1590 and continually upon all occasions supported him and the intrest of the Reformed Religion in those Kingdoms so that she was publickly prayed for by the Hugonots as their Protectoresse No sooner was this great Princesse dead whose glory yet will never dye Lib. 129. being accounted by her very enemies the Guisians the most glorious that ever swayed Scepter gloriosissima omnium quoe unquam sceptrum gestarunt foelicissima famina as Thuanus tells us adding many great elogiums of her and conluding none ever was or will be like her of that sex and King James called in to succeed in that Crowne but the French though they had underhand opposed the conjunction of those two Kingdoms all they could having still made use of Scotland formerly in their Wars with England for a diversion to them by setting them upon entring that Kingdom at the back doore betwixt them and as loath allso that such an accession of power should accrew to their old enemies the English yet now they are the first that come with a splendid Embassage to welcome him to his new Crownes This King if he had had as much of the Lions courage as he had of the soxes cunning and Kingcraft as he called it how happy had it bene both for his owne family and his Kingdoms But as he was the occasion of the sad disasters that happend to both as is shewne not only by the Historians but particular Authors in the English tongue Rushworth Welden Osburne c. so I shall now briefly shew how he occasioned many and great irreparable losses to the Protestant intrest abroad especially by his pusillanimity How he perswaded this Republick to a 12 yeares Truce with Spaine and how prejudiciall it was to these Provinces is well knowne How earnestly he was prest to assist his son the Palsgrave both by forreigne Princes abroad and his Parliaments at home I need not mention nor how he spent more in Embassies their traines and Treaties then would have done his worke with men of Armes and traines of Artillery I shall onely speak of that relating to the French Protestants as the proper subject of my discourse When Lewis the 13 set upon reducing the Cautionary Townes which the Protestants had in his Kingdome by the grants of severall Kings as we have said and the distressed sought to the Crowne of England for Reliefe K. James according to his usuall custom onely imployes Embassadors the Lord Herbert once and againe whom the French delayd with words till they had done their worke For knowing King James's temper too well Luynes the High Constable of France Howels Hist of Lewis 13. A. 1621. being appointed to give Herbert audience first sets a Gentleman of the Reformed Religion behind the hangings that being an eare-witness of what past might relate to the Reformists what small grounds of hope they had of having succors from the Crowne of England and then in stead of hearkning to his Embassage in a most insolent manner affronted both his Master and himself with menaces which when he could not brooke but roundly replyed His Master then knew what he had to doe and offered the Constable who was chollerick thereat the satisfaction of his Sword the French Embassador misrepresents what past to K. James and procures Herbert to be called home and the Earle of Carlile is sent in his place to as little purpose as before Nor was this the worst for the Duke of Guise obteined 8 English sayle of men of War to joyne with him against the Rochellers and them of the Religion to distres them by Sea as the Count of Soissons did by Land for which the Duke of Buckingham was after questioned in Parliament and thus the greatest part of the Protestants power was broke downe and had been wholy but that the French had not then time by reason of the Spanish worke in the Valtolin so that a peace was skind over for a small time till they had leisure to open the wound againe and make the poore Patients bleed their last These things caused great complaints of England every where amongst them of the Reformed Religion and occasioned Deodate's saying that King Jame's sins of omission were greater then all his Predecessors sins of Commission Though the pacification was published at Montpellier yet Richelieu being made Minister of State and chief Director of affaires in France A. 1624 he made it his first worke to go on with the designe of destroying the Protestants power in that Kingdome and though the King was against it at first yet the Cardinal carried it on at last so that afterwards he said He had taken Rochel in spight of three Kings meaning his owne England and Spaine For the accomplishing this worke the Eagle-eyed Richelieu foreseeing that England and these States might stand in his way and obstruct him he resolves to charme us both to a compliance For which end France makes a stricter league with these Vnited Provinces affords us 1600000 franks yearly for the two next following to be repaid the two next years after our peace with Spain agrees for ships for their service c. And for England though they knew K. James would not disturb their designes yet not knowing what the Prince of Wales might doe there were meanes used to ingage him by a Match with Henriette the onely Daughter then unmarried