A COMPLETE HISTORY Of the LATE REVOLUTION, FROM The first Rise of it to this present Time.  
In Three Parts.  

SHOWING  
I The Growth of Popery in England, under the Reign of the late King CHARLES; By his Connivance, French Intrigues, etc.  
II. Our Imminent Ruin in his Popish Successor King JAMES his Reign; By his Invading of our Laws, Religion, and Liberties. With a Particular and Impartial Narrative of the fictitious Great Belly.  
III. Our Wonderful and Happy Deliverance, by the PRINCE of ORANGE, Our present King's famous Expedition over into England. With an Account of the late King James' Desertion and Abdication, of Their Majesty's happy Succession to the Throne of Great Britain, and of Their prosperous Reign hitherto, by Defeating the Jacobites dark Plots in England, by Suppressing their open Rebellion in Scotland, and by the Total Reduction of Ireland.   
To Which is Added A Postscript, by way of Seasonable Advice to the Jacobite Party.  
LONDON, Printed for Samuel Clement at the Lute in St. Paul's Churchyard, 1691.   

THE HISTORY Of the LATE REVOLUTION.  

PART I. Showing the Growth of Popery in England, under the Reign of the late King Charles.  
TO demonstrate the Growth of Popery in this Kingdom, as the first Occasion of all our late Distractions, I shall begin at the Head, and come up to the Original Cause.  
All the World knows, that the Ruin of the Protestants, and the Enslaving all Europe, have been the two grand Designs of the Reign of Lewis XIV; the first influenced by an infused blind Zeal, and the last being the product of his own insatiable and boundless Ambition. To the first he was prompted by those Spiritual Engineers, the Jesuits, who ever made it their business to set the World in a Combustion. And the last he attempted, to please his own Humour, and gratify his excessive Pride.  
The Holy Cabal had resolved upon the Extirpation of the Protestant Heresy. And such has been the effect of their Enchanting Eloquence, and reputed Skill in Politics, that they are in a manner become Companions for Princes and Crowned Heads of the Roman Communion.  
In point of Conscience they are their usual Directors, and their Decisions are to them as Laws and Oracles. 'Tis therefore no wonder that the French King, being inspirited by these Men, should follow their Directions. Whose Confessors being of that Order always indulged him in his Criminal Courses, with Assurances of Salvation, if he did but apply himself with Zeal and Fervency to so meritorious a Work as the Extinguishing the Protestant Heresy. This forsooth would make him the Favourite of Heaven, and an Immortal Prince on Earth.  
Infatuated with these Delusions he struck in with the Society, subscribed to their Dictates, and resolved upon their Project. In short, he disposed all things to purchase Heaven with a Hellish Zeal, and to improve his Fame upon Earth with the infamous Character of a Tyrant and Persecutor. His Protestant Subjects, to whom he owed his Elevation on the Throne, he undermined during several years, and by degrees weakened their Party, till he thought fit at last to pull off the Mask, and to fall foul upon them.  
Abroad he had his Agents to inspire other Princes with the same Unchristian Zeal, and put them upon the same Methods of Cruelty, for promoting of a Religion whose Principles chief tend to make the Clergy Great and the Laity Slaves. Hungary, Bohemia, Poland, and Piedmont not long since, have felt the fury of this Spirit of Persecution. And England by his means was like, but few years ago, to feel the same Calamity; so near it was to fall a Sacrifice to the ambitious Designs of Popery, and with its fall to carry the Ruin of all the Protestant Interest in Europe.  
That the Design was laid in the Reign of King Charles is apparent by the Growth of Popery here, whilst he swayed the Sceptre. And for this we may thank our unhappy Civil Wars in the Reign of King Charles I. when that good King being put to death by a prevailing Party, and the Royal Family dispersed thereupon into Popish Countries, the Princes of the Royal Blood were easily poisoned with Popish Insinuations, that the only Way for their Restauration, and to Reign Arbitrarily, was to embrace, or at least to favour the Roman Religion.  
Tho' I am not fully satisfied, that King Charles II. was ever actually▪ Reconciled to the Roman Church, (whatever has been reported to the contrary) but rather that he was too clearsighted to think well of her Principles; yet it is plain, by the whole Series of his Reign, that he made his Government as easy and favourable to the Roman Party as his Circumstances would allow, and that he gave 'em all possible Encouragement. But, as he was a Prince naturally inclined to Clemency, and abhorrent from Cruelty; so this Proceeding of his was rather looked upon as an Effect of his good Nature, than of any Design upon the Protestant Interest of these Kingdoms. If we reflect upon the Course of his Life during his Reign, it seems his Aim was to please all Parties, that he might enjoy himself, and Reign in Quietness. But still he kept to an outward Profession of the Reformed Religion, as by Law established, and from time to time soothed up his Parliaments with solemn Protestations of his faithfulness to their Religion and Liberties.  
Such was the Posture of Affairs in his Reign, that tho' he would not himself bring in Popery downright, yet he made the way smooth for it. For, whilst he minded his Amours more than the Government, the Thiefs stole in, and grew upon us. Who being countenanced by his Brother the Duke of York, a Prince more daring and gone over to the Roman Church, began now to build all their Hopes upon him.  
The King having no Issue by the Queen, and in process of time no hopes of any by her, the Duke remained the Heir apparent, and was consequently looked upon as the Rising Sun. On whom His Majesty, too much given to Ease and Pleasure, disburdened himself of the active and troublesome part of the Government, which he left in a great measure to his Care. Thus his R. H. had a fair Opportunity to gratify the Roman Party, and improve their Interest here, whilst the King connived at i●. And, tho' ●e did not openly profess himself a Papist, his forsaking at last the Church of England wherein he was bred and born, and espousing so much as he did the Popish Interest, sufficiently evidenced his being of that Communion.  
The King being a Prince  to no Religion, but linked to the French Interest, gave him a great Latitude. And this was so far improved by the French King, that in the Interview which happened at Dover Anno 1670 between our King, his Brother, and their Sister the Duchess of Orleans, a Treaty was there managed by the Duchess between both Kings, whereby the French King did promise King Charles to Subject his Parliament to him, and to Establish the Roman Religion in his Kingdom. In order to which the Hollanders must first be brought down, and both Kings join in Arms to make them incapable of being any longer a Support or Refuge for Protestants. Delenda est Carthago.  
In short, Anno 72, the Storm broke out upon Holland, that Nest of Heretics. And in two Campaigns we saw that Potent State, at that time our only Rival upon the Ocean, brought by the French King's Land Forces to the last Extremity; whilst we harassed them at Sea, and fought them, but without any great Advantage on our side. We had indeed a Frenchy Squadron in conjunction with our Fleet, but their business (it seems) was not to fight. All their Care was to be Spectators of our Fights at a convenient distance, and to see if the English did their Duty well. In the mean time they learned the Art of our Sea-fights, and had the satisfaction to see these two Protestant Nations thus weaken one another, which was the French King's chief Aim.  
This Conduct of the French at Sea, with the amazing Progress of their Arms by Land, happened to open our Eyes. For till then we were possessed of the Justice of the War on our side, considering the many Provocations of the States, as they were mustered in the King's Declaration. We could not imagine, that King Charles had any other Design than to curb their Pride, and lessen their Power at Sea, for the benefit of our Trade and Navigation; in order to which a little help, tho' from France, was not thought amiss. The Dover-Treaty lay then under the Rose, and we knew not what Snake lay in the Grass.  
The King, wanting Money to prosecute the War, convened his Parliament. The Danger we were in by the apparent Ruin of a Neighbouring State of the same Religion with us, and now become (with our help) a Prey to the French, came soon under Debate. The Parliament voted a Peace with the States. And the King, finding no Money was to be had without it, yielded to their Desire, and made a separate Peace. This startled King Lewis; who from this very time concluded, that King Charles was not to be relied on for the execution of that grand Religious Design he had been so long big withal. And, to be even with him for his Desertion in this War, he caused not long after the Dover Treaty to be published with his Privilege, by the Abbot Primi, in his History of the War with Holland; whereby he chief designed to make the King odious to his People.  
The Duke of York upon this was looked upon as the fit Person for the Project in hand, who wanting neither Zeal nor Ambition, was a Vessel altogether prepared and moulded for his purpose. Whereas King Charles was like the Church of Laodicea, neither Cold nor Hot, and therefore to be spewed out.  
The Duchess of Orleans, or rather the French King by her means, had sent to King Charles a French Curtain Solicitor, but a true Member of the Holy Church, as a Pledge (or Memorandum) of the Dover Treaty. Who, for her close and faithful Commerce with the King, was made D. of P.  
The same Care he took of his R. H. to keep him in a right Cue, and steady to his Principles; but by way of Marriage. So that he was both Procurer, and Matchmaker. The Match was Mary the late Duke of Modena's Daughter, an Italian Princess of no great Fortune, but of an Ancient Family, and (which was most to the purpose) a Princess entirely devoted to the present Interest.  
The Duke had been three Years and a half a Widower. And, as the Case stood, there was a Necessity for his R. H. to venture on a second Match, that the Succession to the Crown might be Entailed either by Nature or Art to an Heir Male. The Lady Mary and the Lady Ann, his two Daughters by Ann his first Wife, were bred and born Protestants, and such were not for the present Turn.  
King Charles, who was sensible how unacceptable this Match was to his People, and fearing some ill Consequences of it upon himself, resolved however to dispose of his Royal Nieces, and to Marry them to Protestant Princes, to allay the Jealousies and Fears from this New Match. Which indeed were something the less, for the then common Opinion, That His Royal Highness was too much Frenchified to get any durable I●ue. To the Lady Mary was given in Marriage to the Prince of Orange, Anno 1677; and the Lady Ann to Prince George of Denmark, in the Year 1683.  
But, few days after the Lady MARY was married to the Prince of ORANGE, the Duchess of YORK was brought to bed of a Son, created Duke of Cambridge; who dying in four or five days, the Popish Faction had but a short Joy of it.  
In the mean time his R. H. being the next Heir to the Crown, and the Papists resolved not to lose this Opportunity, turned every Stone to make their Party good, by Plotting and Conspiring even with Authority against the Government. The KING was healthful, and of a strong constitution, but wanted zeal or boldness to secure their Interest. The DUKE was zealous and bold, but wanted a sound Body. In short, according to all humane probability, the KING by the strength of Nature was the most likely to live.  
These Considerations were like enough to give Birth to that famous Conspiracy, which upon its breaking out made so great a Noise in the World, I mean the Popish Plot. And, though I cannot believe it in all its Branches, as made out by Dr. Oates, yet in the main 'tis more than probable, that there was a Plot on foot against the Government.  
Mr. Coleman, the Duke's Secretary's, intercepted Letters, are a sufficient Proof of this; who kept, as appears by those Letters, a close Correspondence with Father La Chaise (the French King's Confessor) for the Extirpating the Protestant Religion in these Kingdoms, under the name of the Northern Heresy. That to Extirpate imports a violent Act, is a thing undeniable. So that the Roman Religion was not to come in by fair means, or by way of persuasion, but by force and violence. And 'tis like a great deal more of that wicked Design had appeared, if amongst Coleman's latest Letters for two years and a half that were brought to White-Hall, many had not been there suppressed, and kept from the sight of the Parliament. Yet, upon his Trial, he openly avowed the Design of Subverting the Protestant Religion, wherein he owned himself a subordinate Minister.  
This Plot kept for a while the Papists under Hatches, and forced the Duke himself (upon the King's Command) to withdraw for some time out of the Kingdom; so that he went first to Flanders, and afterwards to Scotland. Mean while the House of Commons, who looked upon him as the great Abettor and Supporter of the Popish Interest, went so far as to attempt his Exclusion from the Crown▪ But, as vigorously as it was carried on in the House of Commons, it was quashed in the House of Lords by the Church of England Party, which stood stiffly for the Succession.  
The Tide now began to turn, and the Popish Party to have a fair Prospect. The Duke was called home; and His Majesty disbanded Parliament after Parliament, in hopes to get a healing one. But, failing thereof, he published a plausible Declaration touching the Causes that moved him to Dissolve the two last Parliaments. Which, being read in all Churches and Chapels, did very much strengthen the Court Party, and turned the Hearts of many People against the late Proceed of the House of Commons, as having overshort the Mark.  
Which House, consisting most of Dissenters, gave a Jealousy to the House of Lords, and indeed to all the Church-Party, that under colour of rooting out Popery, they designed nothing less than the Ruin of the Church, and so to kill two Birds with one Stone. The Dissenters on the other side, seeing the Church Party so stiff for the Duke's Right to the Succession, though upon the Grounds of Justice and Equity, failed not to clamour against them as Abettors of Popery, and Papists in Mascarade. In short, the Feud grew so great between both Parties, row distinguished by the Nicknames of TORIES and WHIGS, that, had not his Majesty (who now bestirred himself in these difficult Times) prevented it by his great Care and Wisdem, it had certainly broke out into a Flame.  
In the mean time these unhappy Differences gave fair play to the Papists, who know best how to fish in troubled Waters. The Popish Plot grew now out of date, and lost much of its Credit. Then up starts another, called the Presbyterian Plot, which proved fatal to several Persons of Quality, and others of a lower Rank. The King, now exasperated in the highest degree against the Dissenting Party, ordered the Penal Laws to be put in execution, which made the Breach so much the wider betwixt Them and the Church Party. And, whilst the poor Dissenters lay under the lash, an officious sort of Church of England Ministers made it their business to preach the stupid Doctrine of Nonresistance, with as much Zeal and Fervency as if there had been no Salvation without it. Which some were hired for with a Promise of Church-Preferment, whilst others did it merely to show their Parts; but all wonderfully to the purpose of the Roman Catholic Party, and to help forward the Designs of the next Reign. The City of London, which had strongly appeared against the Duke's Interest, was now called to an Account, and a Writ of Quo Warranto (a dreadful piece of Latin, before which no Reason could stand) issued out against them, to take away their Charter; which was accordingly done. Then other Corporations were prevailed upon fairly to surrender their Charters, in expectation of new ones, whereby all their Magistrates and Officers were dependant upon the King's Will. And, by the Duke's Interest, many false Protestants were got into Places of Trust, who upon the push would be ready to join with the Papists, and lend them their helping hands.  
Thus all Things were finely prepared against his Majesty's Exit, to make room for his Brother. And, which is observable, at the very time when the King was resolved to sift out some Miscarriages, and much inclined to call a new Parliament, an odd kind of Fit seized upon him, which in four days time bereaved him of his Life and Crown.  
Thus died King Charles, a Prince who was neither a sound Papist, nor a zealous Protestant. Admired for his great Sagacity, beloved for his Clemency, and the fittest Prince in the World to Reign, had not his over-Indulgence to Ease and Pleasures made him averse from Business. In which unhappy Temper he was too much followed by his Subjects of both Sexes.   

