Notes and Queries on English History. By W. B. ADAMS, 66 AUTHOR OF LEADING EVENTS IN ENGLISH HISTORY." STUART PERIOD.-PART IV., JAMES II., 1685-88. SECOND SON OF CHARLES I., BROTHER OF CHARLES II. con Rebellions of Argyle and Monmouth, 1685.-Cause: spiracy of Whig refugees in Holland to overthrow Government of James. After discovery of Rye-house Plot, in reign of Charles II., several of leading Whigs selected Holland as. place of refuge. Duke of Monmouth, natural son of Charles、 II., shared their exile. James was a Roman Catholic; therefore concluded by exiles, that neither England nor Scotland would submit to his rule. Monmouth headed rebellion in England, Argyle in Scotland. Refugees, in general, men of weak judgment and fiery temper. Argyle landed in western Highlands. Causes of failure of his expedition? Fate of Argyle ? (Note 1). Monmouth landed unopposed at Lyme in Dorsetshire. Enthusiastically received by lower orders as champion of Protestant religion, but few persons of note joined him.. Proclaimed king at Taunton. How did this injure his cause? News of failure of Argyle's expedition received at Frome. Despondency of Monmouth. Met by royal army under Lord Faversham on plain of Sedgemoor (July 6th, 1685), three miles from Bridgewater. Battle of Sedgemoor. English ground (Note 2). Result? Last battle fought on Cruelties of Judge Jeffreys (Note 3) in his bloody circuit. Results of Rebellions?-Power of James at its height in England, but of an unwholesome kind. In Scotland, much discontent occasioned by cruel policy of James after his victory, and also by barbarous persecution of Presbyterian Covenanters. Attack on the Universities (1686-87).-Cause: design of James to re-establish Roman Catholicism in England (Note 4). In furtherance of his grand design — the reestablishment of Catholic religion-to strike a blow at universities was to strike at foundation of English Protestantism (Note 5). A royal letter commanded Senate of Cambridge to admit Alban Francis to degree of M.A. Objection made to admission of Francis? Vice-Chancellor Pechell, Isaac Newton, and seven others, summoned to attend newly formed Court of High Commission, presided over by Chief-Justice Jeffreys. Defendants thrust out of court without a hearing, and vice-chancellor lost his office. Oxford treated with greater severity. Roman Catholic appointed to Deanery of Christchurch, 1686. Following year James appointed Anthony Farmer, a Romanist of doubtful character, President of Magdalen College; owing to their opposition, fellows expelled. Result: first step in alienation from king of clergy of Church of England, hitherto steady supporters of his dynasty. Trial of Seven Bishops, 1688. — Cause: refusal of the bishops to read the "Declaration for Liberty of Conscience," and the presentation by them of a petition to the king, explaining grounds of their refusal. First Declaration of Indulgence issued, 1687, which made Nonconformity to established religion no longer penal (Note 6). Second Declaration issued next year, with proviso that clergy should read it in their churches on two successive Sundays. In making this order, James acted without consent of Parliament, and it was suspected he wished to unite Protestant Dissenters with Roman Catholics against their former persecutor, the Church of England. Name seven bishops who opposed reading of indulgence? Bishops sent to Tower, June 8th; popular sympathy strong in their behalf. Trial of bishops commenced June 29th. Pemberton and Somers distinguished themselves on side of bishops. Chief arguments submitted by Somers in favour of bishops? Division of judges in summing up? Verdict of "Not Guilty" received with enthusiasm throughout country. Result: complete alienation from king of a loyal clergy and a loyal people. Revolution of 1688.-Arbitrary conduct of James in his attempts to re-establish Roman Catholicism in England. Sensible and more prudent part of nation had for some time kept their eyes fixed on William, Prince of Orange, as successor to James. How was William by birth related to reigning family? Married to Mary, eldest daughter of James. In event of James dying without issue, Mary would be direct successor to the throne. Prince and Princess of Orange were Protestants, William being regarded as prop of Protestant cause in Europe, in opposition to policy of Louis XIV. of France, a devoted Catholic. Until birth of a son to James (June, 1688), William acted with much reserve towards his friends in England, but afterwards resolved to invade England. On the 30th of June, a formal invitation sent to him to invade the country. Chief subscribers to invitation? Where did William effect a landing? Objects of invasion, as set forth by William? Unpopularity of James. Deserted by his friends and his daughter Anne. Embarked at Rochester for France, and hospitably received by William's political rival, Louis XIV. (Note 7). William entered London December 18th, and called an assembly known as the "Convention." Resolution decided on by Convention? Result of Revolution.-Ultimate overthrow of Stuart dynasty, and termination of the great struggle between sovereign and Parliament, which had lasted since reign of King John. Character of King.—In his earlier years James possessed many qualifications for government; was alive to responsibilities of his station as Lord High Admiral, and was also attentive to trade. But his obstinate and vindictive temper, his bigoted adherence to Romish Church, and settled purpose to exalt his own prerogative over every authority in the state, led to his ruin and the downfall of absolute power in England. Constitutional Changes.-The following is a list of the chief illegal attempts made by James to subvert the actual constitution :-(1) Violation of Test Act. (Explain this act.) (2) Exercise of dispensing power. (Explain this term.) (3) Establishment of large standing army. (4) Summary removal of those judges who refused implicit obedience to him. (5) Establishment of new High Commission Court. (6) Infringement of the liberties of the universities. (7) Prosecution of the seven bishops. These illegal and despotic proceedings necessitated on the part of the lovers of freedom an endeavour to change government. To William, Prince of Orange, a prince of rare sagacity, the successful issue of the revolution is mainly due. After the revolution, Parliament drew up celebrated Declaration of Rights, which was subsequently confirmed in the Bill of Rights. (Give chief provisions of this bill.) NOTES ON LESSER KNOWN POINTS. NOTE 1. Many of Argyle's clan, the Campbells, were executed without trial, and the country for three miles round Inverary wasted. NOTE 2.-Faversham was assisted in command by Lord Churchill, afterwards the celebrated Duke of Marlborough. The brunt of the battle of Sedgemoor was bravely sustained on the part of the rebels by undisciplined peasants, "who fought as if every man expected a kingdom for his reward." NOTE 3.-Judge Jeffreys was a man "whose heart had been hardened to that temper which tyrants require in their worst implements." In his "Bloody Circuit" above three hundred persons were hanged, and many others sold as slaves to West India plantations. NOTE 4. The feeling of aversion to Popery was intense and prevalent, as parties at issue on other points were alike animated by aversion to it. Had James been a Protestant, and been the master of ordinary discretion, there is reason to believe he might have perpetuated arbitrary system of government inaugurated by his brother. NOTE 5.-The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge had, during contests of Charles I. with Parliament, the civil war, and the government of Cromwell, remained devoted in their attachment to House of Stuart. NOTE 6. Many of leading dissenters, notably Baxter and Howe, declined to give in any address of thanks for the indulgence, and objected to exercise of dispensing power. NOTE 7.-It was manifest that James was treated by nation generally as one who had forfeited his right to crown, and he was substantially expelled from it. James died in exile (Sept. 16th, 1701), |