The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

To this purpose you have a memorable Passage of William the Norman; who, although he had invaded England with the Sword, and by it had defeated him who did oppose him for the Crown, with all his adherents and party, and in consequencie of this Victory, had committed many out-rages with a strong hand; yet the same William could never assure himself nor his Posterity of the Allegiance of the People, till he had sworn solemnly (according to the Rite of the times) for himself and his, To govern according to the good and approved Laws of the Land, as the best Kings before him had done.

To this purpose you have a memorable Passage of William the Norman; who, although he had invaded England with the Sword, and by it had defeated him who did oppose him for the Crown, with all his adherents and party, and in consequencie of this Victory, had committed many out-rages with a strong hand; yet the same William could never assure himself nor his Posterity of the Allegeance of the People, till he had sworn solemnly (according to the Rite of the times) for himself and his, To govern according to the good and approved Laws of the Land, as the best Kings before him had done.

Then the County of Kent, in its own name, and in the name of the whole Kingdom, declared, That neither Kent, nor any other of the Kingdom, was conquered, but in a peaceable way did submit to William the Norman, upon Condition, and with Proviso, That all their Liberties, and free Customs in use and practice, should be kept. If this was not accomplished afterwards, it was silliness of the People that suffered themselves to be abused, and the fault of misled Princes, that did not keep their promise whereunto they were tied: And sundry, for the breach of this promise, have had occasion to repent, when it hath been too late.

Then the County of Kent, in its own name, and in the name of the whole Kingdom, declared, That neither Kent, nor any other of the Kingdom, was conquered, but in a peaceable way did submit to William the Norman, upon Condition, and with Proviso, That all their Liberties, and free Customs in use and practice, should be kept. If this was not accomplished afterwards, it was sillinesse of the People that suffered themselves to be abused, and the fault of misled Princes, that did not keep their promise whereunto they were tyed: And sundry, for the breach of this promise, have had occasion to repent, when it hath been too late.