of Henry the 4. K. Iames who was desirous to match his onely son Considerably had for 9 or 10 year beene Courting of Spaine to this purpose that so with one he might have the Palatinate restored to the Palsgrave and the Prince of Wales having past through France incognito into Spaine to make love personally to the Infanta and see with his owne eyes if fame belied not her beauty and being there still delayed but not denyed the Spanish desiring to see all the Daughters of France first matcht to prevent an alliance betwixt England and that Kingdome and the busines of the Palatinate still kept in suspence he is commanded home by his Father K. James But having seen the Lady Henriette at a maske in his passage through France under the notion of an English Gentleman and being taken with her beauty more then the Infanta's overtures are made of a Marriage with her and though some in the French Council were rather for her matching to Lorraigne that so those Territories might be gained to France which had been long troublesom to them yet this reason of State of obliging him not to interrupt their designe of ruining the Protestants and prevent his marrying with Spaine prevailed and in 9 moneths time a Match is concluded Richelieu thinking France secure of these two they most feared falls to worke to reduce the Hugonots Cautionary Townes Upon which Soubeze and Blankart goe for England to implore K. Charles his Father K. Iames being then dead his assistance This good King thinks himselfe obliged in conscience and honour notwithstanding his marriage with the King of
whether it be my Melancholly temper only or my fears and cowardise if you please to call it so or my fancy from my observation that the third War as this is with England hath ever proved fatal to the one side as is apparent by many examples or what ever other cause it is I must profess freely that I am of another sentiment this War having so black a visage to mine appearance that I fear we are rather in the midst of a Tempestuous Sea of Troubles then discovering of Land much less a safe Harbour of rest I am not ignorant upon how many pins men hang their hopes Some upon the advancement of his Highness the Prince of Orange hope all will be redrest and well at home and that his relation to the Crown of England and the Elector of Brandenburgh will capacitate him to remedy all abroad Others upon conjectures of his marrying with the Duke of Yorks Daughter or some nearly related to the Crown of England or France which hath been an usual way I confess especially among absolute Princes of accomodating differences Some upon our sufficient numbers of Men and Moneys to defend our selves Othersome upon the Assistance of the Emperor and the German Princes Brandenburgh especially And others upon their opinion that now the Pensionary de Wit and his party are broken so that England can confide more in our friendship that the King will break with France and afford his Nephew and these Netherlands assistance especially because they judge that it is the Interest of England and Germany as well as Spain not to see us fall into the French hands for fear they have only Polyphemus his courtesie to be last devoured But yet all these grouds and divers others which are variously discoursed of prevail not so far with me as that my hopes can ballance my fears For although I grant the strength of the remaining Provinces to be considerable both by Sea and Land and the greatest foundation to build our hopes upon next under God Almighties Protection yet if we duly consider the state and condition we are in there is not that just ground of confidence which may free us from fears as many are apt to imagine He is very short sighted that observes not 1. That there are two different parties amongst us and that a Commonwealth muchless then a Kingdom divided cannot stand 2. That we might do much more then we do or for any thing I yet see will or shall do for our own defence 3. That we are destitute of succours from abroad for the present except from Spain which we may happily pay dear enough for if we should be drawn into a League Offensive and Defensive with them in a long and tedious War And 4. that we are full of tumults and distractions at home which is to me a greater presage of approaching ruine then all our Enemies weapons of War and makes me fear that as tumults was the occasion of our rising so they will be of our ruine Hist Gal. l. 2. And that Priols observation of two only Nations that have stood firm by defection the Helvetians at the rise and the Hollanders at the fall of the Rhine those founding and defending their Liberty by the Mountains their Poverty and Equality these by the Waters their Riches and the States with a Captain General may shortly be contradicted in the latter if we be not more unanimous and perhaps ere long in the former also I grant likewise That it is very considerable to have so wise a Conductor as the Prince of Orange is for his years and one of such near Relation to two such great Potentates as his Uncles of England and Brandenburgh But yet if we rightly consider we cannot but conclude 1. That it must be Power as well as Policy that can relieve