THE HISTORY Of the LATE REVOLUTION.  
PART II. Showing Our Imminent Ruin in the Reign of the late King James; With an Account of the supposed Great Belly.  
KING Charles being dead (the Lord knows how) some wept upon his Tomb for Joy, but most for Sorrow. The Popish Party were the most concerned in the first, and the Protestants (whatever he was) in the last. We were but threatened before with the Danger of a Popish Succession, now we had it. The Papists had a blessed (but doubtful) prospect of it, and now they were in possession.  
To Secure which, the Blood of the deceased King was hardly chilled in his Veins, when his next Successor James Duke of York was Proclaimed King at Whitehall and in the City, in great haste, that no Man might pretend Ignorance. So that King Charles was scarce gone off the Stage, when his Brother, to play the last Act, enters, and ascends the Throne.  
No Prince more courteous, more obliging, or more promising at first, than he was to his new Subjects, but particularly to the Church of England Party. He came in like a Lamb, but reigned like a Lion, and followed in all things the Steps of King Lewis. Not but that he had innate Virtues of his own, but none that could stand proof against the precipitate Suggestions of the Roman Clergy, and the irresistible Influence of those hot-brained Statesmen the Jesuits.  
So great was the Opinion of his Justice and Valour, when Duke of York, that many Protestants durst rely upon his Justice, and most promised themselves great Matters from his Valour. Especially when, upon his Accession to the Crown, he declared to his Council, that he would protect and favour the Church of England, for her unshaken Loyalty; and to his Parliament, that he would carry the Glory of England beyond all his Predecessors.  
Upon these Assurances he allayed for some time the Fears of his Protestant Subjects, but especially the Church of England; which thereupon Addressed him from all Parts of the Kingdom, as their Tutelar Angel. In short, so great on a sudden were the Hopes of this King, that Edward III, and Henry V the most glorious Monarches of England, were like upon his Account to be hissed out of our English Chronicles.  
But it was not long before he pulled off the Mask. And first to gratify the Roman Catholic Party, he declared himself of their Communion, and made open Profession of it. Which some Protestants looked upon as a good Omen, and the product of a generous Soul above Dissimulation; whilst others more clearsighted looked upon it as an effect of a wilful Nature, that thought it needless to Dissemble, now the Power was in his own hands.  
To Establish his Religion here was, I confess, a difficult Task, considering how small the Popish Party was, the Protestants then (by the best Computation) being reckoned 200 to one. But the Advantage of a Crown is a great Bait, and has a mighty Influence. The Hopes of worldly Preferment, and the Dread of Majesty, would in all probability draw in a great Party. Besides what was expected, by way of Persuasion, from the Industry and Activity of Popish Emissaries. Nor do I doubt, but the King promised himself great Matters from the Church of England Party, which having ventured so much to secure his Succession, would not (as he thought) recoil, and leave him now in the lurch, who so lately had made unto them new Protestations of his particular Favour and Protection. The Dissenters were then under the lash of the Law, and not without some apprehension of the French. Thus, with this prospect of Things, the King fell presently to work, by feeling first underhand the Pulse of Men in Credit and Authority amongst his Protestant Subjects.  
But, whilst he was taken up with these gentle Motions, a Storm was raised all of a sudden in Scotland, by the late Earl of Argile; and at the same time another in the West of England, by the late Duke of Monmouth. Who both appeared in Arms with their Parties in their several Stations; but so unsuccessfully, that, after the loss of many men's Lives in the Field, they lost their own upon the Scaffold. These two Rebellions, which startled so much the Popish Party, till they saw the Issue of it, gave them a great Advantage, and raised their Expectations of Success to an Infallibility. The King had now a great Army on foot. And though the Work was done for which the same was raised, yet he would not part with it; but kept it still on foot, contrary to Law, for his further Designs, and to keep the Nation in awe.  
For the Preservation of our Laws, Religion, and Liberties, it was provided by the Wisdom of our Parliaments, upon the Growth of Popery in the late King's Reign, That all Persons appointed to bear any Office in Church or State should declare themselves to be not Papists, but Protestants, by taking the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and the Test, and receive thereupon the Sacrament according to the Church of England. But, upon the Raising of the foresaid Army, the King was pleased to protect against those Laws many Popish Officers that served in the Army, without taking the Oaths. And in his Speech to both Houses of Parliament, on the 9th of Novemb. 1685, he told the Parliament in plain words, That, though the said Officers were not Qualified according to the late Tests for their Employments, yet he would neither expose them to Disgrace, nor himself to the Want of them. And, though the Parliament did highly except against it, as an open Violation of those Laws which were our main Bulwark against Popery, yet his Majesty would by no means recede from his Word. A Debate was held to dispense those Unqualified Officers then actually in Service with the Fenalty of the Law, provided no more were admitted. But this would not serve the King's turn. Who, to prevent any further Heats about it, prorogued the Parliament t●ll Feb. 10 following; and so put it off by further Pror●gations, till it was at last Dissolved.  
Mean whi●e, he made it his business to New-model his dearly beloved Army, now consecrated to more pious I says, and kept on foot to accomplish the great Work of resturing Popery Both Officers and Soul●iers were Reform, and such of both sorts put in as would encourage and promote the Design.  
●o lose no Time, whole Shoals of Priests and Jesuits, with Multitudes of laypapists, came over daily from France, and other Parts, as often as the Wind would permit; some to Convert us, and others to Cut our Throats. The first, like the Pharisees, came over by Sea and Land to make Proselytes; and liked England so well, that they stuck to it like Burr. Whilst poor Lapland, and other wretched Countries, are left to their Temporal and Spiritual Darkness, seldom visited by those Lights of the Roman Church. And first, to take off from our Minds the frightful Notions we had of Popery, they laid aside the old way of Controversies from Scripture, Tradition, and Reason; and so new-vamped their Roman Tenets, after the Bishop of Meaux late invented Dress, that it was hard to discern at first view the Popish from the Protestant Religion; Such was their Resemblance, that it was Alter Ego. But the Cheat was quickly found out, and hissed at here, by all Men of Reason and Understanding. Then was held a Disputation at White hall in the King's Presence, wherein his Party came off so shamefully, that his Majesty was fain to excuse their Weakness, by saying, That a good Cause might be baffled.  
Yet, notwithstanding these Repulses, the Popish Emissaries having now (contrary to Law) the liberty of the Press, plied it hard to get Proselytes, but still with little Success. Providence had so ordered it, that the Church of England was never stocked with so many Sound, Pious, and Learned Divines as we had in this Juncture. So that this Spiritual War, begun by Priests and Jesuits, ended to their Confusion. The Church of England bore the brunt of it all, and the Dissenters would not meddle, for fear of giving Offence; nor was there any need of it.  
The King found by this time how little was to be expected from Roman Emissaries, and that Compulsion at last must do the Work. France shown him the Way, where the holy Design was now ripe for Execution, without any fear of a Check from England. For now King Lewis fairly pulled off the Mask, and by his Edicts Anno 1●85. told the World in plain terms, that his Design of Reconciling his Protestant Subjects to the Holy Church was from his Coming to the Crown, that all his former Edicts in their behalf, his Acknowledging and Registering in Parliament their great Services to the Crown, and his Advancement of many of them to the highest Dignities Civil and Military, were but so many Blinds to cover his Design (for which he calls God to witness) to abolish their Religion by degrees. And, to show what Opinion he had of Protestants, he declared them Incapable to claim the benefit of Treaties, Promises, or Oaths, made to them by the Papists.  
According to these his  Principles, he broke the sacred Ties of Religious Oaths, by Revoking his Protestant Subjects grand Charter of Privileges, the famous Edict of Nantes, which from its very Foundation was counted Irrevocable; and by forcing his Religion upon them, through the miraculous Virtue of his Apostolic Dragoons. Who ('tis true) had no Commission to take away their Lives, but all the Comforts thereof, by Want and barbarous Usage, Spoiling and Plundering, dark Prisons and loathsome Dungeons, by parting the Husband and Wife, and robbing Parents of their dearest Children.  
But, lest the World should think, that the French King's Zeal was confined within the Bounds of his Dominions, he lost no Opportunity to make it known, that his Design was against the whole Body of Protestants, and first against the English, whose Conversion would much facilitate that of other Protestant Nations. This appears by that noted Speech made to him at Versailles in the Year 1685. by a French Bishop, in the Name of the whole Clergy of France. Wherein the Bishop, having magnified the King for his Zeal in Suppressing the Protestant Religion in his Kingdom, tells him, that England offered to his Majesty one of the most glorious Occasions that he could wish for, and that his British Majesty wanted nothing but his Protection and the Support of his Arms to settle the Catholic Religion in his Dominions. This Speech was published by the French King's Authority, and the Translation of it suffered to come over freely into England. Which looked something odd, and beneath a King of England, to be thus exposed to the World as a Prince to come under the Protection of a King of France; over whose Kings, and Kingdom, his Ancestors had so often Triumphed. But nothing (it seems) was to be thought Inglorious, that might serve the Popish Design of Rooting out the Protestant Religion.  
Such was King James his Zeal for Mother Church, that (according to Father Peter's Relation) his Majesty told him in his Chamber, That he had rather Reign but one Year to an end, though in Troubles, and die with the Conversion of England, Scotland, and Ireland, than to Reign prosperously 30 years, and leave them in Heresy, as he sound them at his Accession to the Crown. A Zeal in some sense like that of Moses; who, to save the People under his Government, was willing to be blotted out of the Book of Life.  
By this Saying, and his Proceed, with the French King's Assistance, we may guests what he intended for us. To convert us, he went about to subvert the Laws; and, to make us good Christians after his own Way, he made his Will the measure of his Government, without any regard to his Oaths and Promises, to Justice or Equity.  
However, to colour what he did with some show of Justice, he set up a new Claim, a Thing called the Dispensing Power, unknown to former Ages, and now suddenly started up as a Branch forsooth of the King's Prerogative. By which means he threw aside those two great Stumbling-Blocks, the Penal Laws & the Tests, being all our legal Securities for the Preservation of our Religion and Liberties; and so shook the very Foundation thereof, that we had no Security lest against his Will and Pleasure.  
'Tis not denied, that, in the Cases of Treason and Felony, the King of England may, by virtue of his Prerogative, Pardon the Punishment that a Transgressor has incurred. But it cannot 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 Clothed with a Despotic and Arbitrary Power. And, as no Laws can be made but by the joint Concurrence of King and Parliament; so likewise Laws so Enacted, which secure the public 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.  
'Tis true, the Judges declared this Dispensing Power to be a Right belonging to the Crown. But, before that pernicious Judgement could be obtained, first the Opinion of the Judges was privately examined. Such of them as could not in Conscience concur in so pernicious a Sentence were turned out, and others substituted, till by the Changes which were made in the Courts of Judicature that Judgement was at last obtained, to give some Credit to the Cause. And, amongst those that were raised to these Trusts, some were professed Papists, and consequently Incapable of all such Employments. However it does not appear, how it is 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 at his Will and Pleasure.  
'Twas by virtue of this Imaginary Power, which made the King break lose upon the Laws and govern by his Will, that He imposed upon his Subjects such Magistrates as he thought fittest for his turn, some true Papists, and others false Protestants, such as would go a great way (if not throughstitch) to serve his Popish-Designs. And, tho' they were admitted without taking the Oaths in that Case provided, and consequently no lawful Magistrates; yet all were threatened, vexed, and prosecuted, who durst but say, that they had no lawful Authority.  
By Virtue of the same Power, the Kingdoms Military Defence was put into such Hands as by many express Laws were Incapable of them. Which justly gave the Protestants sad Apprehensions of imminent Danger, seeing themselves put into the Power of Men that publicly professed to be in Union and Communion with the Church of Rome, declaring themselves to be mortal Enemies to Protestants, and bound upon their Salvation to seek their Ruin and Destruction, if they persisted in their Religion. Thus an Army of Papists and Mercenaries was maintained and dispersed through the Kingdom in full Peace, to the great disquiet and terror of the Protestants. Who, contrary to the Ancient Laws of the Kingdom, and the express Words of the late Statutes, were constrained to receive those Soldiers into their Houses; whereby they were deprived of their Peace and Security at home, of a free Converse abroad, and of the Advantages they might make otherwise in their Ways of living.  
The Church of England was by this time grown out of Favour with the King, for her Stea●iness to the Laws, and strong Zeal against Popery. And who should now grow into favour with his Majesty, at least in outward appearance, but the Dissenting Party, the Object of his Resentment and Indignation, when he came to the Crown? The King knew how to turn the stream of his Kindness, and to shift from one Side to another, that losing one Party he might make sure of another. 'Tis true, some Leaders amongst the Dissenters made an advantage of this Turn, for their private Interest; but the thinking Part of them, who knew where the Snake lay, did not build much upon it. Not could the King expect much from them, considering how lame and falsified were most of the Addresses His Majesty received from that Party.  
The King, to awe the Church, erected a Court of Commissioners for Ecclesiastical Affairs, whose Commission was to proceed with a Non●bstante, that is, without and against the Rules of our Laws. And, to please the Dissenters, He put out a Declaration for Liberty of Conscience to all sorts of Persuasions; with a secret Intent, that none should have it at last but the Papists.  
The First was by Commission, so far from any Colour of Law, that it was against most express Laws to the Contrary; and the extent of the Commission was, to take Cognizance and Direction of all Ecclesiastical Matters. The Illegality and Incompetency whereof was so notoriously known, and the Design of it against our Religion so plain, that the late Archbishop of Canterbury (being one in the Commission) refused to fit or concur in it. For the chief Design of this Court was to Raise none to any Church Dignities but such as had no Zeal for the Protestant Religion, who cloaked their Unconcernedness for it with the specious Pretence of Moderation; and to oppress such of the Clergy as were of eminent Learning, Virtue, and Piety. In this Commission was a Noble Peer who made public 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.  
'Twas by virtue of this Illegal Commission, that the Lord Bishop of London was Suspended, only because he refused to obey an Order sent him to suspend Dr. Sharp, than Rector of S. Giles, without so much as Citing him before him to make his own Defence, or observing the common Forms of Process. By the same Court was Dr. Hough, Precedent of Magdalen College in Oxford, turned out, tho' duly chosen by the Fellows of the said College; and afterwards all the Fellows of the said College, only for refusing to choose for their Precedent a Person recommended to them by the King's Evil Counsellors justigation. Tho' the Right of a Free Election belonged u● oubtedly to the said Fellows; and that it is expressly provided in Magna Charta, that no Man shall lose L●fe or Goods, but by the Law of the Land. More than that the said College was wholly put into the hands of Papists; who by the Law of the Land, and the Statutes of the College, are altogether Incapable of such Employments.  
By the King's Declaration for Liberty of Conscience, His Majesty Commanded the same to be Read in all Churches and Chapels; whereby he would have the Clergy to be his Criers, to proclaim his pretended Power to Suspend at once the Force and Use of our Penal Laws, made for the Security of our Religion and Property. And, when the late Archbishop of Canterbury, and six other Bishops, offered His Majesty an humble Petition in Terms full of Respect, containing in short the Reason's why they could not Obey the Order sent them to appoint the Clergy to read the Declaration in their Churches, the said Bishops were Committed to the Tower, and afterwards brought to a Trial, whose Crime was only a due Regard to the Laws. They were Acquitted, and for that piece of Justice Judge Holloway and Judge Powel were Displaced. And, because their Acquittal had caused an universal Joy, some were brought into Trouble for their innocent Expressions of it.  
Then came out an Order from the Lords Commissioners, requiring all the Chancellors and Arch-Deacons of England to return the Names of all such as had read the King's Declaration for Liberty of Conscience, and of those that had not read it, whether they were enjoined or not enjoined to do it by their respective Bishops. And 'tis observable, that in the Bishopric of Durham (the Bishop whereof was one of the Commissioners) near 200 Ministers were Suspended for not Reading the Declaration.  
Hitherto the Court had carried on their Interest barefaced, at least since the Ill-timed Rebellion of Monmouth and Argile; and Dissimulation (unless it were to Dissenters) had no share in their Transactions. But, whilst the Church of England was under Persecution, it was thought convenient to Protect such of the French Refugees as ventured to fly hither from the now raging Persecution in France. Insomuch that, notwithstanding King James' strict Friendship and Correspondence with the French King, His Majesty Protected them with his Favour, and Relieved them with his Royal Briefs. But the Reason of the Thing is plain. The Court of France were got over the Dissembling Part, and all Things there were ripe for Action. Whereas in England the Persecution of some was thought fit for a while to be Palliated by the Toleration of Others, though all equally designed for Destruction.  
The same however of this Indulgence to the French Protestants invited Multitudes of them hither, to feel the benefit of it in their distressed Condition. The Sight whereof stirred the Compassion of most People, even of Sober Papists; whilst the Plurality of them made it their business all over the Kingdom to stem our Charity, by crying down the Persecution. Which, as famed as it was all over Europe for the unparallelled Cruelty of it, these Men had the Face to deny, representing the Poor Refugees as so many Cutthroats and Vagabonds, whom we must be forsooth ware of. A base Inhuman Thing it was, thus to insult over the Oppressed, and to add so cruelly Persecution to Persecution. But this is true Roman Zeal.  
Two Things did prompt them to it. First their just Apprehension, that this Spectacle would be a Caution for us to look to ourselves, and stand upon our Gard. Secondly, That such an Addition of incensed Protestants too so great a Party as that they must struggle with, was not at all agreeable to their Interest. The Truth is, we ought to admire the singular Providence of God in our behalf, that this French Persecution should be so timed as to give us a seasonable Alarm to prevent the same here; that our Persecutors Precipitation and Folly should be so great as to open their wicked Designs so early, and to send us over so many Thousands of Witnesses, as it were to awaken us, and to let us see what we ought to look for, whenever their Bloody Religion should come to prevail among us. Whereas 'tis probable otherwise, that the good Nature of some, and the Weakness and Corruption of others, had put us, (to use Dr. Burnet's Words) to a more melancholy and troublesome Aftergame.  
In the mean time Nothing was omitted to Encourage Popery upon all Accounts, tho' never so much against Law. New Popish Chapels and Mass. Houses were set up, New Popish Schools and Monasteries Erected, four Popish Provincial Bishops established, Priests and Jesuits so Encouraged, that England swarmed with them as Egypt did of old with Frogs, Lice, and Locusts, the Privy Council made up of Popish Lords, and some Protestants not much better, the Jesuit Father Petre a Member thereof, and the chief Director of the Cabal Council, a Nuncio admitted, and a solemn Embassy sent to Rome in the person of the Earl of Castlemain. All this in open Defiance to the Laws.  
Such was besides the Corruption and Depravation of Justice in the Courts of Judicature, that the Judges must either be biased by the King's Will, or expect a Quietus est, as in the Case aforesaid of Holloway and Powel. The Juries commonly returned by secret Contrivances and illegal Nominations, being neither (as the Law Requires) of the most sufficient nor most indifferent of the nearest Neighbours to the Facts in question, nor by sworn Sheriffs; So that any Man's Life or Estate not well affected to the then Government was in great Jeopardy, if called into Question. Besides that, by putting the Administration of Justice into the hands of Papists, all Matters of Civil Justice were brought to great Uncertainties. Who being under an Incapacity by Law, there lay no obligation upon any. Man to acknowledge or obey their Judgements, and all Sentences by them given were null and void of themselves  
Thus, in few years, the Popish Party being become Masters of the Affairs of the Church, of the Government of the Nation, and of the Course of Justice, subjected them all to a Despotic and Arbitrary Power; that by the Assistance of the Army they might be able to maintain and execute their wicked Designs, by establishing Popery and Slavery.  
