THE ADDRESS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS TO THE KING By the Rector, Vicechancellor, Heads of the Colleges, Deans of Faculties, and the rest of the Masters and Professors of the University of St. Andrews, whose Names are insert at the end of their Address;  
ALSO, A Letter from the Arch-Bishops, and Bishops, to the Kings most Excellent Majesty,  
London, Printed by I: R: to be sold be A: L: 1689.   

The Rector, Vicechancellor, heads of the Colleges, Deans of Faculties and the rest of the Masters and Professors of the University of St. ANDREWS.  
To the KING.  
SIR,  
THE Universities and Seminaries of Learning have so great and peculiar a share in the happy consequence of the public peace and Tranquillity, not only their flourishing and increase, and your life and being, have such a singular Dependence on the Supreme Authority, that it cannot be justly either vanity or flattery when they endeavour to make their Gratitude as remarkable as their Advantages and Obligation; And we in this place do humbly offer to your Majesty at this time, our most dutiful sense and acknowledgements of the security, Peace, and Quiet we enjoy under the Wisdom and Paternal care of your Gracious and Happy Government.  
It was King James the first of that name, that founded this University the first in this Kingdom, and gave us these privileges and immunities, which have been continued and enlarged by his Royal Successors; And we find by the frequent and signal marks of your Majesty's Princely care and concern for us, that you inherit with the Crown and Dignity of your Ancestors the affection they bore to this University: And as we reflect on this gracious Tract of the Royal Favour to us, with the most grateful remembrance; so we cannot but also glory, that from the just notions of our duty and happiness we have at all occasions, and in the face of what ever hazards mantained an  and affectionate Loyalty to the Government and adherance to the Royal Family.  
When by a happy providence this Nation was honoured & refreshed with your Royal presence, we cheerfully concurred in the Land and Lively Joy and Acclamations of all Ranks of people in the universal Admiration of your Virtues that were so eminent, that your Enemies finding nothing else were forced to make Objections of them, and with our most ardent and sincere wishes, for your coming to the peaceable possession of the Throne and Empire, to which (after your Royal Brother whom we ever remember with due reverence and honour) the Laws of GOD, of Nature, and of these Kingdoms had established your Right.  
And we own the most profound and thankful Reverence to Heaven, which has been so favourable to the wishes of honest hearts, that we have a Prince of the Native and Royal Blood, to reign over us, who has given the most sincere and solid demonstrations of his love to these Kingdoms, by encounting the greatest hazards for their Honour and Safety, who hath filled the World with the great and immortal Fame of his singular Accomplishments in all the Acts and weighty concerns both of War and Peace, who succeeding to that Gentle Innate Goodness, which has been very remarkable in his predecessors of this Royal Family, and having got (while he went himself through the roughest and most hazardous conditions of a Subject) a most tender sense and feeling of our infirmities, does by the admirable effect of an incomparable Clemency, to whatsoever offenders in principles or practices give the greatest assurance of his being utterly averse from the least violence or severity, even to the worst of his Enemies, until it be extorted from his Royal Justice, and Magnanimity by obstinate and insufferable abuses of his Benignity and Goodness; so that we cannot fancy what more is requisite to the full and solid happiness of people, but our just sense of what we enjoy, and our firm reliance on your Majesty's faithfulness and generosity to preserve it inviolable.  
And we are sure that your Majesty's loving Subjects who in the eye of the World, and the midst not only of the noise and clamour of your Enemies, but also of your own reasonable expectations, peaceably submitted themselves to your just possession of your Crown, and Dominion, with solemn expressions of the greatest joy and satisfaction, will never be guilty of a Levity, so absurdly inconsequential to suffer themselves to be diverted from their love and obedience, until they have shaken off all Ties and Principles as well of Honour as of Duty.  
The sad experience of our late Miseries and convulsions has left us sufficient marks and indications what rocks to shun, and has so disgraced the Artifice and Delusion of fears and jealousies, that till we have lost our Memories with our Judgements, it cannot be expected that the most Vulgar credulity can be wrought by that imposture. These alone were the noisome Vapours raised by wickedness and ambition; and gathered into these clouds which darkened the Wisdom and Glory of these Kingdoms, and ended in that fatal and dreadful storm, which brought upon us all the heavy dismal calamities of Blood & Confusion. The pretended Fears of Arbitrary Government made us fight ourselves Slaves to Arbitrary violence and oppression, jealousies created by malice, or blind and sick imaginations of the hazard and change of Religion, produced the highest contempt of all that is Sacred, banished all the vital and essential Characters of our peaceable and humble and most holy Faith, raised the most execrable Villains on the ruins of One of the best and most Religious Kings, and made these Kingdoms the schene of the most attrocious Villainies, and most dishonourable monstruous barbarities that Hell could conspire. And it is morally impossible Men can ever be sure of any better consequence than disorder and certain ruin from such corrupt and dangerous causes, those Visions and Fantastic creatures of Sedition and Distempered Minds.  
