Fine collection of 22 closely related contemporary pamphlets: published in London in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution and concerned principally with the legality of the new regime and with the vexed moral question of taking oaths of loyalty to King William since previous oaths of loyalty had been made to Jam

The pamphlets in the collection are bound together in strong modern red cloth buckram (evidently rebound from a previous contemporary binding).
The pamphlets are in remarkably fresh condition, and many items have the contemporary dates of acquisition noted in a neat hand, and a few have interesting marginal comments in the same hand.
"With the confusion among scholars, clergy, and lawyers attending the unprecedented circumstance after the revolution of both a king de facto (William) and a king de jure (James II), several ideological theories on the settlement and kingship were expounded" [O.D.N.B. under Hickes]. This collection provides a valuable source on them.

The collection comprises:

1. FERGUSON, Robert] A Brief Justification of the Prince of Orange's Descent into England, and of the Kingdoms late Recourse to Arms. With a Modest Disquisition of what may becorme the Wisdom and Justice of the ensuing Convention, in their Disposal of the Crown.
London: Printed for J. S. and ... sold by R. Baldwin: 1689 first edition 4to. 40pp. Neatly dated in manuscript at top corner of title page 'Feby. 3d 1688/9' and 'd6'. WING F732 ESTC r17788

2. GROTIUS] The Proceedings of the Present Parliament justified by the Opinion of the most Judicious and Learned Higo Grotius ... by a Lover of the Peace of his Country.
London: printed, and are to be Sold by Randal Taylor: 1689 first edition in English 4to. 20pp. complete with half-title. Neatly dated in manuscript 'March 17 1688/9' on half-title and noted cost "pret.3d" on title page. WING G2124 ESTC
The Latin text of selections from Grotius' De jure belli et pacis is accompanied by an English translation and commentary.

3. JUSTIFICATION] Justification of the Whole Proceedings of their Majesties King William and Queen Mary, of their Royal Highnesses Prince George and Princess Ann, of the Convention, Army, Ministers of State, and others, in this Great Revolution.London: Printed for Randal Taylor : 1689 first edition 4to. [2], 37, [1]pp., neatly dated in manuscript at top corner of title 'Ap: 28 1689' and marginal manuscript comment on one passage.
WING J1264 ESTC r18055 Drop-head title on p. 1: 'Democritus exclamans: or, A dialogue between the miner and counterminer'

4. WHITBY, Daniel?] Obedience due to the Present King [ie. William III], nothwithstanding our Oaths to the Former [ie. James II]. Written by a Divine of the Church of England.
London: Printed for Awnsham Churchill: 1689 first edition 4to. [2 (title)], 8, [2 (blank)]pp. complete with the terminal blank leaf, small piece torn from top corner of the blank leaf. Neatly dated in manuscript on title page 'March 17th 88/9' on title and inscribed at foot 'supposd by Dr. Tillotson'. WING W1731B ESTC r7191 Attributed to Daniel Whitby and to Francis Fullwood, but the latter described in some sources as incorrect.
Whitby (1637/8-1726), Church of England clergyman and author, had published several pro-protestant works when "the politics of James II brought [him] in line again with dominant Anglican opinion. He contributed his patristic learning to the anti-Roman campaign, offering expert advice and writing himself against image worship, divine service in Latin, and traditions. After the revolution of 1688–9 he had serious scruples about taking the oaths to William and Mary, and almost resolved at one point to become a non-juror, though less because of 'the supposed unlawfuness of complyance' than of 'the scandal it is like to minister' ... He managed to satisfy himself, however, and then characteristically rushed into print with four pamphlets to demonstrate that allegiance is due to a king de facto" [O.D.N.B.]

5. WHITBY, Daniel] A Letter from a City-Minister to a Member of the High and Honourable Court of Parliament, concerning the Present Affairs...London: Printed for Thomas Newborough : 1689 first edition 4to. 19, [1]pp., neatly inscribed on title page 'March 31 1689' and 'pret 4d'.
WING W1730 ESTC r41166

6. MAURICE, Henry] The Lawfulness of Taking New Oaths Asserted London: Printed for J. Mills, and ..sold by Randal Taylor: 1689 first edition 4to. [2 (title)], 13, [1]pp., Title written out in manuscript (bit cropped) in contemporary hand across top margin of title page
WING M1364 ESTC r16133Maurice (1647?-1691), Church of England clergyman, "wrote in favour of recognizing the new monarchs, arguing that Princess Mary was, in any case, a blood heir, and that having William as joint monarch represented only a 'small deviation' from the right line (Maurice The Lawfulness of Taking the New Oaths Asserted, 3). However, like many tory jurors, he used something of a hotch-potch of arguments to press taking the oaths, insisting that as he was the nation's de facto protector William was owed the natural duty of obedience, and hinting at contract theory by suggesting that James's actions might have violated his coronation oath" [O.D.N.B.].

