An untitled, printed pamphlet by Elinor James c1645-1781), November 1688. Catalogue ref: SP 31/4/201
This pamphlet, published in late 1688, is an Address to the House of Lords.
Elinor James wrote over ninety pamphlets on different political, religious or commercial matters. She commented on the Glorious Revolution, the Union of England and Scotland in 1707 and the Jacobite uprising of 1715. She opposed the coronation of William III. She was imprisoned and fined in 1689 for publishing a pamphlet declaring his reign to be illegitimate.
*Nebuchadnezzar was regarded as the greatest king of the Second Babylonian Empire.
Transcript
My Lords,
I can assure your Lordships, that you are infinitely admired for the fervent zeal and constancy, you have always had for the Church of England, which is the Best Church in the World, and the most apostolic; and though she has many opposers, yet I doubt not but God of his infinite Goodness, will make her more than a conqueror by your assistance: For it was ever known that any Nobility stuck so firm to their Religion, so that I may compare you to a Rock that is not to be moved. For there is not anything more glorious to the Church then self-denial, and for that I hope your Lordships will be eternally famous, for a great many of you has been ready to sacrifice your lives and fortunes, and I doubt not but most of you if need had required, would have been of the same mind. And I do not doubt, but your pious examples will strengthen the whole nation, if that you do but crown all your actions with loyalty; for if you do but retain that to the end, great will be your reward, not only here but in eternity. My Lords, I must needs say, that you have been very kind to my sovereign Lord the King, and if his Majesty has not been so kind as he should, you know the occasion, and considering the temptations his Majesty had daily on every side, I admired that his Majesty acted so well; for I am very sensible that he withstood many temptations sore against the Roman Catholic’s will; for which clemency and goodness, he is highly condemned by them; which I hope you will take into your serious consideration; for I know you are such noble souls as hates ingratitude, or rendering evil for evil. For I know it is in your power to make yourselves happy, if you will use all pious endeavours to do the King good and to reclaim him by fine and gentle means, and not to suffer priests and Jesuits nor any Roman Catholics to come about him: but this must not be done in a hurry as if you did not care for your king and was so indifferent as if you could be as well without him as with him; but you must pass by all injuries and love him, that you may pity and pray for him, and I doubt not, but that god that changed Nebuchadnezzar*’s heart, will change his, and make him glorious and you all happy, therefore fear not, but put your trust in God, and all things shall do well; for I can assure you, if the king falls, his fall will be our ruin. And as for the Prince of Orange, I have a high esteem for him, for as much as he pretends to vindicate the Church of England and to prevent Popery; and if he really doth this and has no by-ends, I’ll say he will be a glorious prince; but if he has any by-ends to lessen the king and promote himself; his end will be miserable; for if his highness doth design good for the king, why should he forbid the Oath of Supremacy; but I hope no good soul will yield to that; for he is our supreme and we will always own him: for there’s not any weary of the king, but only desires to be freed from popery: if his highness don’t do that, he had better have stayed in his own country.
And so the Almighty bless, guide and direct you, in all your councils, that you may be present and eternally happy: is the prayer of our humble Servant
- What techniques of persuasion are used to appeal to the Lords addressed in the pamphlet?
- What is her opinion of James II in this pamphlet?
- How are William of Orange motivations for coming to England presented?
- What can we infer about the writer’s political and religious views in the pamphlet?
- This document is printed, but it reads like a personal letter. What might this reveal about the document’s audience and circulation at the time?
- Elinor James is the author of this pamphlet. How does this challenge our understanding of who was allowed to enter the political and literary sphere in England in the seventeenth century?
- Find out more about Elinor James and other women involved in the events of the Glorious Revolution.