us and that in the Affairs of the World Interest is preferred above all Relations the whole World turning upon the Hinge of Self-interest and all Princes States Families and Persons eagerly pursuing that which they apprehend their Interest although often mistaking it and oftner the means to obtain it no wonder if they miss thereof 2. And that his Civil Dignities come rather to him by Popular Tumults than Regular Proceedings Which is found an easie way to rise by but a hard way to stand by yea Morally impossible if not backed by power For as it is with sick Persons so with sick States if all things be not quickly redressed that is grievous to them they presently cry Turn me again and think they have power to undo that which they themselves have formerly done It being a true Character which Livy gives the Common People Lib. 24. Plebs aut humiliter servit aut superbè dominatur 3. And that though the de Wits be dead their party lives and if things succeed not well under his Highness will have no small advantage not only from the horrid murder of those two Pillars of their party but from the declining of Affairs to cry him down with the people and make him an Insignificant Cypher of State 4. And lastly There are so many Papists and other Sects of Religion and Malecontents who watch for opportunities to Flieblow the Common People and set them upon Sedition that I much question whether that fresh gale of Affection to the Prince which hath blown so briskly through all these remaining Provinces will last long For if they see that his Highness cannot make Peace as they expected and they feel more miserable effects of a stubborn and cruel War and be forced to greater Taxes the Common People being always covetous what ever the cause or necessity be and find their Trade still obstructed and Land drowned to the impoverishing both of Cities and Countrey I fear we shall find the People so restless and unquiet that they will neither know what to do themselves nor be willing to be guided by their Governors that do but when Extremities press upon us bring all into Confusion and consequently Ruine For besides the Jealousies which many have of his Highness which Bentivoglio long since foresaw and foretold That these Jealousies betwixt the State and their Stadtholder would become the cause of our Ruine the needy multitude which are alwaies enemies to good order and Government when distressed will seek occasion to prey upon the richer whom they constantly envie And the midle sort which are the true Basis of a State whose principal aime is Liberty and Plenty when they see these indangered grow jealous of their Governours upon whom all misfortunes are constantly laid and seeke to pull them downe and set up themseves one after another to the ruine of all For the pompe of Government so dasles the eyes of those that know not the Weight of it that when there is any seeming access thereto all are apt to contend for it and every one to thinke himself as capable as his neighbor and vy with one another without end till they
acquaint you that when we mention Trade we mean not every particular kind of negotiation wherein the several sorts of Artificers and Shop-keepers are imployed to speak of which would be both an endless an a bootless work Herein perhaps some might fare better with the French the Mercers and Tailers especially for the à la mode Monsieurs when they have money affect to change their fashion as often as the Moon doth her face and to wear as many ribbands on their breeches as ordinary Pedlers bear on their backs as if all the fortunes of France hung at their ends and all their own happiness followed their heels And happily Butchers and Cooks would fare better with the English for a piece of good Beef or a Shoulder of Mutton And we might instance in many others with merriment but we have no mind to be pleasant upon so serious a Subject In short therefore we mean Maritime Trade as our Adversaries do this being the great Diana of the Netherlands which brings them in their Silver Shrines 1. Then we shall lay down this as a fundamental and undoubted Maxim which all I think will take for granted that trade by Sea is the great secular interest of these Provinces the Maritime especially by which they most flourish and without which they cannot subsist Let Amsterdam and the other Cities be as rich or richer then they are imagined yet will they in a few years if their Trade be obstructed become as poor as their Neighbours at Gant or Antwerp For who will build at such excessive charges where the foundation sometimes is half to the superstructure or pay such rents for their habitation and live in such expensive places if there be not freedom of Trade But those that can will remove some hither and some thither as their interest and affection shall incline them Essay or Sermo fidelis 19. rather then spend their Capitalls here If ever Merchants were or are in any place of the world the vena porta as Bacon stiles them of any publick body it is certainly the Belgick If they fraight not their Ships whereby the Marriners may be imployed if they furnish not the Tradesmen shops whereby they may follow their Vocations if they