7. LONG, Thomas (of Exeter, 1621-1707)] A Resolution of Certain Queries concerning Submission to the Present Government. The Queries, I. Concerning the original of government. II. What is the constitution of the government of England? III. What obligation lies on the King by the coronation-oath? IV. What obligation lies on the subject by the oaths of supremacy, &c. V. Whether if the King violate his oath, and actually destroys the ends of it, the subjects are freed from their obligation to him? VI. Whether the King hath renounced or deserted the government? VII. Whether on such desertion the people, to preserve themselves from confusion, may admit another, and what method is to be used in such admission? VIII. Whether the settlement now made, is a lawful establishment, and such as with a good conscience may be submitted to? By a Divine of the Church of England, as by law establisht.
London: printed, and .. sold by R. Baldwin: 1689 first edition 4to. [8], 63pp., minor repair to A2. Neatly inscribed in manuscript (slightly cropped) on title 'Ap 29? 1689' WING L2980 ESTC r21420

8. DEFOE, Daniel] Reflections upon the Late Great Revolution
London: Printed by Ric. Chiswell: 1689 first edition 4to. [4], 68pp. including half-title, Quite a number of very neat and interesting contemporary marginal manuscript comments on the arguments presented, and dated 'Ap: 28 1689' on half-title WING D844 MOORE Defoe .. Checklist, 6 ESTC r9630
Usually attributed to Defoe but this has been disputed by some.

9. FRIENDLY CONFERENCE] Friendly Conference Concerning the New Oath of Allegiance to K. William, and Q. Mary, wherein the Objections against taking the Oaths are impartially examined. And the Reasons of Obedience confirm'd, from the writings of the profound Bishop Sanderson, and proved to agree to the Principles of the Church of England, and the Laws of the Land. By a Divine of that ChurchLoondon: Printed for Samuel Smith: 1689 first edition 4to. [4 ('advertisement' & title], 35, [1 (advt.)]pp., neatly dated in manuscript 'Ap: 28 1689' and a few manuscript marginal notes.
WING C1A ESTC R17117The title page shows this work as licensed on April 19th. and this copy purchased very shortly afterwards.

10. ALLIX, Peter] Examination of the Scruples of those who Refuse to take the Oath of Allegiance. By a Divine of the Church of England
London: Printed for Richard Chiswell: 1689 first edition 4to. [4], 34pp. including half-title, neatly dated in manuscript 'May 1689' on half-title.WING A1222 ESTC r14154
Allix (1641-1717), French Protestant priest and later Church of England clergyman, in 1684 on the invitation from Gilbert Burnet moved to England to pursue his studies. By 1688 he was publishing in English and "the advent of William and Mary gave [him] a chance to flourish ... In An Examination of the Scruples of those who Refuse to Take the Oath of Allegiance, licensed on 16 April, he stressed the contractual nature of government in England" [O.D.N.B.].

11. KENNETT, White] A Dialogue between Two Friends, occasioned by the Late Revolution on Affairs, and the Oath of Allegiance.London: Printed for Ric. Chiswell: 1689 first edition 4to. [4], 38, [2 (advt.)]pp. including license leaf, Neatly attributed (incorrectly) in manuscript on title page by the contemporary owner to W. Kingford
WING K300 ESTC r16675 Kennett (1660-1728), historian and bishop of Peterborough, despite his arch-royalist views, was nevertheless alienated by James II's pro-Catholic policies. "He refused in May 1687 to sign an address to the king or to read the second declaration of indulgence in his church. The accession of William and Mary to the throne tested Kennett's loyalty. He eventually decided to take the oaths of allegiance to the new sovereigns, arguing that he could 'abridge' his obedience to James because the king was too far away for Kennett to give him 'just tribute'; motivated also by self-interest, he recognized that his refusal would 'promote my own ruine'" [O.D.N.B.]

12. KING WILLIAM or KING LEWIS] K. William, or K. Lewis. Wherein is set forth the Inevitable Necessity these Nations lye under, of submitting wholly to One or Other of these Kings;
and that the Matter in Controversie is not now between K. William and K. James, but between K. William and K. Lewis of France, for the Government of these Nations. Written out of Cheshire by a Gentleman lately arriv'd there from Ireland.London: Printed for Ric. Chiswell: 1689 first edition 4to. [2], 9, [1 (advt)]pp., neatly dated in manuscript at head of title 'May 1689'.
WING K27 ESTC r18493 Variant issue in which the books listed in the terminal advertisement do not indicate their format.

13. L., A.] Letter from a French Lawyer to an English Gentleman, upon the Present Revolution [signed at end A. L.]
London: Printed for Ric. Chiswell: 1689 first edition 4to. [2], 17, [1 (advt.)]pp., neatly dated in manuscript on title 'June ye 13th 1689'. WING L4 ESTC r7742

14. DEFOE, Daniel] Advantages of the Present Settlement, and the Great Danger of a Relapse
London: Printed for Ric. Chiswell: 1689 first edition 4to. 38, [2 (advt.)]pp., neatly dated in manuscript on title 'July 13 1689'. WING D827B MOORE De Foe .. Checklist, 7 ESTC r18417
Usually attributed to Defoe but this disputed by some scholars.

