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The Speech of the Prince of Orange, to some Prin∣ciple Gentlemen of Somersetshire and Dorsetshire, on their coming to Joyn his Highness at Exeter the 15th of Nov. 1688.
THO we know not all your Persons, yet we have a Ca∣talogue 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 Religi∣on; and our Love to Mankind, your Liberties and Properties. We expected you that dwelt so near the place of our Land∣ing, would have joyn'd 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 declar'd Pretensions; rather than accomplish our good and gracious Designs. 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 pro∣moting of Peace and Trade, which is the Soul of Government, and the very Life-Blood of a Nation; yet we rely more on the Goodness of God and the Justice of our Cause, than on any Humane Force and Power whatever. Yet since God is pleased we shall make use of Humane means, and not expect Miracles, for our preservation and Happiness; let us not neg∣lect 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 heartily Well come to our Court and Camp. Let the whole World now Judg, if our pretentions are not Just, Generous, Sincere, and above Price; since we might have even a Bridg of Gold to Return back; But it is our Principle and Resolution, rather to dye in a Good Cause, than live in a Bad one, well knowing that Vertue and True Honour is its own Reward, and the Happiness of Man∣kind Our Great and Only Design.