the kingdom.
The last and .great Remedy For all those Evils is
The Calling of Parliament, for securing The Nation
against The evil Practices Of those wicked
Counsellors but This could not be yet Compassed,
nor can it be easily brought about: For those Men
Apprehending that a lawful Parliament being once
assembled, They would be brought to an Account
The Calling of Parliament, for securing The Nation
against The evil Practices Of those wicked
Counsellors but This could not be yet Compassed,
nor can it be easily brought about: For those Men
Apprehending that a lawful Parliament being once
assembled, They would be brought to an Account
for all their open Violations of Law, and for their
Lots and Conspiracies against the Protestant
Religion, and the Lives and Liberties of the
Subjects, they have endeavoured, under the
specious Pretence of Liberty of Conscience First to
sow Divisions amongst Protestants, between Those
of the Church of England and the Dissenters: the
Design being laid, to engage Protestants that are all
equally Concerned to preserve themselves From
Popish Oppression, into mutual Quarrellings that
so, by these, some Advantages might be given to
them To bring about their Designs; and That, Both
in the Election of the Members of Parliament, and
afterwards in the Parliament Itself: For they see
wel, that if all Protestants could enter into a mutual
good Understanding one with another, and concur
together in the Preserving of their Religion, it
would not be Possible For Them to Compass Their
wicked Ends. They have also required all the
Persons in the several Counties In England, that
Either were in any Employment, or were in any
Considerable Esteem, to declare beforehand, that
They would concur in the Repeal of the Test and
Penal Laws; and that they would give their Voices
in the Elections to Parliament only for such as
would concur in it. Such as would not thus preengage
themselves were turned out of all
Employments; and others who entered into those
Engagements were put in their Places, many of
them Being Papists And, contrary to the Charters
and Privileges Of those Boroughs that have a Right
to send Burgesses to Parliament, they have ordered
such Regulations to be Made, as They Thought fit
And Necessary For Assuring themselves of All the
Members that are to be chosen by those
corporations: And by this Means they hope to
Avoid that Punishment which they have deserved
Though it is apparent, that all Acts Made by Popish
Magistrates are null and void of Themselves; so
that no Parliament can be lawful, For Which the
Elections and Returns are, made by Popish Sheriffs
and Mayors of Tons: And therefore as long as The
Authority and Magistracy is in such Hands, it is Not
Possible to have any Lawful Parliament. And
though, according to the Constitution of the English
Government, and immemorial Custom, All
Elections of Parliament men ought to be made with
an intire Liberty, Without any Sort of Force, or the
requiring the Electors to choose such Persons as
shall be named to them; and The Persons thus
Freely Elected ought To give their Opinions freely
upon All Matters That are Brought before them,
having the Good of the Nation ever before Their
Eyes and following In all Things The Dictates of
their Conscience; yet Now, the People of England
Cannot Expect a Remedy from a free Parliament
legally called and chosen; but they may perhaps see
one called, in which all Elections will be carried on
by Fraud or Force; and which will be composed of
such Persons of whom those evil Counsellors hold
them selves well assured, in which all things will be
Lots and Conspiracies against the Protestant
Religion, and the Lives and Liberties of the
Subjects, they have endeavoured, under the
specious Pretence of Liberty of Conscience First to
sow Divisions amongst Protestants, between Those
of the Church of England and the Dissenters: the
Design being laid, to engage Protestants that are all
equally Concerned to preserve themselves From
Popish Oppression, into mutual Quarrellings that
so, by these, some Advantages might be given to
them To bring about their Designs; and That, Both
in the Election of the Members of Parliament, and
afterwards in the Parliament Itself: For they see
wel, that if all Protestants could enter into a mutual
good Understanding one with another, and concur
together in the Preserving of their Religion, it
would not be Possible For Them to Compass Their
wicked Ends. They have also required all the
Persons in the several Counties In England, that
Either were in any Employment, or were in any