But, if our Case was desperate here, it was rather worse in Ireland. Where the whole Government was put into the hands of Papists, and all the Protestants there under a perpetual sear of a new Massacre, such as they fell under Anno 1641. Which made great Numbers of them leave that Kingdom, and abandon their Estate, in it. As for Scotland, the King declared himself to be clothed with Absolute Power; and all his Subjects there bound to obey Him without reserve; and accordingly assumed an Arbitrary Power, both over the Religion and Laws of that Kingdom. Whereby it plainly appeared what we must look for in England, as soon as Matters were duly prepared here.  
But, during these Transactions, the Popish Party grew Sensible, that the Dispensing Power, being raised but upon a weak Foundation, would quickly sink; and that they could not be safe, unless the Penal Laws and the Tests were abrogated by the Authority of a Parliament, or Something like it. The King therefore made it his business to get such a Parliament as would bring this to pass.  
'Tis well known, that about four parts in five of the Members of the House of Commons are to be chosen by Cities and Boroughs. To destroy therefore their Customs, Privileges, Charters, and Governments, and to substitute therein such Magistrates as would either ignorantly or corruptly serve the King's Designs, Writs of Quo Warranto fell like Thunder upon those Corporations. Which were seconded by Instruments appointed to terrify the Magistrates thereof with the King's severe Displeasure, if they dared to insist upon their legal Right, and contest with the King at Law. He had Agents appointed to fright them with the vast Charge they must be at, in case they would be so bold as to stand it out; to possess them, that it was to no purpose, since he was resolved to have their Charters at his Command; to tempt them with a Promise of New ones, if they would but Resign their Old into his hands; and to threaten them, that the Names of all that refused it must be returned to the Attorney General. Besides, that Judges were prepared to damn the Pleas of all such Cities and Towns as would stand upon their Right. Witness the Cities of Oxford and Winchester, and the Borough of T●tness, which were declared to be Dissolved at the King's Pleasure; whereby their respective Citizens and Burgess s were Disfranchised, and divested of all their ancient Customs, Freedoms, and Privileges.  
This terrified most Cities and Boroughs into voluntary surrenders of their Charters; which brought them to that condi ion as to have no Magistrates or Officers but at the Kings Will, and during his Pleasure. But this Proceeding of the King seemed the less strange, it being but a Copy of what had been already done in the Reign of King Charles.  
And, whereas the Election of Members of Parliament ought to be Free and Indifferent, without Pre-ingagement of the Electors, by Bribes, Promises, or Threats, infinite were the Tricks and Artifices used to get such a Parliament as would serve the King's turn. Yet none more busy than the King himself, in continual Attempts upon the personal Freedom and Indifferency of all the Electors for Parliaments throughout the Kingdom. Such were his Personal Solicitations in secret, to accept of such for their Deputies in Parliament as were fit for his Designs, that his Closeting of Electors was become a Byword amongst the People. Nor was it possible for Persons that held Offices and Imyloyments of Profit and Trust to continue in the same, but by their Concurrence therein with his Majesty's Pleasure, Witness his second Declaration for Liberty of Conscience, under the Date of Apr. 7. 1688. wherein he declared his Mind, that none ought to be Employed under him in the Kingdom, but such as would contribute to choose such Members of Parliament as might do their part to finish what he had begun; That, in pursuance thereof, he had turned out by his Absolute Will many Civil and Military Officers; And that he looked upon all Refusers as neither good Christians, nor Lovers of their Countries Good.  
To further this Design, the Lord Lieutenants were ordered by the King to Summon in his Name the Chief Officers and Gentlemen in their respective Counties, and to lay the Case before them, so as to flatter or terrify them out of the Use of their Freedom in Electing for Parliament. And Marks of the King's Displeasure were put upon those that resolved to keep their Freedom and Indifferency to Elect worthy and fit Deputies, according to their Judgements and Consciences.  
Another sort of Men were Commissionated to the same purpose, Known by the Name of Regulators. Amongst which several Anabaptist Preachers were employed, with good Weekly Allowances; who were sent all over England, to delude People by Caresses or Threats into a fatal Compliance with the King.  
By which Illegal Practices it appears how eager the Court was to introduce the Rom●n Religion and Laws, by endeavouring to free the Papists and Popish Emissaries from the Punishments of our Penal Laws against such manifest Attempts upon the Freedom. Properties, and Rights of the Realm. Which tended to nothing less than, First, to subject the Laws of the Realm, and consequently the very Rights of the Crown to the Canons of the Church of Rome, which Rights our ancient English Papists before the Reformation always endeavoured to maintain against the Inchroachments of the Papal See. Secondly, To declare all the Power of Magistracy in Protestants hands to be unlawful, and all Right and Title to their Estates forfeited (by their being Protestant's) to the Papists. Thirdly, To own and justify all Dispensations from Rome, with our Obedience to all such Laws of the Realm as should be thought derogatory to the Pope's Interest or Authority. And, Fourthly, to hold Communion with the Church of Rome, the French, and all Foreign Papists, though professed Enemies to the Religion and Power of the Protestants, so as to contrive with them the Suppressing or Extirpating of them out of the Realm.  
Thus the Axe was laid to the Root, and the Train laid to blow up our Laws, Religion, and Liberties. Which was Provocation enough for a Free People, that have a share in the Legislative Power, to stand up for their Rights and Privileges thus invaded, and to oppose the Exorbitance and Abuses of an Executive Power, which shaked the very Foundation of this ancient Monarchy. Yet all was hushed, and these Things born with extraordinary Patience, in hopes of a Redress upon the next Succession, whilst the Princess of Orange (now our gracious Queen) was the Heiress apparent.  
But, to cut off at once these only remaining Hopes, who should be now with Child but the Queen, after she had been Childless several Years, and very much decayed and weakened with Sickness? Which unexpected Pregnancy some Papists attributed to the King's Progress to St. Winifred's Wells, others to the Bath, but most to the Lady of Loretto, who for the sake of a fine Present made forsooth made to her by the Queen's Mother (the Duchess of M●dena) helped her to conceive a Son. A Son it must be by all means, for nothing would serve their turn but a Prince of Wales. And, though it proved but a Daughter, yet most Priests were of Opinion, that it would set aside the Princess of Orange's Right to the Succession; for which they had no better Argument, than that a Daughter born after the King came to the Crown ought to succeed before a Daughter born before he came to it. Which argued their Ignorance.  
I grant, without reflecting in the least upon the King, That this pretended Conception, to be real, must be done by a Miracle. The Queen as is before hinted, had laboured a long time under great Infirmities; and was so far from giving Life to another, that with much a do she kept herself alive. Nothing therefore but a Miracle could do that which her weak Condition made her incapable of.  
But, upon a strict Inquiry into those various Circumstances that attend a Woman with Child, and the Want of them in the Queen, 'tis more than probable it was a mere Fiction, and a Design on Foot to cut off the Princess of Orange from her Right to the Succession. And 'tis observable, that, some time before the Report of this unexpected and miraculous Pregnancy of the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Orange had been very much pressed in the King's Name, to declare themselves for the Abolishing the Penal Laws and the Tests. Which his Majesty not being able to gain upon them, he was heard to say with much anger, that He would trouble himself no more with them, but they should Repent it.  
Soon after this, the Rumour of the Queen's Conception was spread abroad with great Industry; but believed by none but Papists, or Persons Popishly affected. For amongst others it became a Matter of Laughter and Derision, and a Subject for Poet's Lampoons; which grew so common, that Whitehall itself was full of them  
But the Papists, who looked upon it as a certain Way to procure their Settlement here, triumphed nevertheless. And the fruth is, this was the best Way they could find to lessen the growing Reputation and Power of Their Highnesses, to weaken their Interest and th●t of the whole Body of Protestants, to encourage the ●●en● King in the Prosecution of his cruel Designs against them, to strengthen the English Papist, and make our Corrupt and Time-serving Protestants fall in with their Party, and lastly to possess many weak Dissenters that their Liberty of Conscience must of necessity be fixed in a Popish Succession. The King therefore, to give the greater Credit to this pretended Conception, ordered a Day of Thanksgiving for it, with solemn Prayers to be offered unto God, for the Preservation of the Queen and Infant. Though he knew well enough that sew People besides his own Party gave any credit to it.  
To come now to the usual Circumstances that attend a Conception, the first natural Sign is the Stopping the Monthly Courses. By the King's Speech in Council, it seems Their Majesties had both thought fit to publish her Conception to have been at the Time of the Present made to the Lady's Image at Loretto, upon his Return to the Queen at Bath. Now 'tis very well known, that it was with Her afterward as formerly after the manner of Women; and all the Industry used to conceal it proved Ineffectual, because it came to the Knowledge of more than were made privy to the Plot.  
And, whereas in four months' time the Breasts of a Woman with Child begin to swell and yield Milk, the Queen's Breasts never swollen all the time of her pretended Childbearing, nor produced any Milk, whatever one Court Lady affirmed to the contrary. If the Queen had any Milk in her Breasts, it was so much for her Interest and the Credit of her Cause to convince the World of her real being with Child, by giving that signal Demonstration of it, that I had rather think her Majesty wanted Milk, than so much common Prudence as to make it appear, in case she had any. And we are very well assured, that none of the Ladies proper to be Witnesses could ever obtain the satisfaction to see a drop of Milk from her Breasts.  
The same Reason we have to disbelieve the Quickening of the Child in her Womb, however industriously it was spread abroad. For the feeling of its Motion was never vouchsafed to any competent Witnesses of it which would have been a main Proof of her Pregnancy, had there been any such Thing. And therefore 'twas expected, to give the suspicious Kingdom a Ground to believe the Queen to be really with Child, that her Majesty would have made some of the Protestant Ladies of her Bedchamber sensible of so great a Proof of her being in the Codition she pretended.  
Another manifest Sign of the true natural Progress of a Great Belly, is the Distension of all the Parts of the Body that encompass the Womb. The Queen indeed had her Belly exceedingly copped up, and high. But, as it was observed by skilful Matrons, all the outward Parts of her Body that encircle the Womb were of the same proportion that they were at other times. And, when they minded her Majesty walking, and looked upon her behind and on each side, they could see no appearance in her of a Great Bellied Woman. Her Bodies were made without alteration. And, during all the last four Months, when she was to change her Linen, She always withdrew from her Chamber with two or three Italian Women, and retired into her Closet, or some other private Room, contrary to her former usual Course; and would not suffer any of the Protestant Ladies of the Bedchamber to see her shift herself, as they had constantly done.  
All these are strong Presumptions, that the Queen's Great Belly was but a false Appearance to delude the Nation. But there are other Circumstances, that create as great a Prejudice against it.  
In the Preparation for Her Majesty's supposed Delivery it was expected, that early Notice should be given to the Princess of the Blood of her expected Travel, and of the Place of her Residence at such time; that proper Noble Matrons, and others, might prepare themselves, and attend there in their behalf, who, by their Testimonies might have for ever suppressed and silenced all Suspicions of Fraud or Imposture. It was hoped at least, that the Princess of Denmark would have been present, to see what was brought forth. But Care was taken to advise her, when she wanted astringent Medicines, to go to the loosening Waters of the Bath; and to keep her 80 miles distant, till the supposed Prince should be born.  
To conceal the Time and intended Place for this fictitious Travel, such Artifices were used, that no body could tell when nor where this Play was to be acted. Sometimes the Queen was to lie at Richmond, sometimes at Windsor, another time at Hampton-Court, though St. James' was the Place appointed. And, when her Majesty declared she would lie at St. James' on the Saturday at night, which was the Night before her preten●ed Travel and Delivery, the Warning was so very short, that with much ado her Lodgings could be got ready time enough.  
That very night the Queen was late at Cards, without any Sign of forerunning Pains of a Woman whose Travel approacheth, nor is any pretended to have been in the Night▪ And it does not so much as appear, that the usual Instruments of Midwives, whereupon they commonly place all Women of Quality in their Time of Travel, were got in readiness. So that every Thing was carried on and managed by her Majesty, as if she chose rather to confirm the general Opinion of the People, that this was but a pious Cheat, than to be at the trouble of acting all the parts of a Woman with Child.  
The Time of the Day fixed upon for this Travel, and the Room itself wherein it was to be acted, are two other unlucky Circumstances that mainly fortify the National Prejudice against this pretended Prince. The Travel was contrived to be at Church-time on the Sunday, between the hours of nine and ten in the morning, that the Business might be over before the Protestant Ladies were come from Church, and that the Assistant Matrons might be free to act their Parts as they did.  
In the Room there was a private Door within the Ruel of the Bed, leading into an Inner Room, from whence a Child might be secretly brought, and put unseen into the Bed. And by that Privy Door all the Transactions were managed. 'Tis true, some Lords and Ladies were brought into the Bedchamber, but only to be seen in the Room, and that their Names might be published as Witnesses of the Queen's being Delivered, though they saw nothing that was done.  
For the Queen lay in Bed with all the Curtains round close drawn, whilst the Midwife and her Confederates seemed very busy about Her Majesty in the dark, none seeing what they did. Nor does it appear, that Her Majesty had any of those natural Signs which usually attend a Travel, and such as cannot be hidden. Her Labour was short and easy, far beyond what could be expected from her State of Body, debilitated with long linger Infirmities. Which might be so contrived, lest the Child that was got in the Bed should be stifled by the Closeness of it.  
The Jobb being thus finely over, something close covered was by the Midwife delivered to one of the Confederate Matrons, and both hastened with it through the Privy Door into the next Room, without declaring what it was, a Prince or a Princess. Which looks something odd of the Midwife, to quit her Attending and Assulting the Queen, when her Attendance and Skill were both so necessary to preserve her Majesty's Life, if she had really brought forth either a Son or a Daughter.  
Nor was the Child heard to Cry, which is the common and most constant natural Sign of the Birth of a living Child. Which might be, because the Child that was brought in was prepared to sleep, to prevent its Crying before it was conveyed into the Bed, and slept on till it was gradually awaked.  
The King, after some time, leaving the Lords of the Council in the Bedchamber (who had waited all this while to no more purpose, than if they had been ten miles off) withdrew into the inner Room, where the supposed Prince was. And soon after the News was brought them, that a Prince was born. Whereupon some went away, and others stayed yet a while, to have a sight of this Newborn Prince. Who being shown unto them, the King said, That he had now a Son, a strong, and lively Prince. Which gave occasion for a Joke, even amongst the meanest sort of Childbearing Women, That such a Child of about Eight Months was as great a Miracle as the Queen's Conception. For, by their Majesty's Reckoning, this supposed Prince was but the Product of eight Months and four Days; and to see such an untimely Birth so strong and lively, especially from so weak a Mother, is rare, and almost past Belief.  
Nor was the Matter much mended by saying, That it was frequent amongst Childbearing Women to Misreckon; or by persuading the Queen to declare, contrary to her first Reckoning (which she kept to several Weeks after her pretended Delivery) That she had miscounted the Time of her Conception, and that she knew herself to be with Child before her Use of the Bath. Strange! that Her Majesty should be then with Child, and yet have her Monthly Courses, as she had in her Journey to the Bath, and four Days after the Kings going from thence. That, knowing herself with Child at that time, she should not acquaint her Physicians with it; the meanest of whom might have told Her Majesty, That her Bathing would probably destroy the Embryo. And that Her Majesty should not consider, this would spoil the Story of the Miracle of Loretto, said to be performed at the King's Return to Bath.  
These are Things so Inconsistent, and altogether so Irreconcilable, that they would be hissed at in any Judicious and Impartial Court of Judicature. But any Thing will go down with a sort of Men that can digest Contradictions, and whose Zeal to their Religion can make them believe at random what they see not, and not to believe what they see.  
If the Queen's pretended Conception was Miraculous, the Progress of her Great Belly, and her Delivery, were as Preternatural. Nay, the very Consequents of her Delivery were no less wonderful, so that it was all but one continued Miracle. To see a Queen, at the best but tender and weak, yet free from any Danger of her Life after an Untimely Birth, without Fever, or so much as the usual Redundancy of Milk, these are such Blessings from Heaven as may pass for Miracles. But, as the Miracle of the Conception was spoiled by shifting the Reckoning, so it is to be feared that the rest was all of a piece.  
From what is said, upon very sure Evidence, I leave the World to judge what Ground there is to believe the supposed Prince of Wales to be born of the Queen. I confess it is something hard to think, That a Father should be so Unjust and Unnatural, as to put by his own Lawful Children from their Succession to the Crown, to make Room for an Interloper, a supposititious Child. Besides the Affront put, 1. Upon the two Princes, joined in Wedlock to his Daughters, and having thereby a Matrimonial Right to the Crown. 2. Upon three Kingdoms, by Imposing a strange (though innocent) Child upon them to be the next Successor, and consequently to receive in time Homage and Allegiance of all the Subjects thereof, the Nobility, Gentry, and Commonalty, with all dutiful Submission to his Commands. 3. Upon all Foreign States, Dominions, Powers, and Principalities, by setting up a Sham-Prince, who being upon the Throne must be looked upon and respected as a great King and a lawful Prince, in all their Treaties and Negotiations with him.  
But what is not a blind Zeal capable of? To Settle a Popish Successor in these Kingdoms was such a piece of meritorious Service to the Church of Rome, that nothing could endear the King more to her, than the doing of it. What Issue he had then alive were too much dipped in Heresy; and nothing could bring them off from it, no not so much as to consent to the Repealing of those two Bug-bears, the Penal Laws and the Tests.  
But, suppose this Prince were really born of the Queen, against which there are so many strong Presumptions, 'tis a Thing unaccountable why the Queen should be so shy all the time of her Childbearing to give that public Satisfaction about it which was reasonably expected from her Majesty. The Nation was possessed, it was all but a Trick. It had been therefore but common Prudence in the Queen to Undeceive us as far as it lay in her power, even for the Child's sake in her Womb. If her Majesty had Milk in her Breasts, what diminution to her Glory had it been to let her Protestant Ladies see but some Drops of it? If, when the Child stirred in the Womb, but two or three truehearted Protestant Ladies had been admitted to feel those Motions, it had gone a great way to silence all Gainsayers, and to quicken the very Nation into another Belief. When Her Majesty was near the time of her Travel, to what purpose was the Place appointed for her Lying In so concealed, that no Protestant could tell where to find Her? And why must a Room at last be chosen at S. James', with a private Door within the Ruel of the Bed, leading into another Room, which alone was enough to create a Suspicion? To which add a total Neglect, and absolute slighting of all the necessary Rules of Law and Justice about needful Witnesses of the Birth of a Prince and Heir to the Crown. So that, supposing this pretended Prince to be really born of the Queen, it must be granted, that Things were so managed from the beginning to the end, as if the Court intended to make the Thing still more doubtful, and the Suspicion the stronger. And, if that was their Aim, they have hit the Nail on the Head.  
Thus, the Birth of this supposed Prince not being lawfully Witnessed, Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange had no Reason to departed from her Claim of Heiress apparent to the Crown, or to Resign it to him; But rather to complain to the World of the Wrong done her, by suffering a supposed Child to steal upon her Right, and ass●●me the Name of Prince and Heir apparent to the Crown.  
Nor was it her part to prove him a Counterfeit, it being a Rule by the Laws and Customs of all Civil Governments for any one that claims to be the lawful Son of a family, to being in legal Proofs for it. Her Royal Highness had been hitherto acknowledged to be the Heiress apparent of the Crown; and nothing could legally debar her from that Claun but a true born Prince, with such Legal Witnesses as would satisfy the Nation that it was so. The Want of which in this Case l●ft the Princess of Orange in her full, Claim to the next Succession.  
To vindicate which Claim, and to Secure withal the Protestant Interest in these Kingdoms, His Highness the Prince of Orange, upon the earnest and humble Application of several of the Lords both Spiritual and Temporal, came over from Holland with a competent Force. Which leads me to my Third Part.   