lade not the poor mens backs whereby their Families may fill their bellies finally if they distribute not their Merchandise through the various Seas and Rivers of the Vniverse we may linger a while but it is as impossible we should live long as for a body deprived of food whose parts languish for want of nourishment which should be brought them in the veins by the bloods regular circulation 2. Merchandise being our chief concernment it will necessarily follow that that Nation that can most obstruct the same can do us most injury Now that England can do this more than France or any other whatsoever I think none will deny if any do there is enough said hereafter that will make it sufficiently apparent 3. Of all our neighbouring Nations England being most potent by Sea and France by Land it will clearly follow that a Peace with these two above all others is our great concernment With the former for getting and with the latter for keeping and enjoying our Estates But if we cannot have this from them both which of them is to be preferred comes next in consideration 4. This Common-wealth consisting of Maritime and Inland Provinces the former being by far the most considerable the friendship of England is more to be valued than that of France And this the wisest men that this Republick ever had formerly never doubted of Prince William the First founder of this Common-wealth laid down these three principal maximes of State which were approved by all as sound and rational beyond contradiction 1. To do justice to Strangers For great Nations may be upheld by Power but small Territories must be maintained by Justice 2. To hold a fair correspondence with France For Spain being then the grand Monarchy of Europe and our dreadful enemy the assistance of France was greatly necessary for our supportation 3. To preserve an inviolable Peace with England In regard that this is absolutely requisite for our freedom of Commerceby Sea and the English were our friends in affection as well as Interest whereas the French only upon the latter account For the greatest obstacle that stood in the way of France's greatness was the Spanish power in these Netherlands which being once broke down they well knew they could dilate their Empire at their pleasure as we see it now to our sorrow It is true of later times the Lovesteiners to free themselves from the Headship of the Orange family which sought as they imagined either an absoluteness or at least to infringe the liberty of the Common-wealth have been rather inclined to France and England but they were not so blinded with passion but that having a Peace with Spain and being sensible of France's prevalency and raising their Fortunes upon the Spanish ruines it was their Interest to comply with England rather than France Which plainly appears in that no sooner was those unhappy differences between us and England composed at Breda but immediately the Tripple Alliance was designed and concluded upon by that great States-man de Witt the Head of their party and Sr. William Temple on purpose to put boundaries to the boundless ambition of the French Nation 5. To the reason of State already mentioned together with the judgment of our greatest Politicians both in former and later times let me add that Terrestrial war hath always been accounted more eligible than a Naval yea by some our absolute interest as the Duke of Rhoan observes In so much that Zeeland never to this day consented unto l' Intrest des Prine Est discour 6. but absolutely protested against these Provinces making Peace with Spain And here it is observable how our Adversaries prevaricate in granting this Assertion and yet preferring France I foresee their evasion of conceding a Land-war with a lesser Potentate denying it with France But this is both easily obviated and outed for as I am well assured that if England had not assaulted us by Sea France had never done it by Land so I have reason to believe that if he had we should have found him sufficient work If we had the Sea free for our inferior Provinces the charges of a Land-war for the superior were easily borne And we should not want men enow for our money to fight for them with France or any other whatsoever so long as we should think them worth the fighting for Nor let any wonder that I insert such a conditional for I shall afterwards make it appear how the Common-wealth may be well secured though these Provinces should be let go or lost And as for the inferior they are so situated in the water and thereby so inaccessible that we need not fear what all the force of France can do if we be resolved to
