The Speech of Sir George Treby, Kt. Recorder of the Honoura∣ble City of London, to his Highness the Prince of Orange, Dec. 20. 1688.
May it please your Highness,
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 Con∣gratulate your Highness upon this great and glorious Occasion.
In which, labouring for Words, we cannot but come short in Expression.
Reviewing our late Danger, we remember our Church and State, over-run by Po∣pery and Arbitrary Power, and brought to the Point of Destruction, by the Conduct of Men (that were our true Invaders) that brake 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 Alliances in all Times, has been agreeable and prospe∣rous to us.
You are of a Family most Illustrious, Benefactors to Mankind. To have the Title of Soveraign Prince, 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 Oppressions.
To this Divine Commission, our Nobles, our Gentry, and among them our brave English Soldiers, rendred themselves and their Arms upon your appearing.
GREAT SIR, When we look back to the last Month, and contemplate the Swiftness and Fulness of our present Deliverance, astonish'd, we think it miraculous.
Your Highness, led by the Hand of Heaven, and called by the Voice of the People, has preserved our dearest Interests.
The Protestant Religion, which is Primitive Christianity restor'd.
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?