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 BOYLE 132 York. In 1679, he was also appointed custos rotulorum for that country These honours he held till after the death of Charles II. but when his successor intimated to him his wish that he should sacrifice the duties of his oftice to the private incli- nations of his majesty, and consequently assist in subvert- ing the constitution of his country, he decidedly declared against so infamous a project, and magnanimously resigned his trusts, rather than consent to betray them.In conse- quence of this, the situations he had filled for so many years with the greatest honour to himself, and benefit to his country, were bestowed on Lord Thomas Howard, a zealous catholic, and one who was thought more fitted for the great design then projected against our religion and liberty. On the arrival of the Prince of Orange, he zealously concurred in all the measures which were then adopted for resettling the constitution; but he neither sought for, nor accepted, any place; notwithstanding his great talents and qualifications, which rendered him adequate to the most active and important stations. He contented him- self with a peaceful and less pompous retirement, gainin the esteem of his equals, the love of his sovereign, and the admiration of his inferiors, which were warmly expressed on his decease, which took place on January 15, 1697-8, iu the eighty-sixth year of his age. The character of this great man may be summed up in a few words. In all the polite and elegant accomplish- ments of his age, he excelled ; as a soldier, his skill and courage cannot be questioned; and his attachment to an unfortunate sovereign and his descendants, though warm and energetic while he regarded their government as con- nected with the welfare of his country, could not induce him to consent to an attempt against its liberties. This he abhorred from whatever quarter it might arise; and he rejoiced in the re-establishment of its constitution, though accompanied with the downfal of the family he revered;