defend them It being therefore apparent that Traffick is our principal concernment and England of all others most able to obstruct it we may conclude in point of interest as Prince Maurice I have heard used to say that were the English Devils we must have peace with them These being the Approaches which I think no sallies of our Adversaries can prevent we shall now being got nearer them take a better view of their strength Were we free and had our choice whether we should war with France or England you see our interest should carry us against France But the case alas is far otherwise with us for they both make war upon us by what error of policy one of them which could best was not taken off and diverted if it had been possible or whether it was impossible and so no error or omission in us is not now our enquiry But seeing they both threaten us with destruction upon supposition that we are unable any longer to resist them both whether of them we should choose to be under in regard of our Trade This then being the Question our Adversaries give their suffrage for France and think themselves impregnable in this point of interest Let us therefore impartially represent the strength of their reasons and weigh them duly in the true ballance of interest and then we shall find them you shall see not only many grains but ounces too light 1. It is better for us say they to be under France because England and and we are Competitors for Trade It is very true England and these Countries by their situation genious and interest are set for Trade and this naturally begets an enmity between us and a vying with one another for the same But this was always and will be so whilst men are men and what will follow hence Surely one of these things either that we must willingly yield to them or they to us which is madness to imagine or that we must fight with them for the whole which if they mean of our selves is the next degree to dotage seeing we are about matches and Peace in their trade is always the interest of a trading people if they mean jointly with France we shall speak to that in the following Argument and shew what a hazard even that will be and much more singly or that we must compound with them for our share that so each Nation may have what Gods blessing may give and their own industry may procure them And this in my opinion will have the vote not only of all the Cowards but all the wise men of both Nations But because this Argument is much insisted on both in former times and this juncture of affairs we will more particularly consider the same in reference to this Common-wealth as to England absolutely without respect to France And thereby we shall see what corrivals in Trade implies in point of Interest whether the power be about equal as we shall here suppose England and this Common-wealths or unequal and in point of inference Now in regard of Interest we shall find in my judgment that 't is clearly this for us as equal in power 1. That we must vigorously defend our Trade as that on which our temporal welfare depends 2. That we must for this purpose maintain a naval power equal at least to theirs That so we may hold them up to the just and due terms and bounds of Commerce and Navigation 3. That for this end the league of the Maritime Provinces be kept inviolable If the band of the bunch of arrows be either cut or broken so that they fall out of the Lions paw he will soon have his skin pull'd over his ears So that to make several Common-wealths of them is but to make them so many morsels to be the easilier devoured by their enemies And therefore I wonder at the Author of the Interest of Holland herein who c. 41.42 c. asserts the power of that Province sufficient by Sea and jointly with Vtrecht by Land to wage War with all other Potentates Seeing these Maritime Provinces entirely considered are but the match at Sea for England And the reasons that he gives c. 37. are now refuted by experience I acknowledge it also an error in policy for Zeeland to break this bond of Amity if possibly they can help it But if their Enemies sword cuts this asunder what shall they do And this is the case only that I defend 4. That we should rather yield to them in Punctillioes of honour that being a Crown this only a Common-wealth Such I mean as the Flag although I reckon not that any dishonour to us seeing they have not only always challenged it but our Ancestors also given it and other Nations as well as we pay the same acknowledgment to that Crown The first time that we have ever refused it was in the time of King James the circumstances whereof Sr. Anthony Welden in his Court relates and the effects both their and our Historians It is not my design to speak of this particular which would swell to a discourse larger then this whole Treatise but only instance therein as a known example concluding that if they will War for it it is our wisdom to yield it and except we were far stronger than they folly to fight for it 5. Rather to dissemble lesser injuries than seek to revenge them Which holds in all equalities of power whatsoever 6. But if they will unjustly incroach upon us to ruine our Commerce then to War with them For 1. Our traffick being our subsistence who ever would spoil us thereof necessitates us to defend it and gives us a just cause of contest 2. We being a match for them in power may in point of wisdom as well as justice try it out with them and leave the issue to Gods Providence Wars being the last appeal to Heaven when justice cannot be had on earth 3. If success attends our Armies we secure our selves at least if we better not our condition and if the contrary we do but drown and die a little the sooner A destructive peace and unsuccessful War are both fatal in the issue the former being a Chronical the later an acute disease of State It is not so material whether by a lingring Consumption of Peace or by the Hectick Fevor of War the gray hairs of Government be brought with sorrow to the grave 7. Yet if we can enjoy the freedom of Commerce and fruit of our labours upon reasonable terms it is better to sit down contented with our share then to War for the whole For 1. What wise man ever doubted but that Peace is the interest of a rich and trading People if it can be had upon tollerable conditions 2. Is not a competent certainty preferable to a greater good that is wholly hazardous and uncertain for how often doth that happen to men which did to the greedy and covetous dog in the Fable who let go that
