An unconstitutional Parliament thereupon declared the throne vacant; and after much negotiation William and Mary were invited to occupy it.

To William the invitation was irresistible.

It gave him the assistance of the first maritime power in Europe against the imperialism of Louis XIV.
It ensured the survival of Protestantism against the encroachments of an enemy who never slumbered.

Nor did England find the new regime unwelcome.

Every widespread conviction of her people had been wantonly outraged by the blundering stupidity of James.