THE HISTORY Of the LATE REVOLUTION  
PART III. Showing Our Wonderful Deliverance by our present King William, and our Great Happiness therein.  
THings were now brought to an Extremity, and nothing but a miraculous Providence could Rescue us from our Enemies. To which end it pleased God to raise His Highness, the Prince of Orange. A Magnanimous, Wise, and Religious Prince; whose Illustrious Family seems to have been appointed by Providence, ever since the Reformation, for the Preservation of God's Church, and a Check to Tyranny.  
This Prince being penetrated with the dismal Account he ●i●y, Zealed of the French Persecution, and possessed with a and King 〈◊〉 S●inst the Known Combination of King James the Reformation, for the Enslaving all Europe, and Rooting out to oppose their Amb●●●d, with God's help in so just a Cause, that had been hitherto the 〈◊〉. Idolatrous▪ Designs. England, King's Greatness, was the most likely, Instrument of the French 〈…〉 reduced to its proper and natural Course, to influence and procure his Fall. The Provocations were great on King James' side, by his Arbitrary Methods of Government contrary to Law and the Subjects Liberty, by his Attempts upon their Religion, and by Imposing upon them a Successor justly suspected of being a Stranger to the Royal Blood.  
For the Redressing which Abuses, by a Free and Full Parliament, His Royal Highness undertook the late famous Expedition; which God was pleased to Crown with Glory and Success, to the Amazement of all Europe, the Joy of all rational Men, and the Terror of Tyranny. In order to which suitable Preparations had been made in Holland, both by Sea and Land, to defend his Highness from the Violence of all such as should oppose Him. Which were carried on with that wonderful Secrecy, tho' the Secret was dispersed amongst many, that the Sagacious Count D' Avaux, the French Ambassador at the Hague, could not sift out the Meaning of it, till all Things were in great forwardness, and the Prince almost ready to take Shipping. Whose Forces consisted of about 13000 Men, Horse, Foot, and Dragoons; and (which is remarkable) a good part of them Papists. For the Transporting whereof, with all Things necessary, there were 300 Fly-boats, Pinks, and other Vessels, under the Convoy of 50 Capital Men of War, 26 Smaller, and 25 Fireships.  
But, before his Setting out, He published a Declaration, to satisfy the World with the Justice of his Undertaking. Wherein, having fairly shown the manifest and undeniable Invasion of the Laws and Liberties of England, Scotland, and Ireland, by the Kings. 
The Sum of the Prince of Orange's Declaration.  Evil Counsellors, He Declares, That, Upon the most earnest Solicitations of a great many Lords both Spiritual and Temporal, and of many Gentlemen and other Subjects of all Ranks, for the Relief of these Three Kingdoms, He thought sit to 〈◊〉 over into England, with a Force sufficient (by the Bla●● intended to defend him from Violence. That his Exped●●wful Parliament for no other End, but to have a Free Secure to the whole Na-Assembled, as soon as possible, in Laws, Rights, and Liberties, ●●●tion the free Enjoyment of government, to preserve the Protestant under a Just and 〈◊〉 such as would live peaceably under the Government, Religion, 〈…〉 (as becomes good Subjects) from all Persecution upon the account of their Religion, even Papists themselves not excepted; so that there might be no more Danger of the Nations falling at any time hereafter under Arbitrary Government. He further Declares, That to this Parliament he would Refer the Inquiry into the Birth of the pretended Prince of Wales, and of all Things relating to it, or to the Right of Succession. And, for the Executing of this his just Design, He Invites and Requires 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 Him against all such as should endeavour to Oppose Him. Whereby all those Miseries might be prevented, which must needs follow upon the Nations being kept under Arbitrary Government and Slavery; and all the Violences and Disorders which had Overturned the whole Constitution of the English Government, might be fully Redressed in a Free and Legal Parliament. Then He concludes to this purpose. That he would take Care, as soon as the Nations were brought to a State of Quiet, that a Parliament should be called in Scotland, for Restoring the ancient Constitution of that Kingdom, and for bringing the Matters of Religion to such a Settlement, that the People might live easy and happy, and for putting an end to all the  Violences that had been committed there in a course of so many Years. And, as for Ireland, That he would study to bring that Kingdom to such a State, that the Settlement there might be religiously observed, and that the Protestant and British Interest there might be secured. Finally, That He would Endeavour, by all possible Means, to procure such an Establishment i● all the Three Kingdoms, that they might all live in a happy Union and Correspondency together; and that the Protestant Religion, the Peace, Honour, and Happiness of these Nations might be established upon lasting Foundations. This Declaration being Given under His Highness' Hand and Seal at his Court in the Hague, Oct. 10. (New-style) 1688. was accordingly thus signed, William Henry Prince of Orange, and by by His Highness' Command, C. Huygens.  
The King, having had Notice of the Prince's Design but a Month before his Highness set out from Holland, hurried away from Windsor (where the Court then was) to Whitehall, and from thence to Chatham, to get as much of his Fleet in readiness as could be done in so short a Warning. He came to Whitehall Sept. 18. and the next Day he went down the River to Chatham; the Queen and the Prince of Wales, with the whole Cou●t, returning in a great hurry the Day after.  
His Majesty had, sometime before, signified his Pleasure to Call a Parliament to meet in November next, and Writs of Summons were issued out accordingly. Upon this Intelligence He did put out a plausible Declaration, dated Sept. 21st. wherein He declared His Royal Purpose to Endeavour at the next Sessions a Legal Establishment of an Universal Liberty of Conscience for all his Subjects, together with his Resolution Inviolably to Preserve the Church of England as by Law Established, excepting the Penal Clauses. And, to remove all Fears and Apprehensions that the Legistative Power would be Ingrossed by the Roman Catholics, and turned against Protestants, He declared his Willingness that they should remain Incapable to be Members of the House of Commons. As for the Election of Members of Parliament, His Majesty by this His Declaration gave strict Orders, that all Things relating thereto should be done according to Law.  
Immediately after the publishing of the said Declaration, the King was pleased to Authorise and Empower the Lords Lieutenants of the several Counties to Grant Deputations to such Gentlemen as had been lately Removed from being Deputy-Lieutenants. And His Majesty gave also Directions to the Lord Chancellor to put into the Commission of the Peace such Gentlemen as had been laid aside, and should be recommended by the said Lords Lieutenants.  
And, upon the Attendance of several of the Bishops on the King, His Majesty was pleased, amongst other Gracious Expressions, to let them know, That he would signify his Pleasure for taking off the Suspension of the Lord Bishop of London. Which was done accordingly.  
Then came out his Proclamation, under the Date of Sept. 28th. Wherein He first informs his People of a great and sudden Invasion from Holland, to be speedily made in a Hostile Manner upon this his Kingdom; And then solemnly Conjures all his Subjects hearty to Unite together in the Defence of Him, and their Native Country, as the only Way (under God) to defeat and frustrate the Principal Hope and Design of his and their Enemies. But, whereas he did intent to have met his Parliament in November next, He found it necessary, in regard of this strange and unreasonable Attempt from our Neighbouring Country, without any manner of Provocation, to recall the Writs issued forth, with Orders to surcease all further Proceed thereon. Then He proceeds to give the necessary Charge to all Lords Lieutenants and Deputy Lieutenants, to use their best and utmost Endeavours, to Resist, Rebel, and Suppress his Enemies, who came with such Confidence and great Preparations to Invade and Conquer these his Kingdoms. And lastly, does most expressly and strictly Enjoin and Prohibit all his Subjects from giving any manner of Aid, Assistance, Countenance, or Succour, or from holding any Correspondence with these his Enemies, or any of their Complices, upon Pain of High Treason, and being proceeded against with the utmost Severity.  
Within four Days after came out His Majesty's most Gracious and General Pardon; but with such Intricate Clauses as resolved the Pardon into little or nothing.  
The King upon this, having received several Complaints of great Abuses and Irregularities committed in the late Regulation of the Corporations, Authorized and Required the Lords Lieutenants of the several Counties to Inform themselves of all such Abuses and Irregularities within their Lieutenancies, and to make forthwith Report thereof to His Majesty, together with what they conceived fit to be done for Redressing the same. Whereupon His Majesty would give such farther Orders as should be requisite.  
The next Thing was His Majesty's Appointing the Lord Bishop of Winchester as Visior of St. Mary Magdalen in Oxford, to Settle that Society Regularly and Statutably.  
Then a Proclamation, for Restoring Corporations to their Ancient Charters, Liberties, Rights and Franchises. Followed by an Order from the King and Council, under His Majesty's Signet and Sign-Manual, to Remove, Displace, and Discharge all manner of Officers and Magistrates of Cities, Boroughs, and Towns Corporate, which had or claimed such Offices or Places by Charter, Patent, or Grant from the late King, or from Him, since the Year 1679. Except such Cities and Towns whose Deeds of Surrender were Enrolled, or against whom Judgements in Quo Warranto were entered.  
And Oct. 2d. the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Sheriffs, with several other Eminent Citizens of London, attending the King, His Majesty was pleased to tell them, That out of his Concern for the Peace and Welfare of the City, and as a Mark of the great Confidence. He had in them at this time that the Kingdom was threatened with an Invasion, He had resolved to restore to them their Ancient Charter and Privileges, and to put them into the same Condition they were at the time of the Judgement pronounced against them upon the, Quo Warranto, that so they might be better enabled to serve him with that Duty and Loyalty which they had given the King his Brother and Himself so many Testimonies of, and upon which His Majesty did depend. Whereupon the King was pleased to give express Commands to the Lord Chancellor of England, and the Attorney General, to prepare such Grant or Instrument of Restauration and Confirmation as should be requisite, and that the same should be forthwith Dispatched.  
Thus having been Exercised to the Right and to the Left, Backward and Forward, We found ourselves at last much As we were at first. And, had there been any rational Hopes of Continuing thus, without any further Breach, these gentle Methods (though upon a forced Put) would have gone perhaps a great way to turn the Stream, and to quiet the People. But, what Assurance could be had of having these our Rights continued to us any longer than what would serve our Enemies Turn?  
The Prince therefore, hearing of these Retractations, which proceeded more from Fear than any Principle of Justice, published an Additional Declaration, Given under his Hand and Seal at his Court at the Hague the 24th. (being our 14th.) of October, 
The Prince of Orange's Additional Declatation.  in these following Words.  
After We had prepared and printed Our Declaration, We have understood, That the Subverters of the Religion and Laws of those Kingdoms, hearing of Our Preparations to assist the People against them, have begun to Retract some of the Arbitrary and Despotic Powers that they had assumed, and to Vacate some of their unjust Judgements and Decrees. The Sense of their Gild, 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 intent to Conquer and Enslave the Nation. Therefore 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 Design in this 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● Relapsing into the like Miseries at any time hereafter. And, as the Forces We have brought along with Us are utterly dispropertioned 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 constant Fidelity to the Crown, who do 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 little Regard had in time passed 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 of it is no less apparent. For they lay down nothing which they may not take up at pleasure, reserving entire, and not so much as mentioned their Claims, and Pretences to an Arbitrary and Despotic 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.;  
King James, having notice of these Declarations, which touched him to the quick, and made him very uneasy, His Majesty forthwith put out a Proclamation, dated Nou. 2d. to forewarn all his Subjects not to publish, disperse, repeat, or hand about the said Treasonable Papers and Declarations, or any of them, 〈◊〉 any other Paper or Papers, of such like nature; Nor presume to Read, Receive, Conceal, or keep them, or any of them, without Discovering or Revealing the same with all speed to some of the Privy Council, or to some of the Judges, Justices of the Peace, or other public Magistrates, upon Peril of being Prosecuted according to the utmost Severity of the Law.  
A Fortnight before this a Proclamation was come out, strictly charging all the Lords Lieutenants and Deputy Lieutenants of the Counties adjoining to the Sea, and all other Officers Civil and Military within the said Counties, to cause the Coasts to be carefully watched, and upon the first approach of the Enemy to cause all manner of  sit for Burden and Draught, and not actually employed in His or the country's Service, to be Driven and Removed by the space at least of twenty Miles from the Place where the Enemy should attempt to Land, and to secure the same in such effectual Manner, that they might not fall into the Hands or Power of any of His Enemies.  
Another Proclamation was set forth, under the Date of Octob. 26. to Restrain the Spreading of false News, in this time of public Danger, by Charging all Officers and Magistrates whatsoever to take effectual Care for the speedy Apprehension, Prosecution, and severe Punishment of all Offenders herein.  
Lastly, there came out a Declaration, dated Nou. 6. wherein His Majesty, after some grievous Reflections on this pretended  and Unnatural Attempt of the Prince of Orange to Invade his Kingdoms, and the many Mischiefs and Calamities which an Army of Foreigners and Robels must avoidable bring upon His People, Charges His Highness with Assuming the Regal Style in his Declaration, by Requiring therein the Peers of the Realm, etc. to Obey, and Assist him in the Execution of his Designs, whereas the words are, to Come and Assist him, which altars the Case very much, and makes the Exception void. Then He exclaims upon the Prince's Calling in question the Legitimacy of the Prince of Wales, his Son and Heir apparent, notwithstanding there were at his Birth so many Witnesses of Unquestionable Credit. And, whereas the Prince of Orange had Declared, that he would submit all to the Determination of a Free Parliament, His Majesty by this his Declaration endeavours to possess his People, that a Parliament could not be free, so long as there was an Army of Foreigners in the Heart of his Kingdom, and declared his Resolution to ca●l one as soon as his Kingdoms should be delivered from this Invasion, with Assurances of Receiving and Redressing all the Just Complaints and Grievances of His good Subjects, and of Maintaining them in their Religion, Liberties, and Properties. Upon which Considerations, and the Obligations of their Duty, and natural Allegiance, He promises Himself, that they will readily and hearty Concur and Join with him in the entire Suppression and Repelling of those his Enemies and Rebellious Subjects, coming to Disturb the Peace of these his Kingdoms.  
The King had hitherto turned every Stone, to bring off his People from Joining with the Prince, with daily Retractations, Promises and Threats, Proclamations, and Declarations. Nay some few Addresses were procured, full of horror and amazement at this intended Invasion, as they called it, and of the Subscribers Impatience to show their Zeal for the King's Service, by Sacrificing their Lives and Fortunes for the support of his Crown and Dignity. Such was the humble Address of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Cumberland, subscribed unto by several other Gentlemen of the said County. Another from the Mayor, aldermans, and Common-Council of Exeter. A third from the Mayor, aldermans, Bailiffs, and Citizens of the City of Carlisle. And, by Sir Thomas Haggerstons' Report, than Governor of Berwick, the People of that Place were so transported with Loyalty to the King, and possessed with such a Detestation and abhorrence of this Invasion, that they not only Resolved to venture their Lives and Fortunes in the Defence of the King's Person and Government; but desired withal, that His Majesty would be graciously pleased to send down Commissions for the Raising a Regiment of Inhabitants, to be assisting to the King's standing Forces there, as Occasion should offer.  
All this the Gazettes took great care to acquaint us with; as also to let us know those Noble Peers and others who, upon the News of this miscalled Invasion, humbly offered their Services to His Majesty. Amongst which was his Grace the late Duke of Newcastle, to whom the King gave a Commission to raise a Regiment of Foot.  
The King had a gallant Army, but most of them were Protestants, and not a few true English Men, readier to draw the Sword for the Defence of the Protestant Religion and the Liberty of England, than for the Maintenance of those two Inseparable Monsters, Popery and Slavery. The People generally waited for the Princes Coming with great Impatience, and could not conceal the Joy which the Expectation of him had diffused over and the Kingdom. So that, if this were an Invasion, one could every where read Treason in their Faces, and a Man could scarce turn about but he met with a Traitor.  
They that knew not the North from the South, or the East from the West, fell learning of the Compass, to find out how the Wind fat, whilst they longed for that Wind which must bring over the Prince. So mindful were the People of the late Attempts upon their Religion, Laws, and Liberties, that they looked upon Him as their Saviour, whom the Court Party called Invader.  
Such was the state of Things here, when the Prince of Orange, having long waited for a favourable Wind, did at last set out from Holland with His great Fleet, which lay in the Flats near the Brill. This was October 19 (old Style) 1688, when his Highness, attended by Marshal de Schomberg as General, with many other great Officers, and Persons of Quality of several Nations, set Sail about four a Clock in the Afternoon. Nothing could be more glorious than his Setting out, but nothing more dismal than what followed soon after. So furious a Tempest did arise in the Night as wholly dispersed that prodigious Fleet, and gave great Apprehensions of its Loss. When Holland, that had seen but the day before the whole Fleet sail together in the greatest Splendour, saw now but seattered Ships return into its Harbour, not without some Damage. Which proved for some time a great Mortification to the Protestant Party, whilst the Roman Catholics looked upon it as an Indication of God's Anger, an ill Omen to the Prince, and a terrible Warning to His Highness not to Attempt any Thing against the Church Interest. In short, they presently concluded his Highness must let fall his Design. And 'tis observable, that, upon the News of it here, there was a Demur put upon the Business of Magdalen College; which shown still what they would be at, if the Prince had any way failed in his Design.  
But the whole Fleet came at last to several Ports of Holland, without so much as one Ship cast away. Only one Man, and 4 or 500 Horses were lost, which were thrown Overboard. So that his Highness, admiring God's Providential Goodness in so great a Trial, resolved to pursue his Heroic Design with the first Opportunity. And, whatever Application might be made unto him to dissuade him from any further Attempt, he declared, That his Word was too far engaged, and his Honour lay too much at Stake, for any Danger to deter him from the Performance of the first, or from Saving the last as far as it lay in his power. That, as He was satisfied with the Justice of his Undertaking, so He was fully convinced of God's merciful Goodness in Saving the whole Fleet from so apparent a Danger, which he took as a good Omen. Accordingly He ordered all Things to be got in readiness, and a speedy Recruit of Horses to be made.  
About Octob. 30. the Wind turning Easterly, and blowing fresh, Orders were given to Set out with all Speed. And two Days after, Nou. 1. about Three in the Afternoon, the whole Fleet, now increased to a greater Number did set Sail. Which, being commanded by Admiral Herbert, was divided into three Squadrons, the Red, White, and Blue, according to the Colour of their respective Flags. The Prince was in the Brill, a new Ship of about 3● Guns; Whose Flag was English Colours, with this Motto impaled thereon, The Protestant Religion and Liberties of England; and underneath, I Will Maintain It.  
To the Red Squadron belonged the English and Scotch Forces, consisting of six Foot Regiments, commanded by Major General Mackay. To the Whi●e, the Prince's Guards and the Brandenburghers, under the Command of Count Solms. And the Blue Squadron contained the Dutch and French Forces, commanded by Count Nassaw. Every Ship had a distinctive Mark, whereby it was Known unto what Squadron she belonged. And, when Night came upon them, all the Ships set out their Lights, which made a most glorious Show upon the Sea; the Prince's Ship having three Lanterns, the other Men of War two each, and each other Ship one. All which at a distance appeared like so many Stars, moving upon the Water.  
The Wind and  continuing Fair, on Saturday Nou. 3. about Noon the Fleet got into the Channel, sailing Westward with all their Colours set out, and stretched in a Line betwixt Calais and Dover, so that it reached within a League of each Place. His Highness led the Van, attended by three Men of War; one at a distance before his Ship, and one on each side. The Tenders, as Pinks, Flyboats, and other Vessels of this Kind, sailed next, with their Decks thronged with Officers and Soldiers; the Flanks and Rear being guarded by the Men of War, but especially the Rear, as being most in danger to be followed by the English Fleet. In this great Splendour and Order the whole Fleet sailed with a Kind of Bravado betwixt England and France, Drums beating, Colours flying, the Trumpets sounding, and the Oboes playing, for the space of three hours. Great was the Concourse of Spectators on both Shores, at 20 mile's distance from each other, to see this glorious Sight, worthy of the greatest Monarch to behold. The Men of War that sailed nearest to Dover gave the Town and Castle some Guns, and those that went on the other side did the same by Calais.  
The English Fleet, consisting of about 34 Sail under the Command of the Lord Dartmouth, lay then in the Buoy of the North; but did not think fit to stir, with a Number so much inferior, and a parcel of Seamen who were Known to be Well wishers to the Prince.  
The next Day, Nou. 4. being the Lord's Day, and the Day of the Prince's happy Birth and Marriage, the Fleet (being now come as far as the Isle of Wight) observed the Duty of the Day; and did not Sail, but all were driven of the Waves, till about four in the Afternoon. When, the Wind being still favourable, and blowing very fresh, every Ship made all the Sail she could bear.  
Torbay in Devonshire was the Place intended for Landing. But the next Morning, Monday Nou. 5, proving very Hazy and Foggy, and full of Rain, the Fleet happened to Sail beyond it. About Nine of the Clock it cleared up; and, as Providence was pleased to order it, the Wind then chopped about, and turned West South West, a moderate Gale. Which brought them back to Torbay, and having executed its Commission, was immediately in another Corner.  
Then, by the Prince's Order, the Standard was put up; the White Flag uppermost, signifying his Offer of Peace to all that would live Peaceably; and under that the Red (or Bloody) Flag, denouncing War to all such as should offer to oppose his just Designs.  
Of all this great Fleet, three Tenders only were intercepted by our Men of War. One of them a Flyboat, having on Board four Companies of Foot of Colonel Babington's Regiment, commanded by Major Collambine. This was taken by Captain Aylmer, Commander of the Swallow Frigate. The other two, being a small Pink and a Fishing Boat with 24 Horse, separated from the Fleet, were taken below Hole Haven by Captain Hastings, Commander of the Woolwich.  
Thus the Fleet landed at Torbay on the fifth of November. A memorable Day for the Gunpowder Treason, which seems to have been marked out by Providence, that England's Deliverance in the Reign of James II. might begin the same Day that it was designed for Ruin and Destruction in the Reign of King James I. The Year also is memorable; this Deliverance falling out in 88 just a hundred Years after England was delivered from the Spanish Invasion in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, when it pleased God to confound and disperse that formidable Armada, which for its Greatness was in vain called Invincible.  
The Prince of Orange being come into the Bay, with the major part of the Floet, Boats were ordered to carry his Highness to Shore with his Guards, and the Noblemen that were about his Person. Who, being Landed, marched up the Hill, some before the Prince, and some after. Then the Guns fired from the Fleet, with the Beat of the Drums, the Sound of Trumpets, the Music of Oboe, and the joyful Huzza's of the Fleet and Army; the Ships with all their Colours out, and the Colours of the Land-Forces that went out with the Prince, flying and flourishing before his Highness. And, whilst he was viewing the Ground on the Top of the Hill in order to In●amp●h●s Army, all hands in the Fleet were at work to carry the Men and Horses, with their Necessaries, to Shore. So that the whole Army was Landed the next Day, being Tuesday, by three a Clock in the Afternoon; the Horse being Landed first, and then the Foot. But their Cannon and Carriages, etc. were sent about for Topsham, and from thence brought up by Water to Exeter.  
At the upper end of the Bay was a Fair House belonging to one Mr. Carey a Papist, who entertained a Priest in his House. This Priest having discovered the Fleet from the Leads of the House, with the White Flags on some of the Men of War, concluded it to be the French Fleet come to Assist King James against the Prince of Orange. Transported with Joy at the Conceit of it, he without any more ado ordered all the Family to the Chapel, to sing Te Deum for the Arrival of the French. But he was soon undeceived, and thererupon laughed at for his Religious Mistake.  
This House the Prince of Orange, upon his Landing, commanded to be Searched for Arms and Horses. Some Horses and a few Arms were found, and brought from thence; but without giving any further Disturbance to the House, where both the Searchers and the Searched entertained one another with mutual Civility.  
Near the Seaside were some Thatched Houses belonging to Fishermen, one of whom had the honour to Entertain the Prince at his House, till the Wednesday following. Which Day the Prince road from this Place to Sir William Courtney's, within a mile of Newton-Abbot, the first Market-Town; the first Line of the Army being about Newton, and the last upon their March thither. Here a Divine, going before the Army, went to the Cross (or Town-Hall) on the Market-day; where he read aloud to the People the Prince's Declaration. Which ended with their joyful Acclamations, and kind Wishes to the Prince; followed soon after by Ringing of Bells, and Drinking of the Prince's Health. And, as his Highness was most kindly received and entertained at Sir William Courtney's, so were the Soldiers generally well treated by the Vulgar. Here began the Provisions to abound, which hitherto had been very scarce; and, as they were honestly paid for, so the Army was quickly supplied with what the Country could afford.  
On Thursday Nou. 8th. the Lord Mordant (now Earl of Monmouth) came to Exeter with three or four Troops of Horse, and Dr. Burnet with him. But, when they came to one of the Gates, it was shut against them. Upon which the Lord Mordant commanded the Porter, on pain of Death, to open the Gate. Which being open, his Lordship commanded him on the same Pain, not to shut it again. My Lord and the Doctor went to the Mayor, to Know if he would meet the Prince at the Gate, and govern the City under Him. Which he excused, telling him he was under the Obligation of an Oath to His Majesty, and therefore desired the Prince would lay no Commands on him contrary to his Conscience. Thus, after some Debate of the Matter, they parted; whilst the Forces kept coming to Town.  
The next Day, being Friday Nou. 9th. the Prince came into Exeter, attended (besides his Guards) with a brave Train of Nobles, Knights, and Gentlemen. Upon the Road he met with Multitudes of People, who welcomed His Highness with their Shouts and Huzza's. The same was done at Exeter, where the Streets were thronged on each side, the Windows beautified, and full of joyful Spectators. Being come to the Dean's House, where He kept his Court, He took some Refreshment; and then was pleased to go and render Thanks to God in the Cathedral Church, for his ●●se Arrival. Where being sat in the Bishop's Seat, then Absent, the Choir began, and Sung Te Deum; and, after the Collects were ended, Dr. Burnet Read the Prince's Declaration. Dr. Lamplugh, than Bishop of this Diocese, was fled to London upon the Prince's Landing at Torbay. Where having waited upon the King at White-Hall, His Majesty was pleased to reward this piece of his Loyalty by Translating him to the Archbishopric of York, which had been a long time Vacant.  
The main Body of the Army marched in the mean time, the Horse to the Neighbouring Parishes, and the Foot to Clist-Heath, where they Encamped. Both Horse and Foot looked very much Disabled and Wether beaten, what with the Sea, and what with their March hither through bad Ways, and in Rainy Wether, Their H●r●●s were for the most part to Weak, that they could scarce st●●d upon their Legs. So that, if the K ng's Forces had been read at han●, it might have gone very hard, in case o a Fight, with he Prince's Army. But it pleased God so to order it, that, while the King expected the Prince in the North, the Prince gave him the Go●by, and took his Course a gr●at way to the West; that, being upon his Landing at a good distance from His Majesty's Forces, He might have time to Refresh His own, before they could come to Action.  
The Prince therefore thought fit to stay a while at Exeter, but this was not the only Reason. Not a Person of Quality and Interest in those Parts, (besides Sir William Courtney,) had joined Him hitherto, which His Highness did much wonder at. Only on the Monday, Nou. 12, one Captain Burrington came, and offered him his Service; who was accordingly very kindly received by His Highness. But, two Days after, several noted Gentlemen of  and Somersetshire came in to Join the Prince, and waited on His Highness Thursday Nou. 15 To whom He spoke after this manner.  