Great Sir, We hope that this sure and lasting Wisdom which comes from the Observation of former misfortunes, that the Sacred ties of our Religion and Reason with the love of our truest interest will for ever produce the just and peaceable effects in the minds and endeavours of all your loving Subjects, and particularly of the Societies of Learning and Education who by their professions and opportunities are the Searchers of Truth, and are so closely knit to the public safety, that in the time of intestine commotions they perish, or are overcomed with Ignorance and barbarities, and who therefore are guilty of an inexcusable neglect and ingratitude, if they slight or abuse the Advantages they have of knowing and propagating the reasonable principles of Love and Obedience to your Majesty's sacred person and Authority.  
The fundamental Rights of Government and Supremacy are so strong and plain in Reason, and Divine Revelation, that they need not the weak and indecent assistance of Flattery, to support or magnify them; They are also so Equable and Constant, and hold so unexchangeable under all lawful Sovereigns, never altering with Times and Circumstances, and with all are of so great and general importance, that it can never be unreasonable, and so often necessary for honest Men to Declare and Assert them, and there may be as much indutyful malignity in affected and disintended silence, as in malicious Grievances and Clamour.  
Sir, For these and the like considerations, it appears to us, your Majesty's Servants, in this your Ancient and Honourable University, a necessary part of our duty, humbly to beg your Majesty's pardon, and allowance, that we publish and Declare to the World, these clear distinct and certain Verities, which exact and deliberate Examination has fixed in our minds, concerning the Natural and perpetual Foundations of Society, Government, and Subjection, & we reduce them shortly to these plain Proposals & Observations  
First, As the Being, Nature, and whole Perfection of Mankind, are from GOD the Infinitely Perfect Being, and the Supreme Author of all things; so there are some certain and fixed Methods and Means by which He will have these preserved, and which He has given us sufficient light to discover, and therefore whatsoever means are thus found to be absolutely requisire, for the Being and preservation of Mankind, are for that reason of Divine Right, and Original, and are the Ordinance of GOD.  
Secondly, Of such means it is evident that Society, and consequently Government, are the chiefest, for besides that, the natural Order in which GOD has designed the preservation of Mankind, is by the Posterity and Succession of one Generation to another, which it is hard to conceive possible, without Society the infirmities of Humane Nature, and the necessities of our Life, are such, that there are many things without which we cannot live; Which, nevertheless, no Man that is alone and separate from all others, can procure to himself. And as the Author of our Being, hath made this Society so  for preserving us, He has also in several respects fitted us for it, by implanting in our Nature a strong inclination to preserve ourselves; and in our Posterity an earnest desire of Knowledge and Information, (not to speak of the appetire of some) and which is most remarkable by affording us these Organs and Instruments of speech & Conversation, from all which put together, it is that the generality of Philosophers, and Writers concerning Government in all Ages, having called Man a Sociable Creature.  
Thirdly, And as Mankind cannot subsist without Society, so neither can Society without Government, this is not only true in the matter of fact, and certain experience of all the World; but who ever considers humane nature, will necessarily see that it most be so. And that as man is partly fit, he is also partly unfit for Society, if every one were left to his own Liberty and Government; the furious vehemency of contrare passions, the indelible love and esteem of ourselves above others: the unbanded desires of many towards the same things, the weakness and pusilaminity of some compared with the strength and ability of others; should produce nothing better than unavoidable violence, rapine, fear, murder, and dissolation: The very Speculative Supposition of which state illuminates us fully to understand the absolute necessity & unspeakable usefulness of a power and authority, Superior to every man and every faction of men, in the Society which may constitute and regulate every Man's Rights, Circumscribe the Licentious Extensions of men's Passions, and desires to defend the Weak from the Injuries and Invasions of the Stronger, punish the Transgressor's of these Bands set on them. And in a word, may deliberate and do what ever may Contribute to the good and security of the whole Society, and of the whole parts of it, and it is the Power we call Government or Sovereignty.  