he had to catch at the shadow thereof in the water and so lost all I know some that have more of Mars than Mercurie's temper are all for fighting and therefore I shall desire them calmly to consider these few particulars following 1. What either we or England have gotten by our former Wars when matcht in power I partly know what it hath cost us both in treasure and blood and can demonstrate that if either hath gotten 't is England though not to countervail the cost Let 's but reckon as we must if we go rightly to work the lucrum cessens and damnum emergens or the profit that ceases and loss that accrues and vvhat vve have got vve may put in our eye and not see much the vvorse But if any one say who can reckon that or how I shall freely acknowledge that to pounds and persons we cannot nor no man alive yet in the general we may so far as to make a judgment I have done it for my own satisfaction and shall tell you how that so those that are curious may satisfy themselves therein and not take it upon my credit By the publick Customs the Number of ships the Capital wherewith Trade is driven and by the riches of the Merchants Of these the two former are more easie and certain wherein England hath increased the two latter more conjectural wherein this Republick hath the superiority But hath not gotten it by the wars but arises from several other causes which I could mention and especially from these two following which I think will satisfy any intelligent man As to the Capital ours comes to be greater in regard that as the Merchants grow rich in England they buy land and breed up their sons to be Country gentlemen whereas we especially in Holland continue the stock and our children in the Trade Land being here at 35 and 40 years purchase and in England at 15 or 20 ordinarily And that the Merchants here should be richer than there is no wonder to me who know so well the frugality of the one and the prodigality of the other 2. Let it be considered how difficult and hazardous it is for equal powers to destroy one another and therefore how litle likelihood there is of any thing to be gotten by contesting Nay there are several circumstances in our situations imployments and people that render absolute conquest almost impossible We may like Cooks fight and breath and fight again and crow over one another for some victories but far from a conquest And this we might both have seen long since in the glas of policy which clearly shows that such equal powers fighting for profit is but like Nero's fishing with a golden hook wherein more is adventured than ever is likely to be gotten We have had a Comick-tragedy and a tragick comedy of two wars and England the contrary wherein our enemies indeed have been pleasant spectators and satisfied their envious eyes but what have either of us got but blowes Passion and prejudice are so prevalent in the World and so blind the eyes of men that often they will not see the truth till dear-bought experience makes them even to feel it And this we now both see and therefore England takes this opportunity of breaking down the equality of power and bringing us lower that so we may truckle under them and they be at rest in the bed of security 3. Those that are so much for Mars might do well to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both Nations for carrying on and subsisting under long wars In some things we may happily have the advantage as in bearing the charges number of shipping Caping by Letters of Marque c. And in others England for they have a great and rich Inland Country l'Intrestdes Princes Discours 7. an Hand that cannot be easily diverted by a Land-war so that as the Duke of Rhoan saith right l' Angleterre est un grand animal qui ne peut jamais mourir s'il ne se tuë luimesme We subsist wholly on Trade and fetch all things from abroad they have sufficiency of necessaries from their own growth at home When Trade stands still they have cloths for the back and meat for the belly better cheap for the poorer people here not only such accommodations are far dearer than there which can well be born when Trade flourisheth but when that is stopt and it can worst be endured then are they dearest of all Our Seamen which come most from the Northern quarters about the Baltick Sea to serve us in Navigation when they see no hopes of gain but only venturing their lives for the pay of the Wars will remove and serve other Nations