Considerable Esteem, to declare beforehand, that
They would concur in the Repeal of the Test and
Penal Laws; and that they would give their Voices
in the Elections to Parliament only for such as
would concur in it. Such as would not thus preengage
themselves were turned out of all
Employments; and others who entered into those
Engagements were put in their Places, many of
them Being Papists And, contrary to the Charters
and Privileges Of those Boroughs that have a Right
to send Burgesses to Parliament, they have ordered
such Regulations to be Made, as They Thought fit
And Necessary For Assuring themselves of All the
Members that are to be chosen by those
corporations: And by this Means they hope to
Avoid that Punishment which they have deserved
Though it is apparent, that all Acts Made by Popish
Magistrates are null and void of Themselves; so
that no Parliament can be lawful, For Which the
Elections and Returns are, made by Popish Sheriffs
and Mayors of Tons: And therefore as long as The
Authority and Magistracy is in such Hands, it is Not
Possible to have any Lawful Parliament. And
though, according to the Constitution of the English
Government, and immemorial Custom, All
Elections of Parliament men ought to be made with
an intire Liberty, Without any Sort of Force, or the
requiring the Electors to choose such Persons as
shall be named to them; and The Persons thus
Freely Elected ought To give their Opinions freely
upon All Matters That are Brought before them,
having the Good of the Nation ever before Their
Eyes and following In all Things The Dictates of
their Conscience; yet Now, the People of England
Cannot Expect a Remedy from a free Parliament
legally called and chosen; but they may perhaps see
one called, in which all Elections will be carried on
by Fraud or Force; and which will be composed of
such Persons of whom those evil Counsellors hold
them selves well assured, in which all things will be
carried on according to their Direction and Interest,
without any Regard to the Good or Happiness of
the Nation: Which may appear evidently from This,
that the same Persons tried the Members of the last
Parliament, to gain them to consent to ,the Repeal
of the Test and Penal Laws; and procured That
Parliament to be dissolved, when they found, that
they could not, neither by Promises nor
Threatnings, prevail with the Members to comply
with their wicked Designs.
without any Regard to the Good or Happiness of
the Nation: Which may appear evidently from This,
that the same Persons tried the Members of the last
Parliament, to gain them to consent to ,the Repeal
of the Test and Penal Laws; and procured That
Parliament to be dissolved, when they found, that
they could not, neither by Promises nor
Threatnings, prevail with the Members to comply
with their wicked Designs.
But, to crown all, there are great and violent
Presumptions inducing us to believe, that those evil
Counsellors, in order to the Carrying on of their ill
Designs and to the gaining to themselves the more
Time For the Effecting of Them, for the
encouraging their Complices, and for the subjects,
have published, that the Queen hath brought forth a
Son; though There hath appeared, both during the
Queen’s pretended Bigness, and in the Manner in
which the Birth was managed, so many just and
visible Grounds of Suspicion, that not only we
ourselves, but all the good Subjects of those
Kingdoms, do vehemently suspect, that the
pretended Prince of Wales was not borne by the
Queen. And it is notoriously known to all the
World, that many both doubted of the Queen’s
Bigness, and of the Birth of the Child; and yet there
was not any one thing done to satisfy them, or to
put an End to their Doubts.
Presumptions inducing us to believe, that those evil
Counsellors, in order to the Carrying on of their ill
Designs and to the gaining to themselves the more
Time For the Effecting of Them, for the
encouraging their Complices, and for the subjects,
have published, that the Queen hath brought forth a
Son; though There hath appeared, both during the
Queen’s pretended Bigness, and in the Manner in
which the Birth was managed, so many just and
visible Grounds of Suspicion, that not only we
ourselves, but all the good Subjects of those
Kingdoms, do vehemently suspect, that the
pretended Prince of Wales was not borne by the
Queen. And it is notoriously known to all the
World, that many both doubted of the Queen’s
Bigness, and of the Birth of the Child; and yet there
was not any one thing done to satisfy them, or to
put an End to their Doubts.