Fourthly, As any Society should quickly be destroyed, if every man in it were his own absolute Governor, the same Reasons demonstrate, that in one and the same Society, there cannot be a Plurality of distinct and  Governments for the ends above mentioned. For these should be as absurdly liable to the same inconveniencies, if not more and greater and as unpracticable as the single Governments of every Man by himself: and though in every well ordered Society, their may and must be for the conveniencies both of the Sovereign and the Subject some Inferior subordinate Powers, yet all these (that there be not a confused and endless Series of Subordination) most originally derive their being and duration from one that is Supreme, and seeing there can be no Society preserved, unless every man have his own will in it, and pleasure absolutely subjected to be Governed and Regulated by the Supreme and Sovereign, in all things which concern him, as a Member of that civil Corporation, than who ever goes about to plead Immunity from this Universal and Absolute Subjection, does upon the matter please the Society to be dissolved, and so mankind to be destroyed, and consequently he is to be considered as an enemy to Mankind, from all which it follows by the clearest light of Reason, that the Government and Sovereignty of every form State, and civil Society, is in its nature One indivisible Supreme and Absolute.  
Fifthly, There is nothing serves more to free us of the prejudices that arise in the Ignorant, or Inadvertent from the sound of these Words, then distinctly to reflect and consider, that this Supremacy of which we speak, has been and is actually in all constituted Societies whatsoever: The distinctions of Monarchical and Popular Authority, are not from the Nature of the Power itself, but from the diversities of the form, Subject or administration of it. The bigot Republicans cannot deny, but that the Plurality of Governors, or the Major part of them, in the Ancient Athenian, or such other popular Estates, were all as Supreme, Absolute and incontrollable, as the Persian, Assyrian, or whatsoever other Monarchy in the World; and every single Athenian as Absolutely subject as any single Person or other Asiatic. So that the Liberty of the Subject, is a mere empty name to amuse and delude the Turbulent and Unthinking Rabble: and they needed no less than the highest Airy flourishes of the Roman or Grecian Rhetoric (which was ordinarily employed in managnifing themselves in every thing above all the World) to set of so manifest a contradiction, and who ever seriously considers the substantial grounds of all the unhappy contentions that have been in the World about Government, shall find that too many among them who know what they say, the question is not if there is, or most be a Supreme and absolute Authority in every State, and civil Society; for that as it is necessary and unavoidable, so it is highly convenient, but in whose hands the Supremacy is (which is a thing the Seditious ever Labour to perplex and obscure) or with whom it may be left entrusted whither with one; or with a multitude, or Plurality, which are the differences of Form, we are in the natural Order to compare and examine in this place; it is fit to observe, that not only is the Supreme Power (as hath been said) in it's own nature, One and Indivisible, but in all States and civil Societies, it is lodged in one Person, either in a Natural or Moral sense: For even in the more Popular parts, these many who are said to have a share in the Government, have this power properly Lodged in them (according to the principles of the highst Republicans) no otherways then as they are Morally, Civilly, or Virtually one, that is, as they aggree in one Mind, Will, or Determination. And therefore when we speak of Government in the general, they as well as Monarches, they may be called by one single Name the Sovereign.  
Sixthly, We do the more fully comprehend the Nature of the Supreme Power and Sovereignty, by taking a distinct view of some of the most Considerable and Essential things that belong to it. And first, whoever has the Supreme Authority, is the Author and Pountain of all Civil Law and Justice: For to have the trust and care of preserving the Unity and Peace and Society of the whole and every part of the Society necessarily includes a Power of deliberating, and judging what is fittest for these ends, of prescribing these Rules, Measures, and directions, by which the Subjects (whose Wills as to these things that concern the Society, are submitted to the Supreme) are in their several Capacities to Regulat their Actions, as also of fortifying these Laws against all contempt and disobedience, and of punishing the Transgressor's, seeing the most perfect Laws without being armed with the Coactive Strength and Authority should be Naked, Ridicoulous, and Ineffectual: And whoever is the Supreme giver of the Laws, is for the same Reasons Vested with a Power to Interpret, Correct and change them as necessity requires; Strict Rigid, and Litteral Laws, is the Severest and Bloodiest Master in the World: And therefore it belongs to the Supreme Power (in which is the Paternal care of the Subject) to Interpret and Mitigate the severity of the Law, or suspend its Execution, as may best agree with the end of the public safety, and the wholesome intention of all Laws whatsoever: The perpetual multitude of new Actions, and qualities of Actions, which cannot be foreseen: