William the Silent - Conscience Quotes

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I cannot approve of monarchs who want to rule over the conscience of the people, and take away their freedom of choice and religion.

William the Silent

Tell the King, that whole cities are in open revolt against the prosecutions, and that it is impossible to enforce the decrees here. As for myself, I shall continue to hold by the Catholic faith; but I will never give any colour to the tyrannical claim of kings to dictate to the consciences of their people, and to prescribe the form of religion that they choose to impose. Call the King's attention to the corruption that has crept into the administration of justice. Let the Government be reformed, the Privy Council and the Council of Finance, and increase the authority of the Council of State.

William the Silent

In all things there must be order, but it must of such a kind as is possible to observe... to see a man burnt for doing as he thought right, harms the people, for this is a matter of conscience.

William the Silent

My legal wife is to me dead; the only ecclesiastical authority I recognise pronounces me free; the attacks and threats of men do not disturb me. I am acting according to a clear conscience, and am doing hurt to no man. For my conduct, I will answer to my maker.

William the Silent