A Friendly Conference Concerning the New Oath of Allegiance to K.
"The Reasons of Obedience Confirm'd" [Oaths]. [Great Britain]. A Friendly Conference Concerning the New Oath of Allegiance to K. William, And Q. Mary, Wherein the Objections Against Taking the Oaths are Impartially Examined. And the Reasons of Obedience Confirm'd, From the Writings of the Profound Bishop Sanderson, And Proved to Agree to the Principles of the Church of England, And the Laws of the Land. By a Divine of that Church. Licens'd, April 19. 1689. James Fraser. London: Printed for Samuel Smith, 1689. [iv], 35, [1] pp. Author advertisement to verso of first leaf, bookseller advertisement to verso of final leaf. Quarto (7-3/4" x 6"). Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet. Moderate toning, somewhat heavier in places, faint spotting, final signature just beginning to detach. $750. * Only edition. "This anonymous tract, licensed for publication on 19 April 1689, directly addresses the new requirement that office holders, both civil and ecclesiastical, must subscribe to an oath of loyalty to King William and Queen Mary. To ease the consciences of the scrupulous, the new oath asked only for loyalty. It deftly sidestepped the issue of legitimacy and read: 'I do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to their majesties King William and Queen Mary.' Nevertheless with King James still alive many individuals with troubled consciences were unclear what obligation they still owed King James. They were anxious not to violate their sworn oath to him and wondered whether William and Mary were usurpers like Cromwell. Office holders had six months during which to swear to the oath or lose their posts.": Malcolm, Ed., The Struggle for Sovereignty II:944-945. English Short-Title Catalogue R17117.
Price: $750.00
Book number 71242