he circuits to put the laws in execution against Roman catholics and
nonjurors. They drew up an association, binding themselves to assist
each other in support of the king and his government, and to revenge any
violence that should be committed on his person. This was signed by
all the members then present; but as some had absented themselves
on frivolous pretences, the house ordered, that in sixteen days the
absentees should either subscribe or declare their refusal. Several
members neglecting to comply with this injunction within the limited
time, the speaker was ordered to write to those who were in the country,
and demand a peremptory answer; and the clerk of the house attended such
as pretended to be ill in town. The absentees finding themselves pressed
in this manner, thought proper to sail with the stream, and sign the
association, which was presented to the king by the commons in a body,
with a request that it might be lodged among the records in the Tower,
as a perpetual memorial of their loyalty and affection. The king
received them with uncommon complacency; declared that he heartily
entered into the same association; that he should be always ready to
venture his life with his good subjects against all who should endeavour
to subvert the religion, laws, and liberties of England; and he promised
that this and all other associations should be lodged among the records
of the Tower of London. Next day the commons resolved, that whoever
should affirm an association was illegal, should be deemed a promoter
of the designs of the late king James, and an enemy to the laws and
liberties of the kingdom. The lords followed the example of the lower
house in drawing up an association; but the earl of Nottingham, sir
Edward Seymour, and Mr. Finch, objected to the words rightful and lawful
as applied to his majesty. They said as the crown and its prerogatives
were vested in him, they would yield obedience, though they could not
acknowledge him as their rightful and lawful king.

Nothing could be more absurd than this distinction, started by men
who had actually constituted part of the administration; unless they
supposed that the right of king William expired with queen Mary.
The earl of Rochester proposed an expedient in favour of such tender
consciences, by altering the words that gave offence; and this was
adopted accordingly. Fifteen of the peers, and ninety-two commoners,
signed the association with reluctance. It was, h