is so vast, that no Laws can be made so general, and extensive as expressly to comprehend them, and therefore it belongs to the Universal trust & care of the Supreme Power; there immediately, or by inferior deputed Judges and Ministrators, not only to declare these Actions about which the Laws were directly intended, but also to apply the general and material Justice of the Laws; to the varieties of Actions and Emergencies, which they cannot explicitly comprehend, the condition of Humane Affairs, the Tempers and Inclinations of the People, the means of advancing the most general ease and conveniences of the Government, and the Subject care remarkably Various & Mutable; not only in different Nations and Societies, but at different times in one and the same; Therefore the wisest and celebrated Law Givers have acknowledged that their Laws were not the best they could have framed, but only the best the condition of their People could bear at the time of their making; and were therefore, with the alteration of their condition and circumstances to be Rectified or Improven: Yea, even these Laws which the Sacred History tells us, were conveyed by Moses from GOD himself to the Jewish Nation, cannot be said to be the most complete and perfect Directions that could be given to Mankind: otherways all the World, at least such as heard of them, should indispensably be obliged to their Observation, but their perfection consisted in their being Proportionated and adopted to the Capacity, Temper, and Circumstances of that Rude, Ignorant, Supperstitious, Unthankful and Sensual People, for whole Benefit they were given. And when the Observation of these Laws and Ceremonies were designed, to separate and distinguish from the Luxurious and corrupted Nations. And so for the alteration of Times and Circumstances, and the Diminution of the Hazards against which they were intended: Some of the most Considerable of them, were innocently dispensed with, and is continued: and at last, the whole or Genetality abrogated and loused their Obligation from all which it is evident, that generally speaking an immutable Humane Law, is an absurdity or contradiction, and when ever former Laws and Constitutions appear to the Supreme Power, (who is the only Judge in such Cases) to fail of their subserviency to the more general Happiness and Conveniencies of the Society; the Sovereign has not only unquestionable Right, but is found by the nature of supreme Power and Trust, which is from the Gracious and the bountiful Governor of the World, to Alter, Correct, or Abrogate them as may be most expedient. 2dly. The Sovereign to whom belongs the Care, not only of the Internal Order and Happiness of the Society, but also of the securing of it from External Violence, and preserving its Balance and Proportion with the Neighbouring States and Societies, has the undoubted power of making War and Peace; and consequently of the raising and disposing of Forces, making Confederacies, sending Ambassadors, keeping Correspondences, and prescribing the  Expenses, afforded by the Subjects, for these and other Necessities of the Government; and for the supporting the Strength, Honour and Interest of the Nation. 3dly. And it belongs to the Sovereign only, (in whom is the Supremacy and Original Jurisdiction, and whose it is to Judge of the Qulifications and Fitness of such as may be employed in any inferior Administration) to Erect and Regulate the Freedoms and Privileges of all inferior Corporations, to Constitute Magistrates, to Appoint and Nominate all public Ministers, Officers of State, Judges, Counselors; and in a word, all that serve in any Public Civil Trust, & Capacity whatsoever.  
Seventhly, These are the Foundamental and Vital Prerogatives of Government and Supremacy, to which all the other Particulars by Consequence and Connexion are easily Reduceable: And now from what has been said in the General concern of Government, the inference is Natural and Obvious, that whosoever murmurs against the Being or Exercise of the Supreme Authority, who absurdly pretends to limit it, for some seeming present advantage endeavour to encroach upon the Prerogative of the rightful Sovereign, is guilty not only of the greatest wickedness, by contemning the Power, and resisting the Ordinance of God, but also of the greatest Folly, by doing what in him lies, to subvert the Foundations of all Peace and Tranquillity, and to shake and unsettle that surest Rock on which his own, and his posterities perpetual security and happiness is built.  
Eightly, As to the different Forms of Government, it may be observed: first, that seeing no man denies, but that it is possible in any Society, to have it sufficiently known, and publicly acknowledged, what is their form of Government, or in whose hands the Sovereignty is Lodged; it is certain that that Society, is in so far the happiest of all others in which this is most Distinctly and Universally known. 2dly. When we are enquiring into the best form of Government, is not to be expected that any one can be found which is absolutely perfect, for in this our frame and imperfect State, it is impossible to find any humane Administration that is attended with no inconveniency or imperfection, but by the most perfect Government in this State of things, we are to understand that which is liable to the fewest inconveniencies, and from which the most advantage and the more solid, and permanent can be justly expected to the Society.  