And since our dearest and most entirely
beloved Consort the Princess, and likewise
ourselves, have so great an Interest in this Matter,
and such a Right, as all the World knows, to the
Succession to the Crown; since also the English
did, in the Year One thousand Six hundred and
Seventy-two, when the States General of the United
Provinces were invaded in a most unjust War, use
their utmost Endeavours to put an End to that War,
and That in Opposition to those who were then in
the Government ; and by their so doing, they run
the hazard of losing both the Favour of the Court,
and their Employments; and since the English
Nation has ever testified a most Particular Affection
and esteem, both to our dearest Consort the
Princess, and to ourselves; we cannot excuse
ourselves From espousing their Interests in a Matter
of such high Consequence; and from contributing
all that lies in us For the Maintaining, both of the
Protestant Religion, and of the Laws and Liberties
of those Kingdoms; And For the securing to Them
the Continual Enjoyment of all their just Rights: To
the doing of which we are most earnestly Solicited
by a great many Lords, both Spiritual and
Temporal, and by many Gentlemen, and other
Subjects of all Ranks.
beloved Consort the Princess, and likewise
ourselves, have so great an Interest in this Matter,
and such a Right, as all the World knows, to the
Succession to the Crown; since also the English
did, in the Year One thousand Six hundred and
Seventy-two, when the States General of the United
Provinces were invaded in a most unjust War, use
their utmost Endeavours to put an End to that War,
and That in Opposition to those who were then in
the Government ; and by their so doing, they run
the hazard of losing both the Favour of the Court,
and their Employments; and since the English
Nation has ever testified a most Particular Affection
and esteem, both to our dearest Consort the
Princess, and to ourselves; we cannot excuse
ourselves From espousing their Interests in a Matter
of such high Consequence; and from contributing
all that lies in us For the Maintaining, both of the
Protestant Religion, and of the Laws and Liberties
of those Kingdoms; And For the securing to Them
the Continual Enjoyment of all their just Rights: To
the doing of which we are most earnestly Solicited
by a great many Lords, both Spiritual and
Temporal, and by many Gentlemen, and other
Subjects of all Ranks.
Therefore it is, that we have thought fit to go
Over to England, and to carry over with us a Force
sufficient, by the Blessing of God, to defend us
from the Violence of those evil Counsellors; and
we, Being desirous that our intentions in this may
be rightly Understood, have, for this End, Prepared
Over to England, and to carry over with us a Force
sufficient, by the Blessing of God, to defend us
from the Violence of those evil Counsellors; and
we, Being desirous that our intentions in this may
be rightly Understood, have, for this End, Prepared
this declaration in which We have hitherto given a
true Account of the Reasons Inducing us to it, so
we now think fit to Declare, That this our
expedition is intended for no other Design, but to
have a free and lawful Parliament assembled as
soon as is possible; and that in order to this, all the
late Charters, by which the Elections of Burgesses
are limited contrary to the ancient Custom, shall be
considered as null and of no Force; and likewise, all
Magistrates, who have been unjustly turned out,
shall forthwith resume their former Employments;
as well as all the Boroughs of England shall return
again to their ancient Prescriptions and Charters;
and more particularly, that the ancient Charter of
the great and faous City of London shall again be in
Force; and that the Writs for the Members of
Parliament shall be addressed to the proper
Officers, according to Law and Custom; that also
none be suffered to choose or to be chosen
Members of Parliament, but such as are qualified
by Law; and that the Members of Parliament being
thus lawfully chosen, they shall meet and sit in full
Freedom, that so the Two Houses may Concur in
the Preparing of such Laws as they, Upon full and
free Debate, shall judge necessary and convenient,
both for the confirming and executing the Law
concerning the Test, and such other Laws as are
necessary for the Security and Maintenance of. the
Protestant Religion; as likewise for making such
Laws as may establish a good Agreement between
the Church of England and all Protestant
Dissenters; as also, for the Covering and Securing
of all such who would live peaceably under the
Government, as becomes good Subjects, from all
Persecution upon the account of their Religion,
even Papists themselves not excepted; and for the
Doing of all other things, which the two Houses of
Parliament shall find necessary for the Peace,
Honour and Safety of the Nation, so that they may
be in no more Danger of the Nation’s falling at any
time hereafter under arbitrary Government. To this
Parliament we Will also refer the Inquiry into the
Birth of the pretended Prince of Wales, and of all
Things relating to it, and to the Right of Succession.
