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 CHAPTER XV ON THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. Declaration of Rights -- Bill of Rights -- Military Force without Consent declared illegal -- Discontent with the new Government -- its Causes -- Incompatibility of the Revolution with received Principles -- Character and Errors of William -- Jealousy of the Whigs -- Bill of Indemnity -- Bill for Restoring Corporations -- Settlement of the Revenue -- Appropriation of Supplies -- Dissatisfaction of the King -- No Republican Party in Existence -- William employs Tories in Ministry -- Intrigues with the late King -- Schemes for his Restoration -- Attainder of Sir John Fenwick -- Ill Success of the War -- Its Expenses -- Treaty of Ryswick -- Jealousy of the Commons -- Army reduced -- Irish Forfeitures resumed -- Parliamentary Enquiries -- Treaties of Partition -- Improvements in Constitution under William -- Bill for Triennial Parliaments -- Law of Treason -- Statute of Edward III. -- Its constructive Interpretation -- Statute of William III. -- Liberty of the Press -- Law of Libel -- Religious Toleration -- Attempt at Comprehension -- Schism of the Non-jurors -- Laws against Roman Catholics -- Act of Settlement -- Limitations of Prerogative contained in it -- Privy Council superseded by a Cabinet -- Exclusion of Placemen and Pensioners from Parliament -- Independence of Judges -- Oath of Abjuration Page 90 CHAPTER XVI ON THE STATE OF THE CONSTITUTION IN THE REIGNS OF ANNE, GEORGE I., AND GEORGE II.