Ninthly, And so, though we are not rashly or dogmaticaly, to condemn the ancient and established Government of any Nation by which it has enjoyed its security, yet we cannot be so blind, as not to understand that of all the several forms of Government which the wit or subtlety of man can imagine the Monarchical, that is, where the Soveraiguty is lodged in one single person, in the natural sense is evidently liable to the fewest and smallest inconveniencies and is most exactly proportionated for the attaining and preserving the Peace and Security, and all the other ends of Society and Government, when we consider; first, that it is the most natural Being, the Modal and Draught of the Paternal or patriarchical Power, from which it has its Original. In the constituted Order of the World, Men are not dropped down from the clouds, but Born and Educated in some Family, and Society, which thing is enough to destroy the vain presence of the natural Liberty, and equality of all men, from the subjection of the Children to their Parents, from whom they have their Being & by whom they are Preserved and Educated, is so clear by the light of Nature, and has been so universally acknowledged by all Nations and People; that it were but a loss of time to prove it in the particulars. And it being also certain from the most Ancient Authors that all the Primitive Governors were Paternal and Monarchical; Kingdoms then being nothing else but larger, and more extended Families has given occasion to the later Authors to observe, that all Governments by plurality, as they are in themselves unnatural, so they appear from the History to have had their Beginning from some odd and mutable change, or from most unjust usurpation and violence. But then, 2dly, not to insist in resembling Monarchy to the Supreme Providence and Government of the World, or in illustrating the Argument of most part of all Divines, to prove the unity of the Deity from Its Being, unconceivable, how there can be two or moe supreme Governors of all things; there seems to be in all pluralities of Humane Governors a fatal necessity and perpetual natural occasion of Faction and Division, things directly opposite to all the good Designs of Laws, Government and Society, it being next too impossible, but that among many equal sharers of Authority, there will be always some who are acted by partial Interest, some by Ambition, and the Emolation of their Rivals, some by a vanity of showing their Parts, some by an uneasy pride and singularity, and though there were no thing else, the diversity of Opinions which is unavoidable, is able to produce Jealousies, Envy, and Animosities; and these are able to weaken, embroil, or disturb any Society. 3dly, In a plurality any one that is disaffected to a Design, if he have sense or a little popularity, can create more difficulties and delays then many are able to answer or overcome; & the just opportunity of doing public affairs are often lost by their contentions & tedious consultations, and even when they come to a conclusion, it happens frequently that (as some of the Ancients were wont to rail the Athenian Councils, though wise men consult and deliberat, fools and mad men determine. 4hly, In a multitude of Governors the public is neglected frequently, whiles any single man thinks himself but little concerned, and that he will be blamed for the Errors of the Government; and these who are more active, and have been esteemed the wisest men in such Governments, have always endeavoured to gain Reputation to their Councils, by being supported by the popular favour: And by what mean and unworthy Arts that is procured, and when attainted, how light and inconstant it is all the World knows. 5ly, Secrecy which is a thing undoubtedly requisite, for the safety and expedition of public Councils, is very rare, and almost impossible in a Plurality. 6ly, A Monarchical Government, be cause it is free of these, and the like heavy inconveniencies, because it is casier to find a good and wiseman, than many, because the Vulgar which is always the greatest part of any multitude or plurality, is ever ignorant, rash, and untractable, and because of the manifold advantages of this Government, it has been always thought in all Ages and Nations, absolutely  in Armies; and the same reasons hold as naturally, and clearly in Civil Societies. And therefore it is no wonder that Monarches have been more solid, and permanent, and of far longer duration then Popular Governments, and their Subjects more universally pleased under the exercise of their Authority.  
Tenthly, That those inconveniencies of Government by plurality are not airly speculations will be clear to any who seriously considers the miserable face of that Republic, which by the Admirers of Popular Government was set up as the greatest beloved Idol, for when we see that after the most unjust expulsion of the Roman Kings, the Consuls usurped their Authority, and carried it higher than ever they did, that the Tribunies these Incendiaries of the Rabble, when they had got their Being, and a little footing, managed a continual design, sparing no Artifice or violence to diminish the consular Authority, as being to Arbitrary and Tyrannical; and to get it into their own hands (in which they became by desires more and more successful) on pretence of giving it to the People, that during the more seemingly Popular form of Government, never were their greater roar and complaints of Oppression, in any state of the World, that the constant Dissensions betwixt the Nobility and the People produced perpetual Tumults, where the Streets were filled with the Blood and Gore of their Citizens, and all places with the sad Calamities of Civil War and Confusion. And when we consider that in all their greatest hazards and difficulties, they were found to run to the expedient of a Monarchical Dictator; And that (as all their Authors Confesses) they had been at last utterly destroyed and sunk under their civil Calamities, if they had not again fallen under a lasting Monarchical Government: These are sufficient demonstrations, when People Sacrilegiously encroach on the Right of their lawful Superiors. It is hard for them ever to fix on any thing of solid duration, that the famous Roman Liberty, was properly but an Impunity for cutting one another's Throats, that Faction and Disorder, which all the wisdom & strength of that people could not prevent, all the natural effects of such Governments; and that the happiness of a State consists, not in the Greatness and Extent of its Bounds and Empire, but in its Internal order and Tranquillity.  
