1625-26] 
THE HOUSE OF STUART 
161 
person and manner he was a marked contrast to his father, 
but he believed in the “divine right of kings,” and in 
his own power and dignity even more firmly than did 
James. He was convinced that, if the people did not 
recognize his “divine 
right” to rule as he 
wished, it was simply be- 
cause they were wilful 
and obstinate; it was his 
duty to govern and theirs 
to obey. Difficulty arose 
at the very beginning of 
his reign in connection 
with his marriage to 
Henrietta Maria of 
France. When the mar- 
riage was arranged, 
Charles had promised to 
allow his wife the utmost 
freedom in the exercise of 
her religion, and to per- 
mit her to bring to Eng- 
land her own priests and attendants. He also promised 
that the laws against the English Roman Catholics should 
be relaxed. Not only had Charles no power to carry 
out these promises, but he and his father had assured 
Parliament that he would not enter into any such agreement. 
When Parliament met, it insisted on enforeing the laws 
against the Roman Catholies, and Charles was compellcd to 
yield. "This ineident irritated the English Protestants, 
and the failure of the king to keep his promise arousecd 
the anger of France. 
161. The first Parliament, 1626.—Charles quickly called 
his first Parliament and asked for money to carry on the war 
against Spain. The House was composed largely of wealthy 
ventlemen and able lawyers, for the most part Puritans, 
They knew well the history of their country, and were resol- 
ved to maintain the power of Parliament. They claimed 
that Parliament had the sole right to tax the people, and 
LES