But between punishments and disabilities a distinction was taken.

To admit Roman Catholics to office would, in the judgment of their Highnesses, be neither for the general interest of England nor even for the interest of the Roman Catholics themselves.

This manifesto was translated into several languages, and circulated widely on the Continent.

Of the English version, carefully prepared by Burnet, near fifty thousand copies were introduced into the eastern shires, and rapidly distributed over the whole kingdom.

No state paper was ever more completely successful.
The Protestants of our island applauded the manly firmness with which William declared that he could not consent to entrust Papists with any share in the government.