Eleventhly, As to the great public inconveniencies of a Monarches turning a Tyrant. It is observable, First, That the marks of a Tyrant are so variously and dubiously given by the enemies of Monarchy, that it is very hard for the most Ingenious, much more for the Vulgar to determine, where any Governor deserves this odious Character. 2dly, If every man would industriously employ himself in the proper business of his own calling and capacity, there would be little time and less occasion, for these unprofitable Inquiries into the Councils and Actions of Princes; which of necessity, must be kept more closely and mysterious than these of private men: And yet we see how liable these are to be often and greatly misrepresented. 3dly, Tho there is no shadow of true reason, to imagine that Monarches are accountable to their Subjects for their Administration, which is an Error no less absurd (an accountable Monarch, being an inferior Supreme,) than it is pernicious both in Government and Religion; Yet Princes cannot but remember, that as Subjects are accountable to their Sovereign, and Superior: So Monarches are to theirs, the Great GOD and Governor of the World, by whom King's reign; and against whom only they sin. 4ly, We cannot fancy very few Monarches so void of common sense, as not to understand that their Honour and safety does depend on the happiness and prosperity of their Subjects, so it is next too impossible that they can design their general hurt and oppression. 5ly, When some Severities actually happen which are generally looked upon as excesses of Government, they are never so heavy in Nature, nor so Universal in their Extent and Duration, as the dreadful Calamities of Civil War, which is the common cause of the frailty and mortality of Empires; and which is thus always so unlucky as to produce the same, and more, and greater Evils than are pretended to be feared or suffered from the Lawful Superior; and whoever by his fears, discontents, and grievances, will needs disturb the Government or would circumscribe it must asurdly suspect himself to a power which he must acknowledge, to be greater, otherways he cannot dream how he can set Limits to the former. But lastly, which is a sufficient answer, when it is asked what if a Monatch abuse the Power, neglect the dictates, or Laws of his Kingdom; we ask the enemies of Monarchy, what if in their forms of Government, the Major part or Respresentatives and Trusty's of the People do the same? If they say, that these can be resisted or judged by the rest, than it seems very evident, that there can be no Government at all, or at lest none that can be promised to be of a weeks continuance, if these cannot be justly opposed or resisted, than it is clear that the difficulty proposed, is at least equal in all forms of Government; but that it is greater on the Republicans side, we are able to bring from impartial History, many more example of Popular Governments, generally vitiated, or in which avaricious, irreligious, and licentious Men, have had the whole sway, then can be produced of wicked Monarches: And this one matter of Fact being true, is enough to destroy all the empty Objections of the Enemies of Monarchy; as to that case of the Alteration of Civil Laws, besides that these have no force, nor obligation, but what they entirely derive from the Sovereign. And we are by all the Rules of Discretion and Charity, to suppose that when ever there happens any change in any of them, it is intended for the better, and for the more general convenience, of which the Sovereign always is Judge; who ever thinks the perpetuity of Laws an advantage to a State or Society, most have the less esteem of Popular Government, when after examination ye shall find that never was there a greater number of partial and ridiculous constitutions, never more frequent abrogations, vicissrudes, and changes of Laws, then in the Roman, Athenian, and such other Republics, which has given occasion to that remark of some Lawyers: That any considerable alteration in the Civil Laws cannot be expected in Monarchies, in less than the Revolution of 30 years, generally speaking, but in the Popular Governments, with every calends of January.  
Twelfthly, From what has been said in the general concerning Monarchy it is easy to observe, that these Monarchies are most perfect which are Hereditary, Being in their Nature, of the most equable Stability, for seeing every Successor in such a Series, has a full right to the entire Sovereignty: This Right can never prescribe or be diminished. And though the Wisdom of the most Absolute Monarchies, is in all Ages, thought to use several Methods and Forms of Consulting their Subjects in the great and weighty Affairs of the Government, yet no Concession whatsoever to subjects, no custom be it never so long of employing them, or any number of them, for private or more solemn Counsels, or in administration of Justice, can Allienat any part, or making any shares of the Supreme Authority, the Society may also Reasonably expect the greatest care and sincerest love from Hereditary Princes, who considering the Government and Society, as their Property and Inheritance will watch over it, with the more diligent and circumspect exactness, that they may transmit it in the more secure and flourishing condition to their posterity.  