true Account of the Reasons Inducing us to it, so
we now think fit to Declare, That this our
expedition is intended for no other Design, but to
have a free and lawful Parliament assembled as
soon as is possible; and that in order to this, all the
late Charters, by which the Elections of Burgesses
are limited contrary to the ancient Custom, shall be
considered as null and of no Force; and likewise, all
Magistrates, who have been unjustly turned out,
shall forthwith resume their former Employments;
as well as all the Boroughs of England shall return
again to their ancient Prescriptions and Charters;
and more particularly, that the ancient Charter of
the great and faous City of London shall again be in
Force; and that the Writs for the Members of
Parliament shall be addressed to the proper
Officers, according to Law and Custom; that also
none be suffered to choose or to be chosen
Members of Parliament, but such as are qualified
by Law; and that the Members of Parliament being
thus lawfully chosen, they shall meet and sit in full
Freedom, that so the Two Houses may Concur in
the Preparing of such Laws as they, Upon full and
free Debate, shall judge necessary and convenient,
both for the confirming and executing the Law
concerning the Test, and such other Laws as are
necessary for the Security and Maintenance of. the
Protestant Religion; as likewise for making such
Laws as may establish a good Agreement between
the Church of England and all Protestant
Dissenters; as also, for the Covering and Securing
of all such who would live peaceably under the
Government, as becomes good Subjects, from all
Persecution upon the account of their Religion,
even Papists themselves not excepted; and for the
Doing of all other things, which the two Houses of
Parliament shall find necessary for the Peace,
Honour and Safety of the Nation, so that they may
be in no more Danger of the Nation’s falling at any
time hereafter under arbitrary Government. To this
Parliament we Will also refer the Inquiry into the
Birth of the pretended Prince of Wales, and of all
Things relating to it, and to the Right of Succession.
And we, for our Part, will concur in every thing
that may procure the Peace and Happiness of the
Nation, which a free and lawful Parliament shall
determine; since we have nothing before our Eyes,
in this our Undertaking, but the Preservation of the
Protestant Religion, the Covering of all Men from
Persecution for their Consciences, and the securing
to the whole Nation the free Enjoyment of their
Laws, Rights and Liberties, under a just and legal
Government.
that may procure the Peace and Happiness of the
Nation, which a free and lawful Parliament shall
determine; since we have nothing before our Eyes,
in this our Undertaking, but the Preservation of the
Protestant Religion, the Covering of all Men from
Persecution for their Consciences, and the securing
to the whole Nation the free Enjoyment of their
Laws, Rights and Liberties, under a just and legal
Government.
This is the Design that we have purposed to
ourselves in appearing upon this Occasion in Arms;
in the Conduct of which, we will keep the Forces
under our Command under all Strictness of Martial
Discipline, and take a special Care that the People
of the Countries through which we must march
shall not suffer by their Means ; and, as soon as the
ourselves in appearing upon this Occasion in Arms;
in the Conduct of which, we will keep the Forces
under our Command under all Strictness of Martial
Discipline, and take a special Care that the People
of the Countries through which we must march
shall not suffer by their Means ; and, as soon as the
State of the Nation will admit of it, we promise, that
we will send back all those Foreign Forces that we
have brought along with us.
we will send back all those Foreign Forces that we
have brought along with us.
