THE several Prorogations I have made, have been very Advanta­gious to Our Neighbours, and very Useful to Me: For I have imployed that time in making and perfecting an Alliance with the Crown of Spain, suitable to that I had before made with the States General of the Ʋnited Provinces, and they also had with Spain, consisting of mutual Obligations of Succour and De­fence: I have all the reason in the World to believe, that what was so much desired by former Parliaments, must needs be very grateful to you now; for though some perhaps may wish, those Measures had been taken sooner, yet no Man can with Reason think, that it is now too late; for they who desire to make those, and they who desire to break them, show themselves to be of another Opinion.

And as These are the best Measures that could be taken, for the Safety of England, and the Repose of CHRISTENDOM, so they cannot Fail of their End; And to Spread and Improve Themselves farther; if Our Divisions at Home, do not render Our Friendship less Considerable Abroad.

To prevent These as much as may be, I think fit, to Renew to You, all those Assurances which can, be Desired, that Nothing shall be wanting on My Part, to give You the fullest Satisfaction Your hearts can wish, for the Security of the Protestant Religion, which I am fully Resolved to Maintain against all the Conspira­cies of Our Enemies; and to Concur with You in any Thing which shall be Proposed, that may Consist with the Preserving the Succession of the Crown, in its Right and Legal Course of De­scent.

[Page 4] And in Order to this, I do Recommend it to You, to Pur­sue the Farther Examination of the Plot, with a Strict and Impar­tial Enquiry. I do not think My Self safe, nor You neither, till that Matter be gone Through-with: And therefore it will be Necessa­ry, that the Lords in the Tower may be brought to a Speedy Tryal, that Justice may be done.

I need not tell you what Danger the City of Tangier is in; Nor of what Importance it is to Us to Preserve.

I Have with a Mighty Charge and Expence, sent a very Con­siderable Relief thither; But constantly to Maintain so great a Force as that War will require, and to make these New-Works, and Fortifications; without which the Place will not long be Tenable, Amounts to so vast a Sum, that without Your Support, it will be Impossible for me to undergo it. Therefore, I lay the Matter Plainly before You, and desire your Advice and Assistance. But that which I value above all the Treasures in the World, and which I am sure, will give Me greater Strength and Reputation, both Home and Abroad, then a Treasure can do, is a perfect Union amongst Our Selves. Nothing but this can restore the Kingdom to that Strength and Vigor which it seems to have lost, and raise Us again to that Consideration which England hath usually had. All EUROPE hath their Eyes upon this Assembly, and think their Own Happiness, or Misery, as well as Our's, will depend upon it.

If We then be so unhappy, as to fall into such a Misunderstan­ding amongst Our Selves, as would render Our Friendship unsate to trust to, it will not be to be wondered at, if Our Neighbours should begin to take Resolutions, and perhaps such as may be Fa­tal to Us.

Let Us therefore take care, that we do not Gratifie Our Ene­mies, and discouragē our Friend, by any unseasonable Disputes.

If any such do Happen, the World will see it was no fault of Mine; For I have done all that was possible for Me to do, to keep You in Peace while I live, and leave you so when I Dye.

But from so great Prudence, and so good Affections as Yours, I can fear nothing of this kind; But do Rely upon You all, that You would use your best Endeavours to bring this Parliament to [...] good and happy Conclusion.