A proclamation ‘For the Reprinting, Publishing, and Using of a book, entitled, God and the King’, 5 December 1662. Catalogue ref: SP 45/11 f130.
- Explain why Charles II refers to King James as ‘our late royal grandfather’? [Clue: consult a family tree of the Stuart Royal House].
- Why do you think Charles II has asked for this book to be reprinted two years after the Restoration?
- What is the name given to the theory of kingship described in this book?
[Charles II (1630 –1685) was King of Scotland (1649 -1651); King of England, Scotland, and Ireland after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 until he died in 1685.]
Transcript
By the king. A proclamation for the Reprinting, Publishing, and Using of a book, entitled, God and the King.
Charles R.
Whereas by the special command our late royal grandfather, king James (of blessed memory) there was compiled and printed a book of treatise, entitled, God and the King; or a dialogue, showing that the king of England being immediate under god, within his dominions doth rightfully claim whatsoever is required by the oath of allegiance; which said book or treatise, being universally dispersed through the realms and dominions, did in those times (by the blessing of Almighty God) prove an effectual means, both for the instruction of the people in their duty and allegiance, and for avoiding the penalties of the laws and statutes made and provided concerning the same; in respect whereof, and to the end our loving subjects may not be ignorant of, but rightly understand the said duty, and the true meaning thereof, which by reason of the late times of libertism and distraction hath been by many too much neglected, and not duly considered, we have been graciously pleased to direct, that the said book, or treatise, be forthwith reprinted and published. And our further will and pleasure is, and we do by this our royal proclamation (by and with the advice of our pricy council) will and command all and every the archbishops, bishops, mayors, sheriffs, bailiffs, and all other officers and ministers whatsoever within these our realms and dominions, that they and every of them respectively, within their several diocese, limits, liberties and jurisdictions, do (by such ways and means, as they in their wisdoms and discretions shall think fit) advise and direct all school matters and teachers of the English and Latin tongue, to teach their scholars the said book or treatise, either in Latin or English, according to their respective capacities. And also, that it be recommended to all matters of families and apprentices, to have one of the said Books or treatises, with advice to read and be instructed in the same, and the contents and true meaning thereof, thereby to enable themselves to understand and perform the said oath, and avoid the penalties of the laws and statutes made and provided against such as infringe or neglect the same. And for the better encouragement of our subjects in so good and necessary a work, we do by these presents straightly charge and command all printers, stationers and booksellers, and all other persons whatsoever, that they or any of them do not at any time or times hereafter ask, take, or demand for the said book, or treatise, above the price or sum of six pence of lawful money of England, as they render our pleasure, and will answer the contrary at their uttermost perils.
Given at our Court at Whitehall, December the fifth, 1662, in the Fourteenth year of our reign.
God Save the King
Printed by John Bull and Christopher Barker, Printers to the Kings Most Excellent Majesty, 1662.
Simplified transcript
Our grandfather King James I ordered a book to be printed, called God and the King, which declared that the king was all powerful, and that the people in his kingdom should obey him. In recent times of difficulty, people have forgotten about this book and the messages contained in it. Therefore, we order that this book should be reprinted, and it be read throughout the country, and especially in schools and places of learning. So that it can be readily available, we ask that all printers and booksellers sell this book for only six pence or less, otherwise they will be in trouble with the authorities.