THe unwarrantable Proceedings of the last House of Com­mons, were the occasion of My parting with the last Par­liament. For I, who will neyer use Arbitrary Govern­ment My Self, am resolved not to suffer it in others. I am unwilling to mention particulary, because I am d [...]s [...]rou [...] to forget faults. But whosoever shall [...]ly consider what Offers I have formerly made, and what Assurances I renewed to the last Parliament, how I recommended nothing so much to them, as the Alliances I had made for preservation of the general Peace in Christendom, and the further exanimation of the Popish Plot, and how I desired their Advice and Assistance cancerning the preserva­tion of Tangi [...]r, and shall then reflect upon the strange un [...]i [...]able [...] m [...]de to such Propositions, by men that were called toge­ther to Consult; pershaps may wonder more, that I had patience so long, th [...]n that at last I grew weary of their Proceedings.

I have thought it necessary to say thus much to you, That I may not have any new Occasion given Me to remember more of the late M [...]a [...]ges. If is as much My Interest, and shall be as much My Care as yours, to preserve the Liberty of the Subject, because the C [...] never be safe when that is in danger. And I would have you likewise be convinc'd, that neither your Liberties nor Properties can subsist long, when the just Rights and Prerogatives of the Crown are invaded, or the Honour of the Govern [...] brought low, and into Disreputation.

I let you see by My calling this Parliament so soon, that no Irregularities in Parliaments shall make Me out of Love with Them; and by this Means offer you another Opportunity of providing for Our Security here, by giving that Countenance and Protection to [Page 4] Our Neighbours and Allies, which you cannot but know They ex­pect from Us, and extreamly stand in need of at this instant; and at the same time give one Evidence more, that I have not neglect­ed My part, to give that general Satisfaction and Security, which, by the Blessing of God, may be attained, if you, on your parts, bring suitable Dispositions towards it: And that the just Care you ought to have of Religion, be not so managed and improv'd into unnecessary Fear [...] as to be made a pretence for changing the Foundations of the Government.

I hope the Example of the ill Success of former Heats, will dis­pose you to a better Temper, and not so much to Inveigh against what is past, as to Consider what is best to be done in the present Conjuncture.

The further prosecution of the Plot, the Tryal of the Lords in the Tower, the Providing a more speedy Conviction for Recusants; and, if it be practicable, the Ridding Our selves quite of all of that Party, that have any considerable Authority and Interest amongst Them, are Things, though of the highest Importance, that hardly need to be recommended to you, they are so obvious to every mans Consideration, and so necessary for Our Security. But I must needs desire you not to lay so much weight upon any one Expedi­ent against Popery, as to determine, that all other are inefectual: And among all Your Cares for Religion, remember, that without the Safety and Dignity of the Monarchy, neither Religion nor Pro­perty can be preserved.

What I have formerly, and so often declared touching the Succes­sion, I cannot depart from. But to remove all reasonable Fears that may arise from the possibility of a Popish Successor's coming to the Crown, if means can be found, that, in such a Case, the Administration of the Government may remain in Protestant Hands, I shall be ready to hearken to any such Expedient, by which the Re­ligion might be Preserv'd, and the Monarchy not destroy'd.

I must therefore earnestly recommend to you, to provide for the Religion and the Government together, with regard to one another, because they support each other: And let Us be united at home, that We may recover the Esteem and Consideration We used to have abroad.

I conclude with this one Advice to you, That the Rules and Measures of all your Votes, may be the known and established Laws of the Land, which neither can, nor ought to be departed from, nor ch [...]ng'd, but by Act of Parliament: And I may the more fea­s [...]bly require, That you make the Laws of the Land your Rule, because I am resolv'd they shall be Mine.