Standard of the Duke of Monmouth

The political intrigue that accompanied the theory of the ‘divine right of kings’ was never more pronounced in English history than in the 17^th century. The concept was had in kingdoms and civilizations for years and entire populations lived and died by it unconsciously. It was not until the Bible began to be published to an increasingly literate populace that the origin of this theory became clear.  

James I of England explained it to his subjects this way:

“The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth, for kings are not only God's lieutenants upon earth and sit upon God's throne, but even by God himself, they are called gods. There be three principal [comparisons] that illustrate the state of monarchy: one taken out of the word of God, and the two other out of the grounds of policy and philosophy. In the Scriptures, kings are called gods, and so their power after a certain relation compared to the Divine power. Kings are also compared to fathers of families; for a king is true parens patriae [parent of the country], the politic father of his people. And lastly, kings are compared to the head of this microcosm of the body of man.”

It is thought that James I was drawing upon Romans 13:1-7 where Paul appears to conclude that God’s lieutenants as James called them are God’s ministers.

This concept would work well for the subjects when their king was benevolent and honest. But what happened when he was not?  The people mourn and suffer; then enter the argument that God would not condone such and a King is only a king with the consent and support of the people.

These opposing views, divergent religions, and the political intrigue behind each side is what set up conflict over and over in Europe, leading to rebellion within England in the 1680s by the Duke of Monmouth.

James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, was the eldest illegitimate son of Charles II, King of England. Historical records seem to indicate that Charles didn’t favor the Duke of Monmouth to take on the throne at first. However, later Charles became wary of Charles’ brother James, the Duke of York, and his power consolidation taking place in expectation of becoming king upon Charles’ death.  As such, the Duke of Monmouth readily expected to become King of England, despite being exiled with his Whig supporters in modern day Netherlands at the time. Things did not play out as Charles and the Duke of Monmouth hoped and upon Charles’ death in 1865, James II, former Duke of York, was crowned king.

Capitalizing on James II Roman Catholicism, the Duke of Monmouth embraced Protestantism prevalent in parts of England and his Whig party supporters gathered supplies and momentum to mount an invasion of England to take the throne by force.  

The flag that Monmouth’s supporters hoisted was a simple one - “Fear Nothing But God” in large, gold letters in a green field.  This statement meant to forge support in two areas  - the anti-Pope sentiment that many Protestants had for the Catholic religion and the idea that nothing the patriarchal heir to the throne would do in pursuit of his birthright would be wrong.  God was on their side in several ways and Monmouth clarified the fight for his supporters using this mantra and simple message.

Today, as many experience an increasingly hostile environment to liberty and freedom, we can often be found in a defeated spirit, thinking about the powerful forces that are aligned against us.  How do patriots maintain a positive attitude in an atmosphere of lies, deceit, intrigue, and lawlessness?  “Fear Nothing But God” of course. Fear nothing but your maker, who holds all power and knowledge and will never let the just and righteous go un-rewarded, be it in this life or the next.

Add our Monmouth patch to your collection to ponder and reflect upon what should occupy our minds relative to the future and the destiny of America and its patriots.  We’ve read the book and we know who wins in the end. Fear nothing but God.

• 3x2.25"
• Woven
• Hook Backing
• Release: 11/20/2021