The late history of Europe being a narration of all remarkable actions and other various affairs, both civil and military, that have happened in the several kingdoms and republicks : from the Treaty at Nimiguen in anno 1676 to the conclusion of the late peace at Res-Wick in September 1697 : which makes up a history of one and twenty years : accuratly and succinctly abridg'd / by Captain David Kennendy.

[Sect. 1] We come now to a year of Wonders, wherein happended such Revolutions in Europe as can hardly be parallel'd in any age,* 1.1 since the dissolution of the Roman Empire.

A mighty Monarch thrust from his Throne; And, by the All-wise Providence, a Prince raised up, [by his merite, and excellent conduct] not on∣ly to the possession of three Crowns, but to become the head of the most Serene Allies, not only in the management of the War, but in the prosecution and accomplishment of the Peace that ensued, with e∣qual Glory to himself, as advantage to his Confede∣rats, and 'tis reasonably hoped,* 1.2 will prove most of all so, to his own Subjects

Without repeating how far the dispensing power was carryed on, I now proceed to shew you, how absolute the King would be in the same; For on the 4th. of May, he passed an order in Council, that his

Declaration of Indulgence should be read, thorow all Churches of England and Wales.* 1.3 The Arch-Bi∣shop of Canterbury and six Bishops more finding this inconsistent, both with the Laws and their Con∣sciencos, humbly Petition His Majesty, not to insist on it, nor press them to it. The Petition subscri∣bed▪ by Will. Cant. Wll. Asaph Fr. Ely. Jo. Cacestr. Tho. Bathon, and Wellen. Tho. Peterburgen, Jonath. B••••stol. To which the Kings Answer was.

I have heard of this before, but did not beleive it.* 1.4 I did not expect this from the Church of England, especially from some of you. If I change my Mind, ye shall hear from Me: If not, I ex∣pect my Command will be Obeyed.

The King resolves to prosecute them for High Treason, at the Kings Bench-Bar, being advised thereto (as was said) by the Chancellor, and so,* 1.5 they are committed Prisoners to the Tower, And that, on the day before the Legendary Birth of the Prince of Wales, that they might not have the oppor∣tunity [as it was the place of some of them] to be present, or make inspection into that pious fraud.

At Trinity Term, they come to their Tryal;* 1.6 And though the King and his Chancellor thought them∣selves sure enough of all the Judges, yet Master Justice Powel, both Learnedly and Stoutly, defend∣ed the Cause of the Bishops, nor did the Jury make any great difficulty in acquitting them; However this bred so much discontent in the Minds of most Men, as in a short time after,* 1.7 broke out with a Witness. And wakened even the great Men, who thought it now high tune, to propose some reme∣dy against the impending Evil.

Notes

• * 1.1

  England
• * 1.2

  The King orders his Declarati∣on for To∣leration to be read in all Chs.
• * 1.3

  Seven Bi∣shops Peti∣tion him not to in∣sist on that
• * 1.4

  The Kings Answer.
• * 1.5

  The Bi∣shops commit∣ted to the Tower
• * 1.6

  Tryed at Kings Bench
• * 1.7

  And ac∣quitted.