Gentlemen,  

The Prince's Speech to the Gentry that came to Join him at Exeter.  Tho' We know not all your Persons yet We have a Catalogue of your Names, and remember the Character of your Worth and Interest in your Country. You see We are come, according to your Invitation and our Promise. Our Duty to God obliges Us to Protect the Protestant Religion; and Our Love to Mankind, your Liberties and Properties. We expected you that dwell so near the Place of our Landing would have Joined us sooner. Not that it is now too late, nor that we want your Military Assistance, so much as your Countenance and Presence, to justify our declared Pretensions, in order to accomplish our good and gracious Design. Tho' We have brought both a good Fleet and a good Army, to render these Kingdoms happy, by Rescuing all Protestants from Popery, Slavery, and Arbitrary Power, by Restoring them to their Rights and Properties established by Law, and by Promoting of Peace and Trade, which is the Soul of Government and the Life of the Nation; yet we rely more on the goodness of God, and the Justice of our Cause, than on any humane Force and Power whatever. But, since God is pleased that we should make use of humane Means, and not expect Miracles, for our Preservation and Happiness, let us not neglect making use of this gracious Opportunity, but with Prudence and Courage put in execution our so honourable Purposes. Therefore Gentlemen, Friends, and Fellow Protestants, We bid you and all your Followers most Hearty Welcome to our Court and Camp. Let the whole World now Judge, if our Pretensions are not Just, Generous, Sincere, and above Price, since We might have even a Bridge of Gold to Return back. But it is our Principle and Resolution rather to die in a good Cause, than live in a bad one; Virtue and true Honour being its own Reward, and the Happiness of Mankind our great and only Design.   
Both the Clergy and Gentry of this County were uneasy, for fear that King James should prevail, and therefore backward to declare for the Prince. But the People were forward enough. For, when the Drums beat for Volunteers, they came in apace from all Parts of the County, insomuch that many Captains picked and chose their Soldiers. Thousands did list themselves to whom Arms were Given; and many more would have done the same, who were dismissed, upon Marshal schomberg's Advice, that there was no need of them. Thus the Citizens Fears of King James' Forces lessening every day, they began to talk now more freely, and to be more and more inclined towards the Prince. The Mayor himself and Aldermen, much taken up with their Consultations upon the present Juncture, came at last to visit his Highness.  
The Lord Lovelace coming through Cirencester in Glocestershire to join the Prince at Exeter with near 70 Horse very well appointed, had the Misfortune to be stopped at that Town, and seized with thirteen of his Party, by the Officers of the Militia. Who met however with so sharp a Resistance, that several of them were killed, and others wounded. Amongst the first were Lorege Major of the Regiment and his Son, Captain Lee a Deputy Lieutenant of the County, and Williams a Lieutenant.  
About the same time, viz. on Monday Nou. 12, the Lord Cornbury, Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Dragoons, marched from Salisbury, in order to bring over that Regiment, and two more of Horse, to the Prince of Orange. Which two Regiments of Horse were the Royal Regiment, and the Duke of S. Alban's, then Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Langston. They marched together, first to Dorcester, where they refreshed themselves; and then went on to Bridport, and Axmister. Upon which several Officers, mistrusting his Lordship, asked him whither they were going? Who answered, he had the King's Orders to beat up the Enemy's Quarters at Honiton. But finding the Royal Regiment of Horse, and several Officers of the Dragoons, did more and more suspect him, his Lordship marched with the Officers and Dragoons that would follow him towards Honiton, Lieutenant Colonel Langston marching before with the Regiment of S. Alban. As for the Royal Regiment of Horse, and the rest of the Dragoons, they marched back towards Bridport, being very much wearied by their long Marches, and put into some Disorder by so great a Surprise.  
Salisbury Plain was the Place of Rendez-vous for the King's Army, consisting of above 30000 Men, with a Great Train of Artillery, under the Command of the Earl of Feversham; and all the Forces drew that Way, in order to a Battle.  
Mean while, to bring Things to an Accommodation, and prevent Effusion of Blood, a Petition for the Calling of a Free Parliament, Subscribed by Nineteen Lord, both Spiritual and Temporal, was presented to the King by the Lords Spiritual; viz. the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York Elect, the Bishop of Ely, and the Bishop of Rochester, in these Words.  

May it please your Majesty,  

The Lords Petition for a Parliament.  We your Majesty's most Loyal Subjects, in a deep Sense of the Miseries of a War now breaking forth in the Bowels of this your Kingdom, and of the Danger to which Your Majesty's Sacred Person is thereby like to be exposed, and also of the Distractions of your People by reason of their present Grievances, Do think ourselves bound in Conscience, of the ' Duty we owe to God, and our Holy Religion, to your Majesty, and our Country, most humbly to offer to your Majesty, That in our Opinion the only visible Way to preserve your Majesty, and this your Kingdom, would be the Calling of a Parliament, Regular and Free in all its Circumstances.  
We therefore do most earnestly beseech Your Majesty, That You would be Graciously Pleased, with all Speed, to call such a Parliament; Wherein we shall be most ready to promote such Counsels and Resolutions of Peace and Settlement in Church and State, as may conduce to Your Majesty's Honour and Safety, and to the Quieting of the Minds of Your People.  
We do likewise humbly beseech Your Majesty, in the mean time, to use such Means for the preventing the Effusion of Christian Blood as to Your Majesty shall seem most meet.  
And Your Petitioners shall ever Pray, etc.   

The King's Answer.  To which the King gave this Answer. My Lords, What you ask of Me I most passionately desire; And I promise you, upon the Faith of a King, That I will have a Parliament, and such an One as You ask for, as soon as ever the Prince of Orange has quitted this Realm. For how is it possible a Parliament should be Free in all its Circumstances, as you Petition for, whilst an Enemy is in the Kingdom, and can make a Return of near an hundred Voices?  
This was the King's Pretence for shunning a Parliament. Which, being Regularly chosen, would in all probability call his evil Counsellors to an account, whom He thought himself bound in Honour to Protect; and strictly Inquire into the Birth of the pretended Prince of Wales, the Questioning of which was a Stab at his Heart. A Parliament that would probably bind up the Prerogative, pull down the Dispensing Power, and damn that Beast with Seven Heads, the Ecclesiastical Court. A Parliament that would prove fatal to his dearly beloved Priests and Jesuits, and that would have pulled down all their Schools and Chapels, had they not been prevented by the unaccountable Zeal of the Mobile. Lastly, The King foresaw, that the Prince would have demanded some Forts to be put into his Hands and the Parliaments, for their Security. So that He expected, in case of a Free Parliament, to be but a Nominal King, and an unhappy Instrument of the Ruin of his Child, Friends, and Religion. And, rather than do that, He chose to Perish.  
On the other side, He might flatter himself with hopes, 1. That we should never be able to Agree, after he had made it impossible for us to have a Legal Parliament. 2. That, when the Fear and Disorder were over, the Church of England Principles would form a great Party for him in the Nation. 3. That the French King would Assist him with Forces and Money; and, if he should prevail by Force, then by a Popish Army he would for ever Insure the Slavery of England.  
The only Advantage we could pretend to have by the Coming over of the Prince of Orange with an Army was, to force the King to what he would never have yielded without that Force. And, had the Prince gone back Re infecta, 'tis not likely the King would have then granted us what he would not do now. Suppose he had called a Parliament, what Assurance could we have of their Sitting, as long as he should have no Occasion to Fear? Then, to be sure, he would have disbanded the Protestants of his Army, and supplied their rooms with Irish Papists, to have at last a Parliament (if a Parliament must be had) of their making.  
This being at that time the Posture of our Affairs, that the Prince referred all to a Parliament, and the King would have none before he had quitted the Kingdom, all Things seemed disposed to the Decision of a Bettel. In order to which his Majesty, accompanied by his Highness' Prince George of Denmark, parted upon Saturday Nou. 17. from  for Windsor, where he lay that Night; and the next Day continued his Journey to Salisbury, whither he came the 19th.  
About this time appeared a Letter from the Prince to the King's Army, in these words.  
Gentlemen and Friends,  

The Prince's Letter to the English Army.  We have in Our Declaration given you so full and so true an Account of Our Intentions in this Expedition, that We cannot doubt but that all true Englishmen will come and concur with Us in our Destre to Secura these Nations from Popery and Slavery. We are come to Preserve your Religion, and to Restore and Establish your Liberties and Properties. 'Tis plain, that you are only made use of as Instruments to Enslave the Nation, and Ruin the Protestant Religion. And, when that is done, you may judge what yourselves ought to expect, both from the Cashiering of all the Protestant Officers and Soldiers in Ireland, and by the Irish Soldiers being brought over to be put in your places. You know how many of your Fellow Officers have been used for their standing firm to the Protestant Religion and to the Laws of England; and you cannot flatter yourselves so far as to expect to be better used, if those who have broke their Word so often should by your means be brought out of those Straits to which they are now reduced. We hope likewise, that you will not suffer yourselves to be abused by a false Notion of Honour; but that you will in the first place consider what you own to Almighty God and your Religion, to your Country, to yourselves, and to your Posterity, which You, as Men of Honour, aught to prefer to all private Considerations and Engagements whatsoever. We do therefore expect, that you will consider the Honour that is now set before you, of being the Instruments of Serving your Country, and Securing your Religion. And We will ever Remember the Service you shall do Us upon this Occasion, by placing such particular Marks of our Favour on every one of You as your Behaviour at this time shall deserve of Us, in which We will make a great Distinction of those that shall come seasonably to join their Arms with Ours. In short, you shall find Us to be  
Your Wellwishing and Assured Friend, William Henry Prince of Orange.  
The Prince's Army began now to be in good heart, and one Man was as good as two when they came first to Exeter. Every day his Highness went out to view the Country with the Marshal de Schomberg, and went once as far as Autry, 12 miles from Exeter. In the mean time Mr. Seymour was made Governor, and one Major Gibson Deputy-Governour. For the managing the Revenue here, the Lord Wiltshire, Mr. Herbord, and Mr. Row were appointed Commissioners.  
The Prince's Court began also to swell. For, besides those great Persons which had attended his Highness from Holland hither, viz. Marshal Schomberg, Count Nassaw, Count Solms, the Lords Zulestein, Bentick, and Overkirk; of the English Nation the Earls or Shrewebury and Macclesfield, Viscount Mordant, Lord Wiltshire, end Colonel Sidney, and of the Scotch the Earl of Argile, with several other Persons of Quality; here came to his Highness the Lord Cornbury, the Earl of Abington, and the Lord Colchester, besides a great Number of Gentry. Who all entered together into an Association to Assist the Prince of Orange in the Defence of the Protestant Religion, Laws, and Liberties of the People of England, Scotland, and Ireland, in these Words.  

An Engagement of the Nobility at Exeter to stand by the Prince of Orange.  We do Engage to Almighty God, and to his Highness the Prince of Orange, and with one another, to stick firm to this Cause, and to one another in the Defence of it, and never to departed from it, until our Religion, Laws, and Liberties, are so far Secured to us in a Free Parliament, that We shall be no more in Danger of falling under Popery and Slavery. And, whereas we are engaged in the Common Cause under the Protection of the Prince of Orange, by which means his Person may be exposed to Danger, and to the desperate and cursed Designs of Rapists, and other bloody Men, We do therefore solemnly Engage to God, and to one another, That, if any such Attempts be made upon Him, We will pursue not only those that made them, but all their Adherents, and all We find in Arms against Us, with the utmost Severity of just Revenge in their Ruin and Destruction; and that the Executing any such Attempt (which God of his infinite Mercy forbidden) shall not deprive Us from pursuing the Cause which We do now undertake, but that it shall Encourage us to carry it on with all the Vigour that so barbarbous an Approach shall do serve.  
By this strict Association, the Prince saw how well these Noble Lords and Gentlemen were disposed towards his Highness, and for the promoting the Good of the Common Cause.  
In the mean time he received Intelligence of the first Skirmish that happened between the two Armies at Wincanton. To which Place a small Party of Major General Mackay's Regiment being advanced, to provide Carriage, Colonel Sarsfield having Notice of it marched thither with a Detachment of 70 Horse, and 50 Dragoons and Granadiers, in order to cut them off. Who, hearing of Sarsfield's Approach, resolved upon a stout Defence, notwithstanding their small Number, being but 25. In order to which, Cambel their Lieutenant, posted them in a small Enclosure at the East end of the Town, where there was a good Hedge between them and the Road. Here they made a vigorous Defence, and several were killed and wounded on both sides; when of a sudden, upon a false Alarm of a strong Party of the Prince's Horse coming, Sarsfield and his Men retreated with all speed, and in some disorder. And, though he had little Cause to boast of this Action, yet our Gazette did so magnify it, that by its Account of it 30 of the Prince's Men were killed out of 25, besides 6 taken, and 15 that made their escape.  
One would think, the King by this time had done with Proclamations. His Majesty was two to one at least as to the Number of Forces; and yet, to Engross all to himself, he put out a Proclamation at Salisbury, Nou. 22. to Entice away all the Prince's Army, and so leave him by himself. By this Proclamation, first, He Offers and Grants his Pardon to all his Subjects that had taken up Arms with Foreigners and Strangers against Him and their Native Country; And next, to all such Foreigners as should come over to Him, promising either to Entertain them in his Service, or Grant them (if they should desire it) freedom of Passage, and liberty to Return to the Respective Countries from whence they came.  
But this Stratagem would not do. And his Highness, having now received an Account of the Motions and Proceed in the North for the Support of the Common Cause, prepared all Things for his March towards the King's Army. The Lords concerned in the North were the Earls of Devonshire, Stamford, and Damby, the Lord Delamere, and others; who, being met at Nottingham with great Numbers of the Gentry, and a competent Force of Horsemen well appointed, to repel all Opposers, unanimously subscribed to this Declaration, Nou. 23. the same Day that the King put out his Proclamation.  

The Declaration of the Nobility, and Gentry, etc. at the Rendezvous at Nottingham.  We the Nobility, Gentry, and Commonalty of these Northern Counties assembled together at Nottingham, for the Defence of our Laws, Religion, and Liberties, according to those Freeborn Liberties and Privileges descended to Us from our Ancestors, as the Undoubted Birthright of the Subjects of this Kingdom of England (not doubting but the Infringers and Invaders of our Rights will Represent us to the rest of the Nation in the most malicious Dress they can put upon us) do here unanimously think it our Duty to Declare to the rest of our Protestant Fellow Subjects the Grounds of our present Undertaking.  
We are by innumerable Grievances made sensible, that the very Fundamentals of our Religion, Liberties, and Properties, are about to be Rooted out by our late Jesuitical Privy Council, as has been of late too apparent. 1. By the King's Dispensing at his Pleasure with all the Established Laws. 2. By Displacing all Officers out of all Offices of Trust and Advantage, and Placing others in their Room that are Known Papists, deservedly made Incapable by the established Laws of our Land. 3. By Destroying the Charters of most Corporations in the Land. 4. By Discouraging all Persons that are not Papists, preferring such as turn to Popery. 5. By Displacing all honest and conscientious Judges, unless they would, contrary to their Consciences, declare that to be Law which was merely Arbitrary. 6. By Branding all Men with the Name of Rebels, that but offered to justify the Laws in a Legal Course against the Arbitrary Proceed of the King, or any of his corrupt Ministers. 7. By Burdening the Nation with an Army, to maintain the Violation of the Rights of the Subjects. 8. By Discountenancing the Established Reformed Religion. 9 By Forbidding the Subjects the Benefit of Petitioning, and construing them Libeliers; so rendering the Laws a Nose of Wax, to serve their Arbitrary Ends. And many more such like, too long here to enumerate.  
We being thus made sadly sensible of the Arbitrary and Tyrannical Government that is by the Influence of Jesuitical Counsels coming upon us, do unanimously Declare, That not being willing to deliver our Posterity over to such a Condition of Popery and Slavery, as the aforesaid Oppressions inevitably threaten, We will to the utmost of our Power Oppose the same, by Joining with the Prince of Orange, whom we hope God Almighty has sent to Rescue us from the Oppressions aforesaid, and will use our utmost Endeavours for the Recovery of our almost ruined Laws, Liberties, and Religion. Wherein we hope all good Protestant Subjects will with their Lives and Fortunes be Assistant to us, and not be Bug-beared with the Opprobrious Term of Rebels, by which they would fright us to become perfect Slaves to their Tyrannical Insolences and Usurpations. For We assure ourselves, that no rational and  Person will judge it Rebellion to Defend our Laws and Religion, which all our Princes have Sworn at their Coronation. Which Oath how well it has been observed of late We desire a Free Parliament may have the Consideration of.  
We own it Rebellion to Resist a King that Governs by Law. But he was always accounted a Tyrant that made his Will the Law, and to Resist such a one we justly esteem no Rebellion, but a necessary Defence. And in this Corsideration We doubt not of all honest Mons Assistance, humbly hoping for and imploring the great God's Protection, that turns the Hearts of the People as pleases him best. For it has been observed, that People can never be of one Mind without his Inspiration; which has confirmed the Saying, Vox Populi Vox Dei.  
The present Restoring of Charters, and Reversing the oppressing and unjust Judgement given of Magdalen College Fellows, is plain, are but to still the People, like Plums to Children, by deceiving them for a while. But, if they shall by this Stratagem be fooled, t●ll the present Storm that threatens the Papists be passed, as soon as th●y shall be Re-settled, the former Oppression will be put on with greater Vigour. But we hope in vain is the Net spread in the sight of the Birds. The Old Rule of Papists is so well known, that Faith is not to be kept with Heretics, as they term Protestants, though the Popish Religion is the greatest Heresy. 'Tis well known how ill Q. Mary observed her Promises to the Suffolk Men that helped her to the Throne. And how the Pope Dispenses with the Breach of Oaths, Treatises, or Promises, at his Pleasure, when it makes for the Service of the Holy Church, as they term it. These are such convincing Reasons to hinder Us from giving Credit to the aforesaid Mock-shews of Redress, that We think ourselves bound in Conscience to rest on no Security that shall not be approved by a Freely Elected Parliament; to whom, under God, we Refer our Cause.  
To this Declaration the Northern Commonalty, sensible of the Justice of it, and Influenced besides by the Interest and Example of so many Lords and Gentlemen, did readily Subscribe; and the Militia was Raised upon it, who gave a great Stroke towards the Revolution. For the News of it coming to the King's Ears at Salisbury struck such a Damp upon his Spirits, that he began now to think his Case desperate.  
To the same Effect was a Paper delivered from the Nobility and Gentry of the North by the Earl of Devonshire to the Mayor of Derby, where his Lordship Quartered the 21▪ of November; that is, for the Meeting and Sitting of a Parliament freely and duly Chosen. With a declared Resolution therein, That, in case any Interruption should be given to the Proceeding of a Parliament, they, the Nobility and Gentry of the Northern Parts of England, would to their utmost Defend the Protestant Religion, the Laws of the Kingdom, and the Rights and Liberties of the Subject.  
In the County of Norfolk, the Duke who bears that Title, found the Gentry and Common People in the same Disposition. Being come to Lyn, attended by many of the Principal Men in the County, he received an Address in the Marketplace, presented in these Words to his Grace by the Mayor, attended by the Body, and many hundreds of the Inhabitants.  

My Lord,  

Address of Lyn to the Duke of Norfolk.  The Daily Alarms we receive, as well from Foreign as Domestic Enemies, give us just Apprehensions of the approaching Danger we conceive to be in; and make us apply ourselves with all earnestness to your Grace, as our great Patron, that we may be put into such posture by your Directions and Conduct, as may make us appear as Zealous as any in the Defence of the Protestant Religion, the Laws, and Ancient Government of this Kingdom. Which is the Desire of many Hundreds, who most humbly challenge a Right of your Grace's Protection.   
To which his Grace was pleased to Answer thus.  