whereas the King of England hath three Kingdoms to press out for his assistance according to the custom of the Crown there which is not practised nor indeed practicable in this Free State And although at the first such as are prest be averse to the Wars yet we find and feel by experience that what through the Officers and Gentlemens caressing and encouraging them what through company and conversing with others before-hand this restiness is worn off by degrees and through the principles of self defence and some sparks of the honour of their Country they fight well enough whatever the cause or the quarrel be 4. I wish both Nations would well consider whether whilst we two are so eagerly contesting for Trade others may not carry it away I have reasonably considered what Nation can bid the farest for this in regard of their Situation Havens Genious c. the ad vantages of the Mediterranean and Baltick Seas and let my thoughts stretch themselves as far as both the Indies have observed the French Fleet the darling of the King and Kingdom their hopes with the grounds of them and the probable success thereof as also the communication of Spain with America and find no one Nation alone capacitated to carry away our Commerce but several to have greater shares than they have at present Yea to speak my mind freely I have had far further contemplations and of a far different kind from these upon this Subject in respect to future times And indeed such as have often made me both very sorrowful to see the Christian world so mad and quarelsom about their Commerce and very fearful that God would either blast it to us by taking it away and giving it to Turks and Heathens or not bless us with it giving us herein our hearts desire in his wrath and them the Gospel in exchange thereof As I clearly see he hath done to the Jews the generallest and greatest Merchants of the World and as I think he threatens us Christians in several places of holy Scripture if they be duly considered But because I love not dogmatizing or to be positive in things I am not so fully satisfied in I shall at present say no more of this but leave it to every good Christians
is to have such neighbors But otherwise England is nearer us than France and can easilier come to our assistance For the French have not only a long march but through part of the Empire which is their enemie and so liable to obstruction As to the Prince of Liege or Archbishop of Colen Duke of Newburg and others that have permitted this passage they may pay dear enough for it hereafter as their subjects are paying for it at present even to the French themselves Who are so weary of their Company that I perswade my self they will be the first that will endeavour to drive them out when they shall find an opportunity But we are not affraid of all our Adversaries weapons and therefore will enforce their Argument by supposing all they can desire That France will keep these conquered Provinces and in all probability make new acquests by subduing of the Spanish Netherlands So that if we be not subject to him we shall never be at quiet but they will continually be as Thorns in our sides 1. And why may we not as well suppose that if we be under him we shall never be at rest for others For no Potentate in Christendom hath more jealous eyes upon him nor likelier to be continually imployed in Wars Now what will changing help us if we better not our condition For we may easily foresee that if we come under France we shall have England and Spain against us by Sea as we have said and the Germans and Spanish Provinces by Land and so shall be in the same condition though not by the same enemies that we are now ground like Corn betwixt the Mil-stones Yea it is more than probable that knowing the ticklish condition and mutinous temper of the French Nation he will bring his Wars into these Countries and their consines and so we shall again become the Cock-pit of War for all Europe 2. I doubt not but he will attacque the Spanish Provinces and seek to connect them with his conquests and then incorporate all with France But it is uncertain what time this may require before they be all under his power We know not the Articles between the two Crowns nor are we sure that England and Austria will see this work Many things may fall out which no mans eye can foresee The King of France is mortal and may die and the Dauphin young and so uncapable to carry on such mighty designs Or he may meet with a check in his enterprises and be stopt in his further progress of glory France is harrast and weary of Wars may fall to their former mutinies The King of Spain may grow more potent England Sweden and the Cantons of Switzerland may think themselves concerned as well as the Empire and Spain to stop the growing greatness of France The Spanish may divert him in Catalonia and else where Sickness and mortallity may seize upon his Armies Factions in his court discontents in the Country tumults in his Kingdom and many other Accidents may happen to call him off us or at least necessitate him to give us reasonable conditions and confine him to his own Kingdom So that 't is madness to avoid a present mischief to run our