15. STILLINGFLEET, Edward] A Discourse concerning the Unreasonableness of a New Separation, on account of the Oaths. With an Answer to the History of Passive Obedience, so far as relates to Them.London: Printed for Richard Chiswell: 1689 first edition 4to. [4], 42, [2 (advt.)]pp., neatly dated in manuscript 'Novem 16? 1689' (slightly cropped) on title page.
WING S5584 ESTC r16935

16. PRESENT CONJUNCTURE] Present Conjecture: in a Dialogue between a Church-Man and a Dissenter London: Printed, and .. sold by Randal Taylor: 1689 first edition 4to. 8pp..
WING P3239 ESTC r7123

17. CLARIDGE, Richard] A Defence of the Present Government under King William & Queen Mary. Shewing the Miseries of England under the Arbitrary Reign of the late King James II. The Reasonableness of the Proceedings against him, and the Happiness that will certainly follow a peaceable Submissio to, and Standing by King William and Q. Mary. By a Divine of the Church of England.London: Printed for R. Baldwin: 1689 first edition 4to. 10pp., tiny paper flaw in title page.
WING C4432A ESTC rR175813 This pamphlet exists in 2 states, this one with the imprimatur on verso of title page..

18. BURNET, Gilbert] An Enquiry into the Present State of Affairs: and in particular, whether we owe Allegiance to the King in these Circumstances? And whether we are bound to Treat with Him, and call Him back again, or not?London: Printed for John Starkey; and Ric. Chiswell: 1689 first edition 4to. 16pp.
WING B5811 ESTC r22972

19. HICKES, George] Word to the Wavering: or an Answer to the Enquiry into the Present State of Affairs: Whether we owe Allegiance to the King in these Circumstances?. With a Postscript of Subjection to the Higher Powers; by Dr. G. B. [Gilbert Burnett]London: Printed in the Year...: 1689 first edition 4to. [2], 10pp.
WING H 1878A ESTC r11270 A reply to: Gilbert Burnet An Enquiry into the Present State of Affairs. Reprints excerpts from Burnet's The royal martyr and the dutiful subject.Hickes (1642–1715), bishop of the nonjuring Church of England and antiquary, was on 1 August 1689 "as dean of Worcester, suspended for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to William and Mary. On 1 February 1690 he was deprived but remained in possession until May 1691 when William Talbot was granted the deanery by King William. Hickes refused to accept his deprivation and wrote a claim of right which he pinned over the entrance to the choir in Worcester Cathedral. Soldiers took the document down and sent it to Daniel Finch, second earl of Nottingham and secretary of state. A warrant for high misdemeanour was issued after a debate in the council. Hickes's house was searched but Hickes had gone into hiding in London; he was outlawed on 11 August 1691" [O.D.N.B.].

20. LETTER] Letter from a Loyal Member of the Church of England to a Relenting Abdicator
London: Printed in the Year: 1689 first edition 4to. [2], 37, [1 (blank)]pp. Very uncommon. WING L1410 ESTC r230862
Unlike most of the items collected here this item is in support of the King James II.

21. SCRUPLER'S CASE] Scrupler's Case Considered: or the Unreasonableness of Refusing the Oath of Allegiance to K. William and Q. Mary Evinced.London: Printed by J.H. for Henry Mortlock: 1691 first edition 4to. 40pp.
WING S2128 ESTC r18515

22. JOHNSON, Samuel (1649-1703) An Argument proving that the Abrogation of King James by the People of England from the Regal Throne, and the Promotion of the Prince of Orange, one of the Royal Family, to the Throne of the Kingdom in his stead, was according to the Constitution of the English Government, and Prescribed by it. In opposition to all the false and treacherous Hypotheses, of Usurpation, Conquest, Desertion, and of taking the Powers that are upon Content. By Samuel Johnson.London: Printed for the Author : 1692 first edition 4to. 62, [2 (advt. & blank)]pp.. Neatly inscribed on title page "pret j s" (ie. cost 1 shilling).
WING J821 ESTC r226875 Several times reprinted in 1692 but this first printing is very uncommon.Johnson (1649–1703), Church of England clergyman and pamphleteer, has shot to fame as a Whig agitator with his 1682 tract Julian the Apostate which justified English resistance to a potential Catholic monarch and, unable to pay the fine imposed, spent the next four years in London gaols. The court decision was reversed on the accession of William and "in 1692 [he] published what he hoped would be recognized as the quintessential interpretation of the events of 1688. His pamphlet [this work] went into five editions in 1693 alone, and was translated into Dutch. Even Johnson's enemies recognized that this latest 'pamphlet of renown filled as has fill'd every tongue in town' ... Johnson declared that the Convention's abdication/vacancy masked the simple fact that the people had dethroned James II for his violation of the nation's established laws and promoted William and Mary in his place. Johnson wished to expose the conventioneers' efforts to sustain the myth of public non-resistance to James. The abdication/vacancy formula was created 'to cover the doctrine of passive obedience and to keep it safe and sound notwithstanding the Prince and the whole nation engaged in resisting oppression and defending their rights' ... In Johnson's eyes the whole nation had resisted James because he had violated England's ancient constitution, and during the 1690s Johnson's numerous tracts glorified England's 'ancient and approved laws'" [O.D.N.B.]