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His Majesty at His first Sitting in His Privy-Council, vvas Graciously pleased to Express Himself in this manner:
‘My Lords,
BEfore I enter upon anie other Business I think fit to say something to you. Since it hath pleased Almightie God to Place me in this Station, and I am now to succeed so Good and Gracious a King, as well as so verie Kind a Brother, I think it fit to Declare to you that I will Endeavour to follow His Example, and most especiallie in that of His Great Clemencie and Tenderness to His People: I have been reported to be a Man for Arbitrarie Power, but that is not the onlie Storie has been made of Me: And I shall make it My Endeavour to Preserve this Government both in Church and State, as it is now by Law Established. I know the Principles of the Church of England are for Monarchie, and the Members of it have shewed themselves Good and Loyal Subjects, therefore I shall always take care to Defend and Support It. I know too that the Laws of England are sufficient to make the King at Great a Monarch as I can Wish; And as I shall never Depart from the Just Rights and Prerogatives of the Crown, so I shall never Invade any Mans Property. I have often heretofore ventured My Life in Defence of this Nation; And I shall still go as far as any man in preserving it in all its Just Rights and Liberties.’
Whereupon the Lords of the Council were humble Suiters to His Majesty, That these His Gracious Expressions might be made publick, which His Majesty did Order accordingly.