Declaration
of Arbroath
After Bannockburn, the war
continued. Edward II convinced the Pope
to excommunicate Robert de Bruce as a traitor to England. In reply, the Scots sent the Declaration of
Arbroath to the Pope. It stated that
Scotland was an independent country until Edward I treacherously attacked
them. They suffered under his ravages,
but Robert de Bruce defeated the English and restored their freedom. However, Robert de Bruce must not join the English,
or his throne will be forfeited.
The Scottish nobles then bound themselves
with this line: “…for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will
we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor
honours that we are fighting, but for freedom—for that alone, which no honest
man gives up but with life itself.” 3. The Pope revoked the excommunication and
the Declaration of Arbroath influenced our Declaration of Independence:
“…we commit the upholding of our cause to the Supreme King
and Judge, entrusting our worries to Him and completely confident that He will
fill us with courage and reduce our enemies to nothing.” (Declaration of
Arbroath)
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm
reliance on Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our
fortunes, and our sacred honor.” (Declaration of Independence)
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