Mr. Mayor,  

The Duke of Norfolk's Answer.  I am very much obliged to You, and the rest of your Body, and all here present, for your good Opinion of me, and the Confidence you have that I will do what in me lies to support and defend the Laws, Liberties, and Protestant Religion, in which I will never deceive you. And, since the Coming of the Prince of Orange has given us an Opportunity to Declare for the Defence of them, I can only assure you, that no Man will venture his Life and Fortune more freely for the same than I will do, especially with all these Gentlemen here present, and many more of the same Principles. In order to which, you shall see all possible Care shall be taken to answer your Expectation.  
Whereupon the Militia was ordered to be raised throughout the County. Which being thus put into a posture of Defence, his Grace was pleased to deliver himself in these Words to the said Corporation.  

The Duke of Norfolk's second Speech.  I have endeavoured, as you see, to put you into the Posture you desired, by sending both for Horse and Foot of the Militia, and am very glad to see such an Appearance of this Town in so good a Condition. I do again renew my former Assurances to you, that I will ever stand by you to defend the Laws, Liberties, and the Protestant Religion; and to procure a Settlement in Church and State, in concurrence with the Lords and Gentlemen in the North, and pursuant to the Declaration of the Prince of Orange. And so God Save the King.  
In short, the Genius of the whole Nation (if you except the Papists, and some false Protestants) did run that Way, and there was no stopping of so strong a Current. Which his Highness the Prince of Orange was no sooner satisfied in, but he marched from Exeter forward with his Army; the Fort of Plymouth being already Surrendered to his Highness by the Earl of Bath. At Exeter he only left a new raised Regiment to keep the City, under the Command of Sir John Guyes, then made Governor thereof.  
The Army marching in three Lines, and the Prince in the second Line, his Highness marched out from Exoter Nou. 22. and came to Crookhorn on Saturday 24. Then the Gentlemen of the West came in apace, and joined him almost at every Stage. From Crook horn, where he stayed the 25th. he came the next Day to Sherborn, and lodged at the Castle; where the Duke of Grafton and the Lord Churchill, amongst others, joined him from the King's Army. Whereupon the Lord Churchill, who lay under particular Obligations to the King, wrote a Letter to his Majesty in these following Terms.   
SIR,  

The Lord Churchills Letter to the King.  Since Men are seldom suspected of Sincerity, when they act contrary to their Interests; and, though my dutiful Behaviour to Your Majesty in the worst of Times (for which I acknowledge my poor Services much Over-paid) may not be sufficient to Incline You to a charitable Interpretation of my Actions; Yet I hope, the great Advantage I enjoy under Your Majesty, which I can never expect in any other Change of Government, may reasonably convince your Majesty and the World, that I am acted by a higher Principle, when I offer that Violence to my Inclination and Interest, as to desert Your Majesty at a time when Your Affairs seem to challenge the strictest Obedience from all your Subjects, much more from One who lies under the greatest personal Obligations imaginable to Your Majesty. This, SIR, could proceed from nothing but the Inviolable Dictates of my Conscience, and a necessary Concern for my Religion, which no good Man can oppose, and with which I am instructed nothing ought to come in Competition. Heaven knows with what partiality my dutiful Opinion of Your Majesty has hitherto represented those Unhappy Designs, which inconsiderate and self-interested Men have framed against your Majesty's true Interest and the Protestant Religion. But, as I can no longer Join with such to give a pretence by Conquest to bring them to effect, so will I always with the hazard of my Life and Fortune (so much your Majesty's Due) endeavour to preserve Your Royal Person and Lawful Rights, with all the tender concern and dutiful Respect that becomes,  
SIR, Your Majesty's most Dutiful and most Obliged Subject and Servant, CHURCHILL.  
By this Desertion the King grew more and more sensible how little he was to depend upon an Army, which daily mouldered away; Not for want of natural Affection to his Majesty, but only to bring him off from his evil Counsellors, and into a necessity of Complying with the general Desire of the Nation to have all Things Rectified by a Free and Legal Parliament  
Before the King left Salisbury, there happened such a sudden Gust of Wind as hurried down the Crown which had stood many Years upon the top of a Spire of the Cathedral. This was looked upon as an ill Omen to the King. And so was his Majesty's violent Bleeding at the Nose, that could not be stopped for a long time any manner of way.  
The Vangards of both Armies being now near each other, a Party of the Prince's appeared not far from Salisbury. Upon which King James and his Army, thinking the Prince's whole Force were coming upon them, took the Alarm; so that his Majesty in the midst of his Bleeding ordered his Coach forthwith to be made ready, and drive away to Windsor. Upon whose Departure, his Forces in great haste and disorder marched, some one way, some another.  
The King being come to Andover, which was his first Stage homeward, his Royal Highness Prince George of Denmark, accompanied by his Grace the Duke of Ormond, and the Lord Drumlangrig, withdrew from his Majesty in the Night, in order to join the Prince of Orange at Sherborn; which they did the 29th. From whence Prince George sent a most tender Letter to the King, in these following Terms.  
SIR,  

Prince George his Letter to the King.  With a Heart full of Grief I am forced to write what Prudence would not permit me to say to your Face. And way I ever find Credit with your Majesty, and Protection from Heaven, as what I now do it free from Passion, Vanity, or Design. I am not ignorant of the frequent Mischiefs wrought in the World by factious Pretences of Religion; but, were not Religion the most Justifiable Cause, it would not be made the most specious Pretence. And Your Majesty has always shows too Vninterested a Sense of Religion to doubt the just Effects of it in One whose Practices have (I hope) never given the World cause to censure his real Conviction of it, or his Backwardness to perform what his Honour and Conscience prompt him to. I can therefore no longer disguise my just Concern for that Religion in which I have been so happily Educated, which my Judgement throughly convinces me to be best, and for the Support of which I am so highly interested both in my Native Country and in this your Kingdom. Whilst the restless Spirits of the Enemies of the Reformed Religion, backed by the cruel Zeal and the prevailing Power of France, justly alarm and unite all the Protestant Princes of Christendom, and engage them in so vast an Expense for the Support of it, can I act so degenerous and mean a part, as to deny my Concurrence to such worthy Endeavours to disabuse Your Majesty, by the Reinforcement of those Laws, and Establishing of that Government, on which alone depends the Wellbeing of your Majesty, and of the Protestant Religion in Europe. This, SIR, is that irresistible and only Cause that could come in Competition with my Duty and Obligations to your Majesty, and be able to tear me from You, whilst the same affectionate Desire of Serving you continues in me. Can I secure your Person by the hazard of my Life, I should think it could not be better employed. And would to God these your distracted Kingdoms might yet receive that satisfactory Compliance from your Majesty in all their Justifiable Pretensions, as might upon the only sure Foundation, that of the Love and Interest of your Subjects, establish your Government, and at strongly Unite the Hearts of all your Subjects to You as is that of  
SIR, Your Majesty's most Humble and most Obedient Son and Servant.  
This was a strange Time for Flight. For, whilst the King fled from Salisbury, and the Prince of Denmark from the King, the Princess also took her Flight from the Cockpit. Her Royal Highness, then big of the Duke of Gloucester, not being able to bear the King's Displeasure upon the Prince's account or her own, withdrew herself Nou. 26. early in the Morning, and went with the Ladies Churchill and Berkley, and the Lord Bishop of London, to the North, where the Forces were in Arms for the Prince of Orange. Upon which her Royal Highness left a Letter for the Queen, in these following Words.  
MADAM,  

The Princess of Denmark her Letter to the Queen.  I beg Your Pardon that I am so deeply affected with the surprising News of the Prince's being gone, as not to be able to see Your Majesty. However I leave this Paper to express my humble Duty to the King and Yourself, and to let You know that I am gone to Absent myself to avoid the King's Displeasure (which I am not able to bear) either against the Prince or myself; intending to stay at so great a Distance, as not to Return, before I hear the happy News of a Reconcilen ent. And, as I am confident the Prince did not leave the King with any other Design, than to use all possible Means for his Majesty's Preservation; so I hope You will do me the Justice to believe, that I am uncapable of following him for any other End. Never was any one in such an unhappy Condition, so divided between Duty to a Father and Affection to a Husband, that I know not what to do, but to follow One to preserve the Other. I see the general Falling off of the Nobility and Gentry, who avow to have no other End than to prevail with the King to secure their Religion, which they saw so much in danger by the violent Counsels of the Priests; who, to promote their own Religion, cared not to what Dangers they exposed his Majesty. I am fully persuaded, that the Prince of Orange designs the King's Safety and Preservation, and hop all Things may be composed without more Bloodshed, by the Calling a Parliament. God grant a happy End to these Troubles, that the King's Reign may be prosperous, and that I may shortly meet You in perfect Peace and Safety. Till when, let me beg of You the Continuance of that favourable Opinion you have hitherto had of.  
Your Majesty's most obedient Daughter and Servant ANNE.  
The same Day the Princess went, the King returned to Whitehall from Salisbury. Who, seeing how Things went, first turned Sir Edward Hales out of his Government of the Tower, who being a Papist had threatened to Bomb the City; and made Colonel Bevile Skelton Lieutenant of the Tower, who had been a Prisoner there but a few Days before. Then his Majesty gave Order to the Lord Chancellor to Issue out Writs for summoning a Parliament to meet at Westminster the 15th. day of January next. Which was a great Step towards a Reconcilement, if so be the King had really intended it. But it proved a mere Amusement. For his Heart did beat for Versailles; and the Pretence of a Parliament was only to possess the People with an Opinion, that he was resolved to be Reconciled with them at any Rate, and in the mean time to Prepare himself under hand for a Retreat.  
Nou. 30. He signed the Proclamation for the speedy Calling of a Parliament, and ordered it with all speed to be Published. Never was false Coin better plated, than this Proclamation was worded to amuse the People. These are the Words.  
JAMES R.  
We have thought fit, as the best and most proper Means to Establish a lasting Peace to this Our Kingdom, to Call a Parliament; 
The King's Proclamation for the speedy Calling of a Parliament.  and have therefore Ordered our Chancellor to cause Writs to be Issued forth for Summoning a Parliament, to Meet at Westminster upon the 15th. day of January next ensuing the Date of this Our Royal Proclamation. And, that nothing may be wanting on Our part towards the Freedom of Elections, as We have already Restored all Cities, Towns Corporate, and Boroughs throughout Our Kingdom, to their ancient Charters, Rights, and Privileges; so we Require and Command all Persons whatsoever, that they presume not by Menace, or any other undue Means, to Influence Elections, or Procure the Vote of any Flector. And We do also strictly Require and Command all Sheriffs, Mavors, Bailiffs, and other Officers, to whom the Execution or Return of any Writ, Summons, Warrant, or Precept, for Members to the ensuing Parliament shall belong, that they cause such Writ, Summons, Warrant, and Precept, to be duly Published and Executed, and Returns thereupon to be fairly made, according to the true Merits of such Elections.  
And, for the Security of all Persons both in their Election and Service in Parliament, We do hereby Publish and Declare, That all Our Subjects shall have free Liberty to Elect, and all Our Peers, and such as shall be Elected Members of Our House of Commons, shall have full Liberty and Freedom to Serve in Parliament, Notwithstanding they have taken up Arms, or committed any Act of Hostility, or been any way Aiding or Assisting therein. And, for the better Assurance hereof, We have Graciously directed a General Pardon to all Our Subjects, to be forthwith prepared to pass Our Great Seal.  
And, for the Reconciling all Public Breaches, and Obliterating the very Memory of all past Miscarriages, We do hereby Exhort and Kindly Admonish all Our Subjects to dispose themselves to Elect such Persons for their Representatives in Parliament as may not be Biased by Prejudice or Passion, but Qualified with Parts, Experience, and Prudence, proper for this Conjuncture, and agreeable to the Ends and Purposes of this Our Gracious Proclamation.  
His Highness the Prince of Orange, having stayed some Days at Sherborn, moved towards Salisbury, by the Way of Mere. At his Entrance into Salisbury, which was in great State, he was met by the Mayor and Aldermen in all their Formalities, the Bells ringing, the People shouting, and the whole City in a Transport of Joy at the sight of their Deliverer. His Highness road into the City, with the Prince of Denmark at his right hand, and the Duke of Ormond on his left; and took up his Quarters at the Bishop's Palace. Here his Highness made a Halt for some Days. Which the Princess of Denmark having notice of, she came to Oxford, attended by a select Troop of Country Gentlemen well Armed; where Prince George went to meet her Royal Highness.  
All the way the Army marched, Care was taken to disperse the Prince's Declaration; and where they happened to Quarter upon Sundays, there it was read in the Churches. By this time the King's Army was much broken, most of the Protestant Officers and Soldiers come away, and Joined his Highness' Forces. So that there was no Prospect of a Field-Battel.  
After some Stay here the Prince came away, and marched to Amsbury, from thence to Collingburn, and so to Littlecot, where he came on Saturday Decemb. 8.  
In the mean time the Lords Commissioners, viz. the Marquis of Hallifax, the Earl of Nottingham, and the Lord Godolphin, appointed by the King to treat with the Prince of Orange, were come to Hungerford, being the Place agreed on for that purpose by the Prince. To whom a Writing, subscribed by their Lordships, was delivered in these following Words.  
SIR,  
The King has commanded us to acquaint you, That he observeth all the Differences and Causes of Complaint alleged by your Highness seem to be Referred to a Free Parliament. His Majesty, as he has already declared, was resolved before to Call one, but thought that in the present State of Affairs it was Advisable to Defer it, till Things were more composed. Yet, seeing that his People still continued to desire it, he hath put forth his Proclamation in order to it, and has issued forth his Writ, for Calling of it. And, to prevent any Cause of Interruption in it, he will consent to every Thing that can be reasonably required for the Security of all those that shall come to it. His Majesty has therefore sent us to attend your Highness, for the Adjusting of all Matters that shall be agreed to, necessary for the Freedom of Elections, and the Security of Sitting; and is ready immediately to enter into a Treaty, in order to it. His Majesty proposeth, that in the mean time the respective Armies may be Restrained within such Limits, and at such Distance from London, as may prevent the Apprehensions that the Parliament may in any Kind be Disturbed; being desirous, that the Meeting of it may be no longer Delayed than it must be by the usual and necessary Forms.  
In Answer to which, these following Proposals were made by the Prince, with the Advice of the Lords and Gentlemen Assembled with his Highness.  
1. That all Papists, and such Persons as were not Qualified by Law, should be Disarmed, Disbanded, and Removed from all Employments, Civil and Military. 2. That all Proclamations which Reflected upon his Highness, or any that was come over to him, or had declared for him, should be Recalled; and, if any Persons, for so doing, had been Committed, they should be forthwith set at Liberty. 3. That, for the Security and Safety of the City of London, the Custody and Government of the Tower be immediately put into the hands of the said City. 4. That, if his Majesty shall think to be at London during the Sitting of the Parliament, his Highness might be there also, with equal Number of Guards. Or, if his Majesty should rather choose to be in any Place from London, his Highness might be at a Place of the same Distance. 5. That the Respective Armies should Remove 30 Miles from London, and no more Foreign Forces should be brought into the Kingdom. 6. That, for the Security of the City of London, and their Trade, Tilbury-Fort be put into the hands of the said City. 7. That to prevent the Landing of French, or other Foreign Troops, Portsmouth be put into such hands as by the King and Prince should be agreed upon. 8. That some sufficient Part of the Public Revenue be assigned his Highness, for the Maintaining of his Forces till the Meeting of the Parliament.  
The King, upon the View of these Proposals, Resolved upon a speedy Retreat into France. The Prince of Wales so called was sent for beforehand to go thither along with the Queen, who accordingly set out December 10. And the next Day, early in the Morning, the King, attended by Sir Edward Hales, went away from White-kall Incognito.  
Before his Departure he sent Notice of it to the Earl of Feversham, by a Letter framed in these Words.  
MY LORD,  
Things being come to that Extremity, that I have been forced to send away the Queen and my Son the Prince of Wales, that they might not fall into my Enemy's hands (which they must have done, if they had stayed.) I am obliged to do the same Thing and to endeavour to Secure myself the best I can, in hopes it will please God out of his infinite Mercy to this unhappy Nation, to touch their hearts again with true Loyalty and Honour. If I could have relied on all my Troops, I might not have been put to the Extremity I am in, and would at least have had one Blow for it. But, though I know there are many loyal and brave Men amongst you both Officers and Soldiers, yet you know that both yourself and several of the General Officers, and others of the Army, told me, it was no ways advisable for me to venture myself at their Head, or think to fight the Prince of Orange with them. What remains is only for me to Thank you, and all those both Officers and Soldiers who have stuck to Me, and been truly Loyal; not doubting in the least but that you will still retain the same Fidelity to Me. And, though I do not expect you should expose yourselves by Resisting a Foreign Army, and a Poisoned Nation; yet I hope your former Principles are so inrooted in You, that you will keep yourselves free from Associations, and such pernicious Things. Time presses so that I can say no more.  
J. R.  
The Earl of Feversham, upon the Receipt of the Letter, immediately dispatched a Messenger to the Prince, to let him know, That, having received a, Letter from the King with the Unfortunate News of his Going out of England, and his Majestics Order (as he expresses it) to make no Opposition against any body, he thought himself obliged to acquaint his Highness with it as soon as it was possible, to prevent Effusion of Blood; To which purpose he had given the last Order to all the Troops that were under his Command.  
Before the King's Departure, several Papists foreseeing the Revolution, had withdrawn themselves beyond Sea. Now the Priests and Jesuits, who expected no Quarter, began to shift for themselves, and run some one Way, some another. Those among the Protestants who were the most Obnoxious, and had so basely complied with the Times, were also put to their Shifts. Some of both sorts were Apprehended; but most made their Escape, or lay Undiscovered. The Lord Chancellor Jeffreys, a Mezzo-tinto Protestant, as forward as any Papist to Comply with King James' Designs, was taken in a Disguise at Wapping Dec. 12. and committed to the Tower; where he pined away, and died some time after. The Earl of Peterborough being secured in Kent, as he was making his Escape, was also sent to the Tower.  
In the mean time the Disbanded Army dispersed itself up and down the City and Country in an unusual and unwarrantable manner, to the great Disturbance of the Public Peace and Quiet. The Mobile on the other side, taking an Advantage of this State of Anarchy, fell to work, by burning, pulling down, and otherwise defacing several Houses and public Buildings of the Roman Catholics, rifling and plundering the same. And, without any Regard to the Character of Ambassadors, they pulled down and plundered the Spanish Ambassadors House; whose Damages were afterwards abundantly made up by the Government. Thus King James lest his Party to the Mercy of the Rabble, whose unaccountable Outrages and Violences could not be prevented in that critical Time. Yet their Rage fell much short of what the Papists expected, considering their former Provocations; for I could not hear of any Hurt they did to their Persons. Whereas the major Part of them expected nothing less than Death and Destruction; as it had been our Fate, had our Case been their own. Which piece of Moderation from a lose, provoked, and mighty Rabble, without the Restraint of any Government, is not to be paralleled in History.  
As for the false Alarm which happened upon it of the desperate Irish Forces Burning and Plundering, and putting to the Sword all they met in their Way, as Improbable as the Thing was in itself, yet it got such Credit all over the Kingdom, that the whole Nation was in a ferment upon it, and all the Militia in Arms to oppose the pretended Fury of a sort of Men, which the Sound of a Horn had newly put to Flight at Reading, and that of an old Barrel at Maidenhead. But, however the Alarm was given, it was not without some Design; and, whatever was in the Top, one might easily guests, that Policy was in the Bottom. For, to imagine that four or five thousand Irish should all of a sudden be grown so Desperate as to think to Post away this Nation with Fire and Sword, when the very sight of a less Number of resolute Men might have made them show their Heels, was a Thing fit to laugh at than to be concerned for.  
One Thing is Observable in the King's Desertion, viz. the Great Seals being cast into the Thames, as it was found out afterwards. Which looked like a wilful Desertion of the Government, and an entire Abdication thereof. At least he seemed thereby to imply, that, in case he should Return, he was resolved not to Rule by Law, of which the Great Seal seems always to carry some Prints.  
King James being thus gone, not able to bear the brunt of a Parliament, and the Writs prepared for it being stopped, made his Way by Water for France with all speed; till he happened to be stopped at Feversham in Kent, as we shall see afterwards.  
Upon the News of his being Gone, there was a Meeting that very Day at Guildhall of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in and about the Cities of London and Westminster, to the Number of nine and twenty; who agreed upon, and signed a Declaration. In which, having first expressed their Zealous Concern for the Nation in this dangerous Conjuncture, upon the King's having Withdrawn himself in order to his Departure out of this Kingdom, they Unanimously Declared their Resolution to apply themselves to His Highness the Prince of Orange, and to Assist him with their utmost Endeavours in the speedy Obtaining of a Parliament, whereby our Laws, Liberties, and Properties might be Secured; the Church of England in particular, with a due Liberty to Protestant Dissenters, and in general the Protestant Religion and Interest over the whole World might be Supported and Encouraged. They further Declared, That in the mean time they would Endeavour to Preserve, to the utmost of their Power, the Peace and Security of London and Westminster, and the Parts adjacent; And, if any Thing more could be performed by Them, for promoting His Highness' generous Intentions for the Public Good, that they would be ready to do it, as Occasion should require. With which Declaration four of their Body, Viz. the Earl of Pembroke, the Lord Viscount Weymouth, the Bishop of Ely, and the Lord Culpeper, were desired to attend His Highness. Which they did accordingly.  
The same day two Addresses were Agreed upon, one from the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and the Commons of the City of London in the Common Council Assembled, and another from the Lieutenancy of London; which were both presented to his Highness at Henly in Oxfordshire, Dec. 13. with the Lords Declaration. Which Addresses, in short, contained Their humble Acknowledgement of His Highness' fervent Zeal for the Protestant Religion, and of his Vnparalled Generosity in Exposing his Person to so many Dangers both by Sea and Land, to Rescue these Nations from Slavery and Popery; With a Declaration, that they presumed to make his Highness their Refuge, and therefore begged his Protection. And at last humbly beseeching his Highness to Repair with all convenient Speed to the Capital City, for the perfecting the great Work He had so happily begun.  
The Prince, having now a certain Account of the King's being gone away, did put out a Declaration, Requiring all colonels and Commanders in Chief of the Regiments, Troops, and Companies of the Royal Army that had Dispersed themselves, to call together by Beat of Drum, or otherwise, the several Officers and Soldiers belonging to their respective Regiments, Troops, and Companies, in such Places as they should find most convenient for their Rendez-vous, and there to keep them in good Order and Discipline; And all such Officers and Soldiers forthwith to Repair to such Places as should be appointed for that purpose by their respective Colonels and Commanders in Chief; whereof His Highness required speedy Notice to be given unto Him, for his further Orders.  
The King in the mean time, who was supposed to be near the Coast of France. was unluckily stopped in a Smack nigh Feversham by some sturdy Fellows then Jesuite-hunting; and was Secured for One, till he came to be Known. Then he was prevailed upon to Return to Whitehall, which he did on the 16th. Where being Informed of divers Outrages and Disorders that had been committed in his Absence, He was pleased that very Night in Council to give Orders for the preventing all such Outrages and Disorders for the future. Which proved the last Public Act of his Regal Power.  
His Highness the Prince of Orange was now come to Windsor, where he arrived on Friday Dec. 14. From whence he had sent the Sieur de Zulestein to the King, who likewise sent the Earl of Feversham to his Highness to Invite him to S. James'. But his Lordship was secured in the Castle, by the Prince's Order, for his late Irregular Disbanding of the King's Forces.  
Decemb. 17. In the Night the King's Guards were changed by the Prince's, then arrived at S. James' Park. Which Proceeding the Jacobites do exclaim against as a great piece of Iniquity, and look upon as unaccountable. But, as the Case stood, the Thing was unavoidable; and, as I am apt to think the King's Invitation was none of the more Cordial, so I presume this Proceeding of the Prince was not free from Reluctancy. Upon the King's Going off, the Lords Assembled at Guild hall, and the City, had put themselves under the Prince's Protection, as being left in a State of Anarchy; and his Highness had now the Command of the King's Forces, so that it was in his power to order them as he thought most suitable to the present Juncture. Therefore it did not any way consist with his Honour to suffer this part of the said Forces to act independently from him in so critical a● Time, which might have occasioned a general Disturbance and Breach of the Peace, the Keeping whereof was the principal Care of his Highness. Who clapped his Guards upon the King, not out of any Design upon his Person, but rather to Secure him from any Attempts of a rude and incensed Rabble I would fain know what Harm befell him from this Change. It appears on the contrary by what follows, that, notwithstanding these Dutch Guards, the King might dispose of himself as he pleased. 'Tis for this the Lord without Doors clamoured and kept a heavy Splutter in his Speech to the House of Lords. Wherein, under pretence that the King was not gone out of his Territories, and that he might be where he would in his own Kingdom, he concludes there was no Desertion in the Case. But this is perfect Shuffling. 'Tis well known, that, if he had stayed, a Parliament must be had, and that he dreaded nothing more than a Parliament that would rake up old Sores, and find out who made them. 'Tis well known, that his Heart panted after the Queen, and that he had no Business at Feversham. The Time and Manner of his Setting out are a plain Demonstration, that he was quitting a Kingdom, which was now grown Uneasy to him; and his Casting the Great Seal into the Thames, adds much to the Argument. Had he but weathered the Point, and got clear off out of the River, 'tis ten to one that he had not been put to the trouble of a second Flight.  
In order to which, seeing now his Case desperate, and the Prince at his Heels, he went about Noon from Whitehall Dec. 18. to Sir Richard Head's nigh Rochester, still steering his Course towards France.  
That very Day his Highness parted from Windsor, dined at Sion-House, and came in the Evening to S. James'. Where he received the Compliments of all the Nobility, and other Persons of the chiefest Quality in Town; And at Night the Streets were filled with Bonesires, with Ringing of Bells, and other Public Demonstrations of Joy.  
The next Day, Decemb. 19 Their Royal Highness' Prince George and the Princess Ann of Denmark returned from Oxford to the Cockpit; where They were presently after Visited by his Highness the Prince of Orange. Who that Afternoon went also to Visit the Queen Dowager at .  
Decemb. 20. The Lord Mayor (Sir John Chapman) being indisposed, the Aldermen and their Deputies, with some of the Common Council of each Ward, by Order of the Common Council, Waited on the Prince of Orange, to Congratulate his Highness on his happy Arrival at S. James'. Which was performed by Sir George Treby the Recorder in an Eloquent Speech, and very favourably received by his Highness. The Speech was thus.  
May it please Your Highness,  

