CHAPTER XIV

THE REIGN OF JAMES II.

Designs of the King -- Parliament of 1685 -- King's Intention to repeal the Test Act -- Deceived as to the Dispositions of his Subjects -- Prorogation of Parliament -- Dispensing Power confirmed by the Judges -- Ecclesiastical Commission -- King's Scheme of establishing Popery -- Dismissal of Lord Rochester -- Prince of Orange alarmed -- Plan of setting the Princess aside -- Rejected by the King -- Overtures of the Malcontents to Prince of Orange -- Declaration for Liberty of Conscience -- Addresses in favour of it -- New-modelling of the Corporations -- Affair of Magdalen College -- Infatuation of the King -- His Coldness towards Louis -- Invitation signed to the Prince of Orange -- Birth of Prince of Wales -- Justice and Necessity of the Revolution -- Favourable Circumstances attending it -- Its salutary Consequences -- Proceedings of the Convention -- Ended by the Elevation of William and Mary to the Throne Page 43