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be one of his best pieces. He has quoted everywhere his authors in the margin, to show his impartiality; in which, if I have not followed him, it is because the chiefest of them are unknown to us, as not being hitherto translated into English. His particular commendations of men and families, is all which I think superfluous in his book; but that, too, is pardonable in a man, who, having created himself many enemies, has need of the support of friends. This particular work was written by express order of the French king, and is now translated by our king's command. I hope the effect of it in this nation will be, to make the well-meaning men of the other party sensible of their past errors, the worst of them ashamed, and prevent posterity from the like unlawful and impious design.

* Maimbourg's History of the League was first published at Paris in 1683.

CONTROVERSY

BETWEEN

DRYDEN AND STILLINGFLEET,

CONCERNING

THE DUCHESS OF YORK'S PAPER.

CONTROVERSY

BETWEEN

DRYDEN AND STILLINGFLEET,

CONCERNING THE DUCHESS OF YORK'S PAPER.

ONE of the first acts of King James the Second's reign, was the publication of two papers found in the strong box of his deceased brother Charles, assigning various reasons to prove, that the church of Rome was the only true church; with a copy of another written by his first duchess, Anne Hyde, stating the grounds of her conversion to the Catholic faith.* These papers were announced to be published by his majesty's command; and, thus authenticated, were industriously dispersed over the kingdom. The learned Stillingfleet stood forward as the champion of the church of England, in refutation of the arguments alleged in the papers of the royal proselytes. † In answer, appeared " A Defence of the Papers written by the late King, of blessed Memory, and Duchess of York, against the Answer made to them. By Command. London, 1686." This defence, like the answer of Stillingfleet, was divided into three parts, applying to the three papers; and it seems that these were drawn up by different hands.

"Copies of Two Papers written by the late King Charles II., together with a Copy of a Paper written by the late Duchess of York. Published by his Majesty's command. London, 1686."

+ His pamphlet is entitled, "An Answer to some Papers lately printed, concerning the authority of the Catholic Church in matters of Faith, and the Reformation of the Church of England. London, 1686,”—Stillingfleet withheld his name.

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