Sir George Treby his Speech from the City to the Prince of Orange.  The Lord Mayor being Disabled by Sickness, Your Highness is attended by the Aldermen and Commons of the Capital City of this Kingdom, deputed to congratulate Your Highness upon this great and glorious Occasion. In which We cannot but come short in Expression. Reviewing our late Danger, we remember our Church and State overrun by Popery and Arbitrary Power, and even brought to the Point of Destruction, by the Conduct of some Men (our true Invaders) who broke the Sacred Fences of our Laws, and (which was worst) the very Constitution of our Legislature. So that there was no Remedy left but the last. The only Person, under Heaven, that could apply this Remedy, was Your Highness. You are of a Nation, whose Alliance in all Times has been agreeable and prosperous to us. You are of a Family most Illustrious, Benefactors to Mankind. To have the Title of Sovereign Prince, and Stadtholder, and to have worn the Imperial Crown, are among their lesser Dignities. They have long enjoyed a Dignity singular and transcendent, viz. To be Champions of Almighty God, sent forth in several Ages, to Vindicate his Cause against the greatest Opressions. To this Divine Commission our Nobles, our Gentry, and among them our brave English Soldiers, rendered themselves and their Arms upon your Appearing.  
GREAT SIR, when we look back to the last Month, and contemplate the Swiftness and Fullness of our present Deliverance, astonished, we think it Miraculous. Your Highness, led by the Hand of Heaven, and called by the Voice of the People, has preserved our greatest Interests. The Protestant Religion, which is Primitive Christianity restored. Our Laws, which are our ancient Title to our Lives, Liberties, and Estates, and without which this World were a Wilderness. But what Retribution can we make to Your Highness? Our Thoughts are full charged with Gratitude. Your Highness has a lasting Monument in the Hearts, in the Prayers, in the Praises of all good Men amongst us. And late Posterity will celebrate your ever glorious Name, till Time shall be no more.  
Decemb. 1. The Prince of Orange published an Order for Returning into the Public Store the Arms of divers Soldiers that were lost or embezzled, since the Disbanding of the Royal Army. At the same time he appointed Quarters for the English, Scotch, and Irish Forces, to which all Officers and Soldiers belonging thereto were ordered forthwith to Repair.  
Decemb. 23. Was the Day when the King, notwithstanding his Dutch Guards about him, made shift to give them the slip. So that he got safe into France, where the Queen was arrived before with the supposed Prince of Wales. Thus he left us again in an unsettled Condition; But Care was taken to secure the Peace.  
In this Condition, had the Prince of Orange had any Design to take the Government upon him, this was the Time. He was now come to the Capital City of the Kingdom, through a perpetual Crowd of Applauses and Benedictions, and had the Hearts of all true English Protestants. Being a Prince of the Royal Blood that stood so near to the Immediate Succession, and having besides a good Army with him, he had nothing to do but what he might easily have done; that is, to make a Party to support his Interest, and withstand all Opposition. The Law itself could have afforded him a Claim, it being an undoubted Maxim among Lawyers, That the Success of a Just War gives a Lawful Title to that which is acquired in the Progress of it And (as the Learned Bishop of Salisbury says in his Pastoral Letter) if at Common Law an Heir in Remainder has just Cause to Sue him that is in Possession, if he makes Wastes on the Inheritance which is his in Reversion, much more ought the Heir of the Crown to Interpose, when he sees him that is in Possession hurried on blindfold to subject an Independent Kingdom to a Foreign Jurisdiction, and thereby to Rob it of its Glory and Security. Especially when 'tis plain, this must occasion the greatest Ruin and Miseries possible to that Kingdom; and when a pretended Heir was set up in such a manner, that the whole Kingdom believed it Spurious. In such a Case it cannot be denied, even according to the highest Principles of Passive Obedience, that another Sovereign Prince might make War on a King so abusing his Power; and that this was the Case in Fact, will not be called in question by any Protestant, Therefore King James, having so far sunk in the War, that he both abandoned his People and deserted the Government, all his Right and Title did accrue to the Prince in the Right of a conquest over him. So that, if he had then assumed the Crown, the Opinion of all Lawyers must have been on his side. And which Way soever King James' Deserting the Government be turned, this Argument has much Weight. For, if he was forced to it, than here was a Conquest; and, if it was voluntary, it was a wilful Desertion.  
But, whatever Prospect His Highness might have of a Crown, either by the Sword, or the Law, or both Ways together, He chose rather to leave the Matter to the Determination of the Peers and People of England, chosen and Assembled together with all possible Freedom.  
Mean while, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal Assembled December 25. in the House of Lords at Westminster, and at the same time the Members of the Parliaments that had served during the Reign of King Charles 2d. met in the House of Commons, together with the Court of Aldermen and Common-Council of London. Who unanimously Agreed upon a general Convention of the Lords and Commons to Meet on the 22. of Jan. next; and prayed his Highness in the mean time to take upon him the Administration of Public Affairs, both Civil and Military, and the disposal of the Public Revenues, till the Meeting of the said Convention. In Order to which Meeting, He sent at their Request, and according to their Directions, His Letters throughout the Kingdom.  
Then came out two Declarations from His Highness, One for Authorising Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, and other Officers and Ministers (not Papists) that were in Office upon the first day of December, to Act in their respective Places. Another, for the better Collecting the Public Revenue. Besides an Order, for carrying on the Elections for the intended Convention with greater Freedom, and without any Colour of Force or Restraint. His Highness also took a convenient Care to Restrain the Licentiousness of the Press within the bounds of the Law. Then He put forth a Declaration, for the better Quartering of the Forces. Another to Encourage the Seamen of the Fleet, then labouring under Discontents, and absenting themselves, upon several untrue and groundless Reports Maliciously spread among them, and to warn them at their Peril to return to their Duty. A third, to the same purpose, for the Land Forces.  
Jaruary 22. being the day appointed for the Convention to meet at Wes; tminster, there they met accordingly. Where the two Speakers being chosen, viz. the Lord Marquis of Halliface for the House of Lords, and Henry paul Esq for the Commons, a Letter from the Prince of Orange was read in both Houses, to this effect; That he had endeavoured to perform what was desired from Him for the Public Peace and safety during his Administration; and that it now lay on them to lay a Foundation of a firm Security for their Religion, Laws, and Liberties; That he did not doubt but by such a full and Fret Representative of the Nation, the Ends of his Declaration would be attained. He recommended to them the dangerous Condition of Ireland, and also the States of Holland, both which required large and speedly Succours; And to●d them that, since it had pleased God hitherto to bless his good Lite●tions with so great Success, be tr●sled in him, that he would complete his own Work, by sending a Spirit of Peace and Union to influence their Course●s, that so no Interruption might be given to a happy and lasting Settlement.  
Whereupon the Lords and Commons unanimously resolved upon an Address to be presented to his Highness of ●hanks for what he had done, and humbl● to desire him to continue the Administration of Public Affairs, till farther Application were made by them to his Highness. A Day of Public Thanksgiving to Almighty God was likewise appointed by both Houses, for having made his Highness the Prince of Orange a Glorious Instrument of the great Deliverance of this Kingdom from Popery and Arbitrary Power. And then the Lords and Commons went in a Body to St. James', to present the  Address to his Highness.  
The State we were in required a speedy Settling of the Government on sure and lafting Foundations; and consequently, that such Person or Persons should be immediately placed in the Throne, in whom the Nation had most reason to repose an entire Confidence. It therefore now lay upon the Convention to Make so Judicious a Choice, as in all probability might render us a happy People, and give our Posterity cause to Rejoice, when they shall read the Proceed of this Wise and Grand Convention.  
'Tis observed that, before the Theocracy of the Jews ceased, even in the time of extraordinary Revelations, the manner of the Divine Designation of their Judges was by God's giving the People some Deliverance by the Hand of the Person, to whose Government they were appointed to submit. Thus Othniel, Gideon, Jephthab, Samson, and others, were invested by Heaven with the supreme Authority. And, tho' Josh●a had an immediate Command from God to succeed Moses, and an Anointing for that purpose by the laying on of Moses hands; yet the Foundation of the People's Submission to him was laid in Jora●n. Now what History can give an Instance, since that Theocracy ceased, of a Designation of any Person to any Government more visibly Divine than this was? To see a Nation of so various Opinions, Interests, and Factions fall suddenly from a turbulent and fluctuating State into a serene Calm, and their Minds so strangely united on a sudden, it shows from whence the Nation was Influenced. And whoever considers how the Posture of Foreign Affairs, which no humane Wisdom or Power could have brought about, made way for this Expedition; how the Prince's Counsels were all along directed, and crowned with Success, amongst so many Dangers and Difficulties, and that in so little time, and with so little Effusion of Blood, must needs see plainly the Finger of God in all this, pointing out to us what choice we were to make.  
Yet various were the Projects amongst the Members of the Convention. Some were for Sending to the King, and Treating with him to Return, but under such Restraints as they thought should disable him from Invading our Laws, Religion, and Liberties. But what restraint could be put upon a King who was under a Vow of Restoring Popery? The Kingly Power (one would think) was sufficiently limited by the Law, so as to preserve the Religion and Liberties of the People, under the Glory and Greatness of a King. But the experience of King James his Reign shown us sufficiently, how easy it was for a King to break through the ●ence of the Laws, and that they were but Cobwebs to a Prince whose Zeal or Ambition could not endure any Bounds. What Ways could be found out, so to ●ye up his Hands as to Secure his Subjects, but such as must make him a mere Titular King; which had been a greater Affront put upon Majesty, than downright Deposing of him? He therefore chose rather to quit the Crown, than be turned from the sweet Exercise of an Absolute Power to the State of a Baby King, to be turned and wound by his Subjects as they pleased, to observe their Dictates, and submit to their Motions.  
Some were for making the Princess of Orange Regent; Others, the Prince. Some again were for declaring the Crown forfeited or demised, and proclaiming only the Princess of Orange Queen; Others, for making the Prince of Orange only King.  
But the Plurality carried it, first for having the Government Dissolved, then making the Prince and Princess of Orange jointly King and Queen of England, etc. The public Acts to run in the Name of Both; but the Executive Power to be solely in the King.  
Thus King James II. for having endeavoured to Subvert the Constitution of the Kingdom by breaking the Original Contract between King and People, and by Advice of Jesuits and other wicked Persons Violated the Fundamental Laws, and having at last Withdrawn himself out of this Kingdom, was Voted by the House of Commons, to have Abdicated the Government, and the Throne to be Vatant. And, after several Days Debates about it, the House of Lords at last fully Agreed all Things in Dispute. So that King James, having forfeited by his Maladministration of the Regal Trust of the Executive Power, both in himself and his Heirs Lineal and Collateral, the same devolved back to the People; Who might lawfully dispose thereof by their Representatives, according to their good Will and Pleasure, for their future Government and Peace, Benefit and Security.  
Which was a clear Assertion of the People's Right, a firm Evidence of a Contract broken, and a sure Precedent to all Ages; when, after a most solemn Debate, the Estates of England declare, That the King having Abdicated the Government, and the Throne thereby Vacant, They think fit to fill it again with One who is not Immediate in the Line. Fesides that it will be a Caution to succeeding Kings, of what satal Consequence a general Derogation from the Laws may be, when they find by this Instance the Exercise of the Kingly Office in danger, not only with Reference to Themselves, but precarious to their Family.  
And now, to fill up the Throne, what better Choice could the Convention make, than of that very Prince, who with so great Expense, Hazard, conduct, Courage, and Generosity, had so wonderfully Rescued us both from Spiritual and Temporal Slavery, and Restored us to our ancient Laws, Religion, and Properties? In Prudence, Honour, and Gratitude, they could do no less than Pray him to Accept the Crown. Which was done accordingly.  
But the Nation's Gratitude and Generosity went further, by making the Prince and Princess of Orange King and Queen jointly; it being a Demonstration of the Inestimable Value the People had for Her Highness, notwithstanding the Maladministration of her Unhappy Father.  
Thus the Prince and Princess were made equal in Dignity, but not in Authority. For the Executive Power was solely lodged in the Prince. First, because two Persons equal in Authority might differ in Opinion, and consequently in Command; and it is evident, no Man can serve two Masters. Secondly, because a Man, by Nature, Education, and Experience, is generally rendered more capable to Govern than a Woman. And, as the present State of Europe in general, so that of these Kingdoms in particular, required a vigorous and masculine Administration. To recover what was lost, to rescue what was in danger, and rectify what was amiss, could not be effected but by a Prince consummate in the Art both of Peace and War. A Prince of known Honour, profound Wisdom, undaunted Courage, and incomparable Merit; naturally inclined to be Just, Merciful, and Peaceable, and to do all public Acts of Generosity for the good of Societies. Therefore, as the Convention thought fit out of Generosity to declare the Prince and Princess King and Queen jointly, that they might both equally share the Glory of a Crown, and we the Happiness of their Auspicious Reign; so out of Prudence they lodged the Executive Power in the Prince only, as the fittest Person under Heaven to Govern in this difficult Juncture.  
During these Transactions the Princess of Orange arrived from Holland, and Landed at White-Hall on the 12th. of February; the welcome News whereof was received with all manner of Public Demonstrations of Joy.  
The next Day the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons Assembled at Westminister, presented to the Prince and Princess their Declaration, by the Marquis of Hallifax Speaker to the House of Lords. Which Declaration contained a Sum of the late King James' Trespasses upon the Laws of the Kingdom and the Liberties of the People, the Vindication of the Ancient Rights and Liberties of the People by declaring his assumed Power Illegal, their Offer of the Crown to Their Highnesies, and the new Oaths to be taken, according to the late Resolves of the Grand Convention.  
The Offer of the Crown, with the Settlement thereof, was thus expressed; That William and Mary Prince and Princess of Orange, be, and be declared King and Queen of England, France, and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging; To hold the Crown and Royal Dignity of the said Kingdoms and Dominions to them the said Prince and Princess, during their Lives, and the Life of the Survivor of them; And that the sole and full Exercise of the Regal Power be only in, and executed by the said Prince of Orange, in the Names of the said Prince and Princess, during their joint Lives; and after their Deceases, the said Crown and Royal Dignity of the said Kingdoms and Dominions to be to the Heirs of the Body of the said Princess; and, for default of such Issue, to the Princess An● of Denmark, and the Heirs of her Body; and, for default of such Issue, to the Heirs of the Body of the said Prince of Orange.  
To which his Highness gave this Gracious Answer.  
My Lords and Gentlemen,  
This is certainly the greatest Proof of the Trust you have in Us that can be given, which is the Thing that makes us Value it the more; and we thankfully Accept what you have Offered. And, as I had no other Intention in coming hither, than to preserve your Religion, Laws, and Liberties; so you may be sure, that I shall endeavour to support them, and shall be willing to concur in any Thing that shall be for the Good of the Kingdom, and to do all that is in my power to advance the Welfare of the Glory of the Nation.  
Whereupon the Prince and Princess of Orange were that very Day (being the 13th. of February, 1688/9.) Proclaimed at White-Hall and in the City, King and Queen of England, France, and Ireland, by the Name of WILLIAM and MARY; each Proclamation being Echoed with Universal Acclamations of Joy by the Multitudes of People which crowded the Streets, Windows, and Balconies; and the Streets lined all the Way from Temple-Bar to the Royal-Exchange with four Regiments of the City Militia. The Night was concluded with Bonfires, Ringing of Bells, and all other Expressions of Duty and Affection to Their Majesty's KING WILLIAM and QVEEN MARY, with hearty Wishes for Their long and happy Reign.  
April 11th. Being appointed for their Coronation, Their Majesties were accordingly Crowned that Day at Westminster, with great Pomp and Solemnity, by the Lord Bishop of London; and the Day kept with great Ceremony in most of the chief Towns of England. The Coronation Oath was tendered by the Bishop to the King and Queen, in these several Articles, Their Majesty's giving a distinct Answer to each of them.  
Bishop. Will you solemnly Premise and Swear to Govern the People of this Kingdom of England, and the Dominions thereto belonging, according to the Statutes agreed on in Parliament, and the Laws and Customs of the same? King and Queen. I solemnly promise so to do.  
Bishop. Will you to your power cause Law and Justice in Mercy to be executed in all Your Judgements? King and Queen. I will.  
Bishop. Will You to the utmost of your power Maintain the Laws of God, the true Profession of the Gospel, and the Protestant Reform Religion established by Law? And will you Preserve unto the Bishops and Clergy of this Realm, and to the Churches committed to their Charge, all such Rights and Privileges as by Law do or shall appertain unto them, or any of them? King and Queen. All this I promise to do.  
After this the King and Queen laying his and her Hand upon the Holy Gospels, said, The Things which I have here before Promised, I will Perform and Keep. So help me God. Then the King and Queen kissed the Book.  
In Scotland the same Course was taken for Settling the Government there, by a Convention which met at Edenburg upon the 14th. of March, according to the Direction of the Prince of Orange (now King) and the Advice of several Lords and Gentlemen of Stotland then at London. Which Convention voted also King James by his Misgovernment to have forfeited the Right to the Crown, and the Throne to be Vacant. For the filling up whereof, they conferred the Crown upon WILLIAM and MARY, King and Queen of England, etc. and fettled the Succession in the same manner as our Convention had done; with a new Oath of Allegiance to Their Majesties. Accordingly, on the 11th. of April 1689. being their Coronation-day at Westminster, Their Majesties were proclaimed at Edenburg King and Queen of Scotland.  
The 1●th. of May next ensuing, being the Day appointed for the public Reception of the Commissioners sent up by the Estates of Scotland, (viz. the Earl of Argyle, Sir James Montgomery, and Sir John Dalrymple) to Offer the Crown of that Kingdom to their Majesties, and tender unto Them the Scottish Coronation Oath; they accordingly met at the Council Chamber at Three a Clock in the Afternoon, and were from thence conducted by Sir Charles Cotterel Master of the Ceremonies, to the Banqueting-House, being attended by most of the Nobility and Gentry of that Kingdom then residing here. The King and Queen went thither attended by many Persons of Quality, the Sword being carried before them by the Lord Cardrosse. And, Their Majesty's being placed on the Throne under a rich Canopy, the Commissioners first presented a Letter from the Estates to the King, than the Instrument of Government, after that a Paper containing the Grievances to be Redressed, and lastly an Address to his Majesty, for turning the Meeting of the said Estates into a Parliament. All which being Signed by his Grace the Duke of Hamilton, as Precedent of the Meeting, and Read to Their Majesties, the King returned to the Commissioners the following Answer.  
When I Engaged in this Undertaking, I had particular Regard and Consideration for Scotland; and therefore I did omit a Declaration in relation to That as well as to This Kingdom, which I intent to make good and effectual to them. I take it very kindly, that Scotland has expressed so much Confidence in and Affection to Me. They shall find Me willing to assist Them in every Thing that concerns the Weal and Interest of that Kingdom, by making what Laws shall be necessary for the Security of their Religion, Property, and Liberty, and to ease them of what may be justly Grievous to them.  
This done, the Coronation Oath was tendered to Their Majesties; which the Earl of Argile spoke word by word distinctly, and the King and Queen repeated it after him, holding their right Hands up, after the manner of taking Oaths in Scotland. The Oath was thus. We William and Mary, King and Queen of Scotland, faithfully Promise and Swear by this our solemn Oath, in presence of the Eternal God, That during the whole Course of our Life, we will serve the same Eternal God to the uttermost of our Power, according as he has requited in his most Holy Word revealed and contained in the New and Old Testament; and according to the same Word shall Maintain the true Religion of Christ Jesus, the Preaching of his Holy Word, and the due and right Ministration of the Sacraments now Received and Preached within the Realm of Scotland, and shall Abolish and Gainstand all false Religion contrary to the same; and shall Rule the People committed to our Charge according to the Will und Command of God, revealed in his aforesaid Word, and according to the laudable Laws and Constitutions received in this Realm, no ways repugnant to the said Word of the Eternal God; and shall procure to the utmost of our Power to the Kirk of God and whole Christian People true and perfect Peace in all time coming. That we shall preserve and keep inviolated the Rights and Rents, with all ●●●st Privileges of the Crown of Scotland; neither shall We Transfer, nor Alienate the same. That We shall forbid and repress in all Estates and Degrees Reis Oppression, and al● kind of i●●rong; and We shall command and procure that Justice and Equity in all Judgements be keeped to all Persons without exception, as the Lord and Father of Mercies shall be merciful to us. That We shall be careful to Root out all Heretics and Enemies to the true Worship of God, that shall be Convilled by the true Kirk of God of the aforesaid Crimes, out of Our Lands and Empire of Scotland. And We faithfully Affirm the Things above-written by Our Solemn Oath.  
But, at the Repeating that Clause in th● Oath which relates to the Rooting out of Heretics, the King Daclared, That he did not mean by these Words, that he was under any Obligation to become a Persecutor. To which the Commissioners, Authorized thereto by the Estates of Scotland, made Answer, That neither the Meaning of the Oath, nor the Law of Scotland, did imp●●● it. Then the King replied, That he took the Oath in that sense, and called for Witnesses the Commssioners and others present. And then both Their Majesties signed the said Coronation Oath. After which the Commissioners, and several of the Scottish Nobility, kissed Their Majesty's Hands.  
Thus WILLIAM and MARY, Prince and Princess of Orange, were by the Grace and Providence of God, for the good of these Kingdoms, made King and Queen of Great Britain, in Opposition to all Malcontents. A Race of Men content in no Condition, who in a State of Slavery are eager for Liberty, and when set at Liberty are again for Slavery. These are the Tools hitherto made use of by King Lewis, to distract these Kingdoms (under the specious Pretence of Restoring the late King James to the Throne) by their dark Plotting here against the Government, and their open Rebellion in Scotland. Where the Duke of Gourdon, Governor of Edenburg Castle, held it out for King James till the 13th. of June; and the Lord of Dundee, at the Head of an Army of Rebels, was killed in a Field-fight on the 1st. of August. From which time the Rebels there never thrived, but were glad at last to embrace Their Majesty's most Gracious Pardon.  
The greatest Difficulty was to Reduce Ireland, then in the hands of Papists, fortified with a great Army, assisted by the French King, and influenced by the late King James. Who looked upon ireland as a Backdoor for him to return into England, with a Crucifix in one hand, and a Sword in the other. Ireland. that had been so often Conquered by the English, was now to Conquer England; and the Irish did not by their Shouls consider, whether it was for King James or King Lewis. They were pleased with the Notion of an Infallible Conquest; and, before they had drawn the Sword, they fell forsooth dividing the Spoil amongst themselves. Encouraged by King James' Presence, now come from France to Dublin about the beginning of the Year 89, nothing was to stand before them, London-Derry, in the North of Ireland, was the only place of Note that stood out for Their Majesties. The French and Irish being resolved to reduce it by Fire, Sword, and Famine, sat before it; and brought it to that extremity, that good part of the Town was by French Bombs reduced into Ashes, and above 5000 of the Inhabitants died for want of Provisions. Yet, under these dismal Circumstances, the Town held out, under the Conduct of that Martial Clergyman the Reverend Dr. Walker, till it was Relieved by Major General Kirk July 31. 1689. What happened since all the World knows. The famous Battle at the River Boyne, fought the next Year after, is an eternal Monument of King William's incomparable Valour and Conduct, and of God's wonderful Providence over his Royal Person. By this Battle, wherein he was blessed with a glorious Victory, he drove King James with full speed out of Ireland, he got possession of the Capital City of Dublin, besides Drogheda, Wexford, Waterford, and other places of less note; so that two parts in three of Ireland were in a manner Reduced in one Campaign. Afterwards Cork and Kingsale were happily Recovered by the Earl of Marlborough. And this Years Expedition under the Chief Conduct of that Valiant, Fortunate, Wise, and Skilful General, the Baron de G●●okle, will be eternally famous for Completing so Successfully the Reduction of that Kingdom, by the Surrender of Ballymore, the Taking of Athlone by Storm, the great Victory at Agh●im, the surrender of Galloway and Sl●g●, and at last that of Limerick, a Place looked upon as almost Impregnable. So that we see now a Kingdom, which (besides its own Strength) has been power-fully Assisted by the French, and Countenanced by the late King James, entirely Reduced to their Majesty's Obedience, at the end of two Campaigns. Which I hope may convince the most Obstinate, especially after a long Chain of unaccountable and unlooked for Providences, that this great Revolution is not only by the Will or Permission of Almighty God, but that it is his own Work; who is free to dispose of Crowns and Kingdoms, to show Mercy and Judgement upon whom he pleases. And, if it be so, I cannot imagine how Entailed Kings (good or bad) can be more the J●●e Divino than our Great King William.  
Thus we see King James II. an Unfortunate Prince, who might have been a most glorious Monarch, fallen (with the Loss of three Crowns) a Sacrifice to Priests and Jesuits; and fain to creep under the Shelter of a King, who is not like to hold out long himself, if he must give an Account to God and Men of the abominable Transactions of his Reign. Thus is the Curse of King James I. come upon King James TWO, which he solemnly pronounced upon any of his Posterity that should forsake the Church of England to embrace that of Rome. And yet, had it been possible for him to keep within some reasonable Bounds, and his Religion to himself, without trampling (as he did) upon the Laws, he might have hitherto sat upon the Throne; and 'tis like the Nation, upon his account, would have been very Indulgent to the Roman Catholic Party. But he would never be advised to Moderation, and no Counsellors were welcome to him but such as prompted him to Violence. The Issue whereof proved accordingly; All Covet, all Lose. And 'tis observable, that, as great as King James was with King Lewis, yet the Court of France was allowed openly to declare his Errors to the World, and passed this Verdict upon him, That his whole Conduct had been very little Judicious. The Emperor on the other side could not forbear in his Letter to him dated April 9 1689. amongst his tender condoling Expressions, to remind him of some of his false Politics. I am hearty sorry for his Fate; but it is better so than to see three Kingdoms perish. I remember one of his Expressions at his first coming to the Crown, that he would carry the Glory of England beyond all his Predecessors, which he has made good in some sense. For, by his Illegal and Arbitrary Methods, he has given us an Opportunity, after some Years of tiresome Passive Obedience, of showing to the World how loath we are to part with our Laws, Religion, and Liberties, and impatient of that uneasy double Yoke, which other Nations groan under. Therefore, far from deserving the Censure of Mankind, we are applauded for it all the World over, by all disinterested, sensible, and rational Men. And, after two weak, esseminate, and inglorious Reigns, which had sunk the Re●●tation and Honour of this Nation, and made us all over Europe an Object of Scorn and Contempt, we have by this way of Reprisal recovered our Credit, and are now able by the Grace of God to lift up our Heads beyond their expectation.  
But, if you inquire into the Causes of this sudden Change, a Nameless Author will bring you in a parcel of Jesuits, a sort of hare-brained Statesmen, and yet bred up in a Cloister; who being unacquainted both with the English Temper and Constitution, hoped to have carried two such things as Popery and Arbitrary Power, both at once, upon so Jealous a Nation as the English is, which hates them above any other People in the World. And yet these are the Men that bore the greatest sway in King James' Counsels. I confess, says he, a Nation of less Sense might have been Imposed upon; of less bravery and Valour, might have been Frighted; of a more servile Temper, might have neglected its Liberties, till it had been too late to have recovered them.  
These Jesuits Manage with the Dissenters of one side, and the Church of England Party on the other, shows how shallow-brained they were. One would think the cruel Slaughter they had caused to be made by the Course of Justice of the poor Wretches that were taken after the Defeat of Monmouth's Army near Bridgewater, should have made them for ever despair of gaining any Credit with the Dissenters, who rarely forgive, but never forget any ill Treatment. But on the contrary they had so little sense as to build all their hopes on them, for having procured unto them a Liberty of Conscience, Arbitrarily and Illegally granted, and consequently Revocable at the Will of the Granter. Thus these little Politicoes relied upon the Dissenters Gratitude and pretended Insensibility, as if for an uncertain Liberty of Conscience they would have sold themselves to everlasting Slavery. On the other side, if we look upon their Carriage towards the Church of England Party, it will appear how little they were to be trusted by the whole Protestant Party. First they pursued both Clergy and Laity with the utmost obloquy, hatred, oppression and contempt. But when they sound the Dutch Storm coming upon them, who but the Church of England Men? Then the Bishops were presently sent for, and all Places, Presses, and flying Papers filled with the Encomiums of the Church of England's Loyalty; who but few days before were represented as Malcontents, if not Rebels and Traitors, for Opposing the King's Dispensing Power and the Ecclesiastical Commission.  
To Complete their Folly and Madness, they persuaded King James to Throw up the Government, and Retire into France. For they pretended we should never be able to agree amongst ourselves, but would in a short time be forced to recall him, and fairly yield to his Will and Pleasure, or be compelled to it by the Succours he might gain in France. Had France been now in Peace, there might have been (says my Author) some Colour for this. But, when all Europe was under a Necessity to Unite against him for its own Preservation, then to persuade King James to desert his Throne, and fly to France for Succour, this was so silly a Project, that there seems to have been something of a Divine Infatuation in it. The Prince of Orange might have taught them cunctari, who would not stir from Holland, till he saw France and Germany irrevocably Engaged in War, as it happened by the Siege of Philipsburg.  
Thus, all Things considered, either King James should have stayed here, and made as good Terms as he could with the Prince of Orange and his own Subjects. Or, if he would Abandon his Kingdoms, he ought to have despaired of any Restitution, and betaken himself to a private Life, as Queen Christina did.    