Thriteenthly, And now in the last place, what is the fixed and established Government of this ancient Kingdom, we cannot explain or assert in words more clear and comprehensive than these. In which at several times and different occasions, the Subjects of this Realm have solemnly sworn, either inviolable fidelity and allegiance, and in which the Representatives of the Body of this Nation, in their most solemn and lawful Convocations, have openly declared to the World the unquestionable Rights of this Monorchical Government; in these it is solemnly owned and acknowledged, (for Subjects give no Prerogative but assert them) in several public Oaths and Declarations, that the King's Majesty is the alone Supreme Governor of this Kingdom, and above all Persons in it whatsomever; that he is a free Prince of a Sovereign Power, having as great Liberties and Prerogatives as any other King, Prince, or Potentate whatsomever; that his Majesty is a Sovereign Monarch, Absolute Prince, Judge and Governor over all Persons, Estates and Causes, in this Realm: That the Kings sacred Majesty and his Heirs, and Successors, for ever, hold the Royal Power from God Almighty over this Kingdom. And that there are great Obligations from the Laws of GOD, the Laws of Nations, the Municipal Laws of the Land, and Oath of Allegiance to maintain and defend the Sovereign Power and Authority of the King's Majesty, and that sad consequences do accompany any encroachments upon or diminitions thereof; they acknowledge the great happiness that this Kingdom hath for many Ages enjoyed under the Princely Government of their Royal Kings, who by the special blessing of Almighty God have reigned over them, in so long and unparalelled a Series of Royal Descents, and the Obligations thereby lying on them in Conscience, Honour and Gratitude, to own and assert the Royal Prerogatives of the Imperial Crown of this Kingdom, which the King's Majesty holds from God Almighty alone; and to vindicate the same from all Invasions made upon it, that all Government and Jurisdiction within his Majesty's Ancient Kingdom, does Originally reside in his Sacred Majesties Lawful Heirs & Successors, and it being impossible to invent any surer way of knowing the Government of any Kingdom, who e'er impartially considers these with many such other Declarations, whereof, some have been made when any doubt arose concerning any particular of the Royal Prerogatives; and some after a sad experience of the fatal consequences of Sacrilegious Invasions upon them, and all to express the public sense of the Nation, concerning the rights of their Sacred Sovereign: Who ever, take notice, that our Kings have ever been the Fountain of Civil Justice, making Laws of Universal unquestioned Obligation on all the Subjects; sometimes by themselves alone, sometime by the Advice and consent of their Barons; sometimes of their Earls; sometimes of their Prelates; and sometimes of their Representatives of the Generality of their Subjects, which have been assembled by their Authority; and are in these Laws frequently called their great Council or Parliament. And in a Word, who ever considers the whole thread of our free and unbaysed History, cannot but be convinced, how clear and certain it is (if it be possible for words clearly to express any thing) That this ancient Government is properly Monarchical. And that in the Sacred Person of our King is lodged, the Supreme Power and Authority; with all these inviolable Rights and Prerogatives, which belongs to the entire Sovereignty.  
Fourtenthly, In Buchannan (who has been justly called a reproach, as well as any Ornament of our Country,) we admire the empty looseness of his reasoning, no less than we do the purity of his Latin, his frothy Dialogue, is an instance how far Malice, Passion, and mistaken interest, can lead men out of the common Rod of sense and reason; his Characters of a King, and of a Tyrant, are so Chimerical and Imaginary, and with all, so nice and positive, that according to his descriptions, there were never King or Tyrant in the World. But in short, if his intended parallel of a King and Physician, be in many things impertinent, if it be inconsistent that his King be sometimes the perfectest thing in the World, or otherways to be resisted or expelled, and sometimes very imperfect, that he may get Laws to govern him, just as the Latin, and the Rapture takes the Author, if he is blindly in Love with the word Laws, without considering the thing who shall make them; if it do not follow that because some Kings have been Ill men, therefore there should be no King: Or if the same reason hold in the Popular Government, and if there have been at least as many and great corruptions in Popular Governments as in Monarchies, which are things any can demonstrate, who are not strangers to Reason and History: Then all these Rhetorical Flourishes which makes up this Author's Book about Government, (which hath abused some whose considerations go not beyond the surfice of things,) do conclude nothing but that if he had bestowed a little of that time which he spent in acquiring of Language, on the study either of Law or Geometry, he might have Learned to pursue this malicious design, a little more closely, while as now he hath only made it appear that he was capable to write a Play; but not either Law or Reason concerning Government.  
SIR, These Assertions and Observations are owned by the whole Body of this University, since they seem to be founded on clear Methedical and Permanent Reasons. If they do not displease your Majesty, we shall be careful to insert them in our most Solemn Records, to remain as a perpetual Monument of the unalterable Principles of this Society.  
