nical modes adopted to procure a conviction not warranted by the evidence on the trial, the many virtues and great qualities of the individuals, and their popularity throughout the nation, have combined to sanctify their memory to posterity; and even to acquire for them, amongst many, the credit of martyrs to a good cause. Russell, in his dying words, attributes his destruction to the means used in packing his jury.

The Great Fire of London occurred in the early part of this reign.

"For settling all disputes which might arise on the subject of the new sites, a Commission was issued to the twelve judges, who in seven years completed their task with general satisfaction. The Court of Common Council were empowered by Acts of Parliament to make the requisite regulations in laying out the streets and markets. The management of paving and cleansing the City was, by the same statutes, first entrusted to a Commission of citizens, denominated the Commissioners of Sewers.'

* Norton, pp. 304–308.

Their portraits, taken by command of the Corporation in gratitude for this important duty, still adorn the Law Courts at Guildhall. (See Library Catalogue.)

Norton, p. 311.

JAMES II.

1685 TO 1688.

"ALMOST the first act of James was to wreak his vengeance on Alderman Cornish, who was, with Bethel, appointed Sheriff in opposition to the intrigues of the Court, and who had shown himself a zealous supporter of the Exclusion Bill. The proceedings which marked the trial of Alderman. Cornish were such as to shock the feelings of justice and humanity. He was suddenly thrown into prison, and after lying there a few days was apprised on Saturday, at noon, that an indictment for high treason was prepared against him, and that his trial would take place on the Monday. His children applied to the King for time to prepare his defence, and for a copy of the indictment (for the nature of the treason of which he was accused was perfectly unknown to the prisoner). It was urged that his witnesses were at a distance, and that he was therefore altogether incapacitated from proving his innocence. The crafty tyrant referred his petition to his venal judges, who rejected it. He was accordingly convicted on the Monday, and convicted on the sole evidence of two pardoned traitors; one of whom saved himself from prosecution for a second treason by the merit of this very accusation.

He was executed within a week after his first imprisonment; and a few days after, his innocence and the perjury of the Crown witnesses were made so abundantly clear, that James was constrained by a sense of shame to return his forfeited estates to his injured family.

"James lost no time in evincing that he was determined to overthrow the liberties of the people, and to govern altogether by force of prerogatives. His bigotry led him to apply these political maxims in a manner the most offensive which could be adopted to the sentiments of the nation; almost all his measures being pointedly directed to introduce the Popish religion, if not to restore it to its ancient pre-eminence. He had before his first summons of a Parliament, levied by prerogative authority the duty of excise, which passed without complaint. He now levied forces at discretion and demanded, rather than requested, from Parliament supplies to maintain them. He dispensed with the operation of the Test Act, and, in defiance of the laws as well as the sentiments of the people, promoted several Catholics to public appointments. This last assumption of prerogative caused some discussion in the House, and a submissive address was presented against it. The King gave an imperious and violent answer, but finding he had still some spirit to contend against in that assembly, he first prorogued, afterwards dissolved it, and never called another.

G

"Freed from this ungrateful control, James gave full scope to his designs. He arrogated the right of dispensing with all statutes at discretion, and actually did dispense with many, among which were the penal statutes against Catholics. He issued compulsory directions with regard to preaching in churches. The Court of High Commission was re-established, in which he tried and suspended those who disobeyed his mandates. He published a declaration of indulgence which he ordered to be read in all churches. Seven bishops presented a remonstrance against it, and their trial for this offence (called a libel) and acquittal, so famous in English history, served to detach the whole body of the people from the interests of James, and suggested the resolution of expelling him from the throne by inviting the Prince of Orange to come over and head the nation.

"No sooner was the King apprised of his danger, and of the landing of the Prince of Orange, than he sent for the Mayor and Aldermen, and informed them of his determination to restore the City Charter and privileges. His great legal adviser, Jeffreys, accordingly came to Guildhall, and delivered the Charter, with two grants of restoration, to the Court of Aldermen. The King had hardly left London with an intention of encountering his opponents, when the Lords of Parliament assembled at Guild

hall, and in the Court of Aldermen made a solemn declaration in favour of the Prince of Orange. This declaration was followed by an address from the Court of Common Council, in which they implored that Prince's protection, and promised him a welcome reception. James finding himself universally deserted, fled the kingdom, and the Prince of Orange shortly afterwards arrived in London; when the Corporation waited upon him with an ardent address of congratulation delivered by the Recorder.

"The Prince issued a proclamation, desiring a convention composed of the House of Peers, and of all the members of the House of Commons, who had served during the reign of Charles II., together with the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and a Committee of fifty of the Common Council, to meet as a Parliament for the purpose of settling the nation. From this convention proceeded the declaration that James had abdicated the throne.

"The nation having completely succeeded in emancipating itself from tyranny resolved to perpetuate, at this opportunity, that free form of government and those constitutional maxims which had so long and so passionately been sought, and which have since distinguished it above all the empires of the earth. This was accomplished by the memorable statute which passes under the name of the Bill of Rights. It was conceived that