THE POSTSCRIPT, By Way of Advice to the Jacobite Party.  
NOw Ireland is Reduced, and the Scotch Rebellions Suppressed, 'tis high Time for you, gentlemans, to Capitulate. Providence has declared itself against you; your Idol the French King's Oracles are ceased, and he has now at last most basely left you in the lurch. In short, there is no hopes or prospect of Relief. You have done enough in Conscience, and more than enough, for King James. You have outdone not only your Ancestors, but Primitive Christianity itself, in your fond Scruple of Conscience about the Oaths; and have evidenced to the World, how Impossible it is to serve two Masters. Only some of you went too far, and made shift for King James' Service to swear themselves true Subjects to King William, and Queen Marry too. To bring back King James with Popery. Triumphant, you have stuck at nothing; and have over come even Nature itself, by putting yourselves under a King's Protection, who ever was an Enemy to this Crown and Nation I mean the great King Lewis, whose Quarrel you espoused, whose Greatness you admired, whose Successes you applauded too. A Most Christian King, in League with Turks and Tartars (now become your Confederates) against the Prefessors of the Name of Christ. A Prince who has a great Account to give to God and Men of his infinite Extortions, Rapines, Violences, Breach of Faith, Bloodshed, and Persecutions. With this great Tyrant, Usurper, and Persecutor, you have endeavoured to Overthrow the present Government, by dark Plots and Conspiracies, by bold Speeches and virulent Libels, by filling the Nation with Fears and Jealousies. But that which I chief admire you for, is your Withstanding all Temptations of Plenty, Ease, and Liberty, to become miserable Slaves, even for Conscience sake. Your being proof against the strongest Arguments of the best Pens of the Nation, which could never make the least Impression upon you. To which add your fervent (but ineffectual) Prayers and Supplications to God, for a Blessing upon your ●●●●al Endeavours; and, if they have not prospered, 'tis not your Fault. In a Word, so transcendent and meritorious has been your Loyalty to the late King James, that no Age can parallel it. So great, that, like Solomon's Wisdom, never was the like before it, nor I hope will ever be after. So desperate, that it made you willing to Sacrifice your Lives and Fortunes, your Liberty, Nation, Posterity, and some of you their Religion, only to have the Satisfaction to sing Allelujah at the Return of King James.  
All this was well enough, according to your Principles, as long as Limerick held out. But now the Case is altered, and it is time to Desist. King James his Backdoor is shut; and the Great King having now withdrawn his powerful Arm, 'tis in vain for you to hold out. I advise you therefore to Surrender, while it is time, to Their Majesty's Mercy; and to become Their true and faithful Subjects, under whose easy Sceptre you may live happily.  
Thus you will be no more looked upon as you have been hitherto, with Pity, Scorn, and Indignation. With Pity, as being Misguided by an erroneous Principle. With Score, for the greatest Infatuation that Men were ever guilty of, to stand for Slavery when you are Free, as you wished for Deliverance when you were in Captivity. With Indignation, as being the Bane of the Government, under whose Protection you live.  
When all is done, you cannot but grant, that the King is none of those frightful Princes that you took him to be, from the Lords Speech without Doors, and others of his Kidney. Nor have we felt in the space of almost three Years any of those direful Influences of his Reign, which those unlucky Fortune-tellers did once threaten us with. He is a merciful King; You have experienced it. A Wise and Warlike Prince; France itself does own it. So great is his Fame and Interest abroad, that He is in a manner the Oracle of most Christian Princes, and the most likely King we have had since Henry V●to make this Nation both Glorious and Happy. As he is a Pattern for Princes in point of Government, so in the Course of a Christian Life, he is a Pattern for Subjects; being both Good and Great, and therefore the fittest Monarch to make this Nation so. After so many esseminate and inglorious Reigns, what greater Blessing could Heavens bestow upon us than a Prince so well qualified to Reign in these Kingdoms? This is not all. It has pleased God to redouble our Happiness, by setting over us, in Conjunction with his Majesty, a Queen who is the Glory of her Sex, and a Princess alone worthy of so great a Prince. Let us therefore be Unanimous, and say with one Voice,  
God Save and Prosper King William and Queen Mary.   

An Advertisement of some Books sold by Samuel Clement at the Lute in Paul's-Church-Yard.  
1. GOd's Revenge against Murder and Adultery, expressed in Thirty several Tragical Histories. The Third Edition. By Thomas Wright, M. A. of St. Peter's College in Cambr●dge.  
2. The English Grammar, setting forth the Grounds of the English Tongue. By Guy Miege. Gent. The Second Edition.  
3. The Delightful History of Don Quixot, the most Renowned Baron of Mancha. With the Comical Humours of Sancho Panca. The Second Edition.