We do not offer to your Majesty, without the special Approbation of the most Reverend Chancellor of this University, the great and happy Influence of whose Example and Council, on the Loyalty & Order of this Place, is suitable to the geeatness of his Trust & Interest in it: We shall rejoice in our happiness, if what we have said, can do any service to Dissipate the clouds of Ignorance or Prejudice, that are on the minds of any who have not leisure or advantages of long and Laborious Inquiries, into the Reasonable Foundation of their Allegience; there being nothing dearer to us, than the Fidelity and Affection we bear to the most Ancient and Royal Government of this Kingdom, and to your Majesty's sacred Person, who is the breath of our Nostirls, and who has been graciously pleased, to take the State of your Universities among the first and principal Concerns of Your Government, and who, we do not doubt, will continue, to confirm and enlarge with Your Empire the Learned Glory of Your Kingdoms. And we dare with the sincerest boldness of our honest Hearts, assure Your Majesty, that the just and never unfashionable Notions of our Duty, with the entire Trust and Confidence, we repose in Your Majesty, shall ever preserve us from being diverted, or frighted from our Love and Obedience, and shall excite from Your Majesty, and Kingdoms happiness, the perpetual Prayers of, etc.  
Signed by 

Arthur Archbishop, Chancellor  
Alexander Skeen Vicechancellor  
Richard Waddel   
James Lorimer D. D.   

All Regent's.  
Charles Kinnard  
John Menzies  
Alexander Skeen  
Patrick Mcgill  
William Comery  
James Ross  
John Monro.     

A LETTER From the Archbishops and Bishops, to the King's most Excellent Majesty.  
May it please Your most Sacred Majesty,  
WE prostrate ourselves to pay our most Devoute Thanks and Adoration to the Sovereign Majesty of Heaven and Earth, for preserving Your Sacred Life and Person, so frequently exposed to the greatest hazards, and as often delivered, and you miraculonsly prospered with Glory and Victory, in the Defence of the Rights and Honour of Your Majesty's August Brother, and of these Kingdoms; and that by his Merciful Goodness, the Ragings of the Sea, and madness of unreasonable Men, have been stilled and calmed; Your Majesty as the Darling of Heaven, peaceably seated on the Thrones of Your Royal Ancestors, whose Long, Flustrious, and Vnparallelled Line, is the greatest glory of this Your Ancient Kingdom.  
We pay our most humble gratitude to Your Majesty, for the Repeating Assurances of Rour Yoyal Protection to our National Church and Religion, as the Laws have Established them; Which are very suitable to the Gracious Countenance, Encouragement and protection, Your Majesty was pleased to afford to our Church and Order, whilst we were happy in Your presence amongst us.  
We Magnify the Divine Mercy in blessing Your Majesty with a SON, and us with a PRINCE, whom we pray Heaven may bless and preserve to sway Your Royal Seepters after you, and that he may Inherit with Your Dominions, the Illustrious and Heroic Virtues of his August and most Serene parents.  
We are amazed to hear of the Danger of an Invasion from Holland, which excites our prayers for an universal repentance to all Orders of Men, that God may yet spare his people, preserve your Royal person, and prevent the Effusion of Christian Bloods, and to give such success to your Majesty's Arms, that all who Invade your Majesty's Just and Undoubted Rights, and Disturb or interrupt the peace of your Realms, may be Disappointed and clothed with shame, so that on your Royal Head the Crown may still flourish.  
As by the Grace of God we shall preserve in ourselves a firm and unshaken Loyalty, so we shall be careful and zealous to promote in all your Subjects: an Intemerable and steadfast Allegiance to your Majesty, as an Essential Part of their Religion, and of the Glory of our Holy profession; not doubting but that God in his great mercy, who hath so often preserved and delivered your Majesty, will still preserve and deliver You by giving You the Hearts of your Subjects, and the Necks of your Enemies. So pray we, who in all Humility, are,  
May it please your most Sacred Majesty, your Majesty's most Humble, most Faithful, and most Obedient Subjects and Servants,  
Edinburgh. Nou. 3. 1688. Signed by 

Arch: St: And:  
Jo. Glasgow.  
Alexr: Edinburgen:  
Jo: Galloviden:  
Jo: Dunkelden:  
Gec: Abredonen:  
Will: Moravien:  
Ja: Rossen:  
Ja: Brichen:  
Ro: Dumblanen:  
Arch: Sodoren:  
And: Orcaden:    
FINIS.