settled by main force, delaying for a while such as could be regulated by principles of reason and justice; as, for example, the general differences amongst our good subjects, and some particular hardships, complained of by the more healthy portions of the State, which we believe may be the more effectually relieved by our having first put an end to the civil war, which was one chief cause.
By the grace of God, we have happily so far succeeded that hostilities have ceased throughout the kingdom. We hope for equal success in composing those differences that yet remain to be adjusted, and then will be accomplished the great object of our prayers, and we shall be rewarded for all our labors, by once more beholding peace and tranquillity within our borders. Amongst the most important of said affairs, the consideration of which we were obliged to postpone, were the complaints of various Catholic towns and provinces that the Catholic Religion had not been universally re-established, in conformity with the Edicts formerly passed for the pacification of religious troubles; also, the petitions and remonstrances of our subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion, complaining of the non-performance of what had been promised to them by the said Edicts, and begging for further enactments to secure to them that liberty of conscience, personal safety and security of property which the late disturbances have made them believe to be in jeopardy, giving them reason to fear that plans were laid for their ruin. We have put off from time to time the providing a remedy for these grievances, partly, because we would avoid the burden of too much business at once, and partly because the enactment of laws, be they ever so desirable in themselves, can scarcely be compatible with the din of arms. But, it having now pleased God to grant us the enjoyment of more tranquillity, we think we can make no better use of it than in giving our attention to that which concerns the glory of His Holy Name and service, and endeavoring to provide for the religious worship of all our subjects, who, if they cannot yet join in one form, we may at least hope, are actuated by one and the same purpose, and therefore that by wise regulations all tumult and strife may be put an end to, and that we and this kingdom may forever continue to deserve the glorious title of "Most Christian," that title which was originally acquired by great merit and has been so long possessed. "We hope to be able so to regulate matters that future trouble shall be avoided, on that subject which is of all others the most delicate and searching, the subject of religion.