We do therefore hope., that all People will judge
rightly of us, and approve of These our Proceedings
But we chiefly rely on the Blessing of God, for the
Success of this our Undertaking, in which we place
our whole and only Confidence.
rightly of us, and approve of These our Proceedings
But we chiefly rely on the Blessing of God, for the
Success of this our Undertaking, in which we place
our whole and only Confidence.
We do, in the last place, invite and require all
Persons whatsoever, all the Peers of the Realm,
Both Spiritual and Temporal, all Lords Lieutenants,
Deputy Lieutenants, and all Gentlemen, Citizens,
and other Commons of all Ranks, to come and
assist us, in order to the Executing of this our
Design, against all such as shall endeavour to
Oppose us, that so we may Prevent all those
Miseries which must needs follow upon the
Nation’s being kept under arbitrary Government and
Slavery, and that all the Violences and Disorders,
which may have overturned the whole Constitution
of the English Government, may be fully redressed,
in a free and legal Parliament.
Persons whatsoever, all the Peers of the Realm,
Both Spiritual and Temporal, all Lords Lieutenants,
Deputy Lieutenants, and all Gentlemen, Citizens,
and other Commons of all Ranks, to come and
assist us, in order to the Executing of this our
Design, against all such as shall endeavour to
Oppose us, that so we may Prevent all those
Miseries which must needs follow upon the
Nation’s being kept under arbitrary Government and
Slavery, and that all the Violences and Disorders,
which may have overturned the whole Constitution
of the English Government, may be fully redressed,
in a free and legal Parliament.
And we do likewise resolve, as soon as the
Nations are brought to a State of Quiet, we will take
Care that a Parliament shall be called in Scotland,
for the restoring the ancient Constitution of that
Kingdom; and for bringing the Matters of Religion
to such a settlement, that the people may live easy
and happy; and for putting an end to all the only
just violences that had been in the course of so
many years committed there.
Nations are brought to a State of Quiet, we will take
Care that a Parliament shall be called in Scotland,
for the restoring the ancient Constitution of that
Kingdom; and for bringing the Matters of Religion
to such a settlement, that the people may live easy
and happy; and for putting an end to all the only
just violences that had been in the course of so
many years committed there.
Given under our hand and seal, at our Court in the
Hague, the 10th day of October in the year 1688.
Wm. H. Prince of Orange.
By his Highness’ special Command
C Hugins.
His Highness Additional DECLARATION
AFTER we had prepared and printed this our
Declaration, we have understood, that the
Subverters of the Religion and Laws of those
Kingdoms, hearing of our Preparation to assist the
People against them, have begun to retract some of
the arbitrary and despotick Powers that they had
assumed; and to vacate some of their unjust
Judgments and Decrees. The sense of their Guilt,
and the Distrust of their Force, have induced them
to offer to the City of London, Some seeming
Declaration, we have understood, that the
Subverters of the Religion and Laws of those
Kingdoms, hearing of our Preparation to assist the
People against them, have begun to retract some of
the arbitrary and despotick Powers that they had
assumed; and to vacate some of their unjust
Judgments and Decrees. The sense of their Guilt,
and the Distrust of their Force, have induced them
to offer to the City of London, Some seeming
Relief from their great Oppressions; hoping thereby
to quiet the People, and to Divert them from
Demanding a secure Re-establishment of their
Religion and Laws, under the Shelter of our Arms.
They do also give out, that we intend to conquer
and enslave the Nation. And therefore it is we have
thought fit to add a few Words to our Declaration.
to quiet the People, and to Divert them from
Demanding a secure Re-establishment of their
Religion and Laws, under the Shelter of our Arms.
They do also give out, that we intend to conquer
and enslave the Nation. And therefore it is we have
thought fit to add a few Words to our Declaration.