selves upon certain ruine 3. If we had the friendship of England we might soon be in a capacity to defend our selves against France and need not fear the power of their Arms. I do not say that we alone are able to recover at present what we have lost without the assistance of others But that these remaining Provinces are able to defend themselves and either let go the other or in time possibly regain them as we shall shew hereafter Fourthly For his Allies they need not fright us For all friendship of the World and especially publick proves often times like winter brooks which run freely when we have least need of them but fail us in drought when we want their Water If the fortunes of France should once decline we should see those that now adore them readily renounce this their idolatry and not only confess their former fault but help to turn the Wheel about and bring them under whom they now exalt And thus we see what small grounds there are of enjoying such great Peace under France as our Adversaries flatter themselves withal and would perswade the World of which will never find credit with wise men who are used to judge by Reasons of State and not by the vain arguments of fancy 4. The fourth argument for France is their having the upper Provinces already which are of such concernment to the Nether that they affirm we cannot want them and therefore we must call in France that he may have them all that so they may be joyned under one Head We cannot want them say they 1. For our Security and 2. for our Commerce Let us therefore examine these things and having so done we shall give a release to your patience in this great Argument of our Adversaries concerning Trade First that we cannot want them for our Security is apparently false Nay upon a Politick account we had better part with them though not in point of Honour and Religion 1. They were a continual charge to those inferior Provinces which yet was willingly born in regard of their being an out Sconse to us which many supposed sufficiently strong for our defence Which yet others have always doubted of and now we find they had sufficient reason Seeing then some of them willingly deserted us and others slightly defended themselves and us consequently and thus laid us open to the invasion of our enemies if we let them go and they suffer thereby they may thank themselves and we must otherwise secure our Country 2. I wonder men should think they can secure us when we see the contrary by our experience Nay indeed this was the great mistake that had like to have ruined us all For we relying on them was unprepared for our own defence whereby the whole was greatly endangered Yea so greatly that if the French had fallen into Holland when they came to Vtrecht I tremble to think what work they might have made amongst us 3. It was apparent that the boundaries of the Common-wealth was too great and our Garrisons too many to defend against such powerful Armies Which at the same time are not only Masters of the Field but able to assault what Places they please This War being far different from our former with Spain or less Potentates wherein we had an Army to ballance theirs for relief of such Garrisons as were at any time attackt by them And this the Author of the Interest of Holland hath long since well observed and experience now shews us Wherein I dare be his second against any combatants that dare encounter him 4. Let any man but recount our Garrisons with their greatness and compute what number of men is requisite for their defence and he will soon see whether I have not clear
Fame sound their praises and the Infantry to have their marches beaten through succeeding Ages and Generations I wish that the eccho of Fame may follow them with a clearer sound than the hoarse clamour of the People and hope that the imbellick Bores that are ready to start at the report of a Gun and stoop at the whistling of a Bullet may by having dangers familiarized to them become as the Fox did with the Lion undaunted at last and under their brave General and Commanders regain our reputation and shall heartily pray both for our Senators prosperity and Souldiers success The only consideration that sways with me for contesting for them if we cannot have them otherwise is that of Religion If therefore this policy I have pleaded should prove Apocryphal and that our League and Alliance with them obliges us for them recovery or that the rules of Christian Charity require us to adventure our own loss for their safety God forbid that I or a any man else should be against it and I hope there are none so degenerate but will contribute their best assistance both in purse and person to so good a work If the Turks will redeem the caged birds to set them at liberty let us much more willingly our Christian Brethren and so committing our cause to God pass thorow the Temple of Vertue that we may happily come to that of Honour Having thus shewn the impregnableness of the truth of our cause against the assaults of its Adversaries and fought it out with them in their representing the Advantages of being under France and disadvantages of being under England and our Replying It comes now to