14 James Muilenburg 



The Prince replied that no one was more opposed to religious 

 persecution than he, but that he could never give his co-operation 

 to the repeal of the Test Act. It was the only firm bulwark of 

 the Church of England. Moreover, the Catholics were by nature 

 unfitted for holding places of authority. 42 Again, the High Church 

 had never opposed James up to this time, but had adopted a 

 friendly and compliant attitude in all things. The King was 

 advised not to antagonize them. 43 



The tone of the Prince was almost importunate. "If the King 

 of England did not attack the Laws, he would be very happy 

 within; proud, without; but the persistence on the former way 

 would confirm the rise of the Republic." 44 Surely His Majesty 

 could not blame the Anglican Church for insisting on a legal 

 security for their religion. 



The Princess was 'more intractable' than the Prince. 45 But 

 when Albeville broached the subject of the Test to Fagel, the 

 latter listened "with unbelieving ears." "The speeches sound 

 very well," he replied, "but I tell you confidentially that in 

 politics I think very much of the Roman Catholic doctrine of 

 good works." 46 Kramprich, the imperial representative at the 

 Hague who apparently saw some hope of England joining the 

 coalition, spoke in favor of Albeville's 'offer.' Fagel, however, 

 had penetrated more deeply into the motives of James. The 

 King, he observed, is really struggling to transform the temporary 

 truce into a definite peace in the interests of France, not realizing 

 that this will make him an object of suspicion not only to the 

 Republic, but to Spain and the Empire as well. 47 It is interesting 

 to compare the embassy of Albeville with that of Dykvelt, which 

 was just on the point of beginning. They form a study in 



42 Burnet, History of His Own Time, p. 451. 



43 Ibid, idem. 



44 Ibid, idem. 



45 Ibid, idem. 



46 Kramprich's Report of January 23, 1687, as given in Klopp, Der Fall des 

 Houses Stuart, p. 282. 



47 Ibid, idem. 



98 