We are confident, that no Persons can have such
hard Thoughts of us, as to imagine, that we have
any other De-sign in this our Undertaking, than to
procure a Settlement of the Religion and of the
Liberties and Properties of the Subjects, upon so
sure a Foundation, that there may be no Danger of
the Nation’s relapsing into the like Miseries, at any
time hereafter. And as the Forces that we have
brought along with us are utterly disproportioned to
that wicked Design of conquering the Nation, if we
were Capable of intending it; so the great Numbers
of the principal Nobility and Gentry, that are Men
of eminent Quality and Estates, and Persons of
known Integrity and Zeal, both for The Religion
and Government of England (many of them being
also distinguished by their Fidelity to the Crown)
who doth both accompany us in this Expedition,
and have earnestly solicited us to it, will cover us
from all such malicious insinuations: For it is not to
be imagined, that either those who have invited us,
or those that are already come to assist us, can join
in a wicked Attempt of Conquest, to make void
their own lawful, Titles to their Honours, Estates,
And Interests. We are also confident, that all Men
see how little Weight there is to be laid on all
Promises and Engagements that can be now made,
since there has been so littl regard had, in Time
past, to the most solemn Promises. And as that
imperfect Redress that. is now offered is a plain
Confession of those Violations of the Government
that we have set forth, so the Defectiveness is no
less apparent; for they lay down nothing which they
may not take up at Pleasure; and they reserve entire,
and not so Much as mentioned, their Claims and
Pretences to an arbitrary and despotick Power,
which has been the Root of all their Oppression,
and of the total Subversion of the Government. And
it is plain, that there can be no Redress nor Remedy
offered, but in Parliament, by a Declaration of the
Rights of the Subjects that have been invaded; and
not by any pretended Acts of Grace, to which the
Extremity of their Affairs has driven them.
Therefore it is that we have thought fit to declare,
that we will refer all to a free Assembly of the
Nation, in a lawful Parliament.
hard Thoughts of us, as to imagine, that we have
any other De-sign in this our Undertaking, than to
procure a Settlement of the Religion and of the
Liberties and Properties of the Subjects, upon so
sure a Foundation, that there may be no Danger of
the Nation’s relapsing into the like Miseries, at any
time hereafter. And as the Forces that we have
brought along with us are utterly disproportioned to
that wicked Design of conquering the Nation, if we
were Capable of intending it; so the great Numbers
of the principal Nobility and Gentry, that are Men
of eminent Quality and Estates, and Persons of
known Integrity and Zeal, both for The Religion
and Government of England (many of them being
also distinguished by their Fidelity to the Crown)
who doth both accompany us in this Expedition,
and have earnestly solicited us to it, will cover us
from all such malicious insinuations: For it is not to
be imagined, that either those who have invited us,
or those that are already come to assist us, can join
in a wicked Attempt of Conquest, to make void
their own lawful, Titles to their Honours, Estates,
And Interests. We are also confident, that all Men
see how little Weight there is to be laid on all
Promises and Engagements that can be now made,
since there has been so littl regard had, in Time
past, to the most solemn Promises. And as that
imperfect Redress that. is now offered is a plain
Confession of those Violations of the Government
that we have set forth, so the Defectiveness is no
less apparent; for they lay down nothing which they
may not take up at Pleasure; and they reserve entire,
and not so Much as mentioned, their Claims and
Pretences to an arbitrary and despotick Power,
which has been the Root of all their Oppression,
and of the total Subversion of the Government. And
it is plain, that there can be no Redress nor Remedy
offered, but in Parliament, by a Declaration of the
Rights of the Subjects that have been invaded; and
not by any pretended Acts of Grace, to which the
Extremity of their Affairs has driven them.
Therefore it is that we have thought fit to declare,
that we will refer all to a free Assembly of the
Nation, in a lawful Parliament.
Given under our Hand and Seal, at our Court in
the Hague, the 24th day of October in the year
1688.
W. H. Prince of Orange.
By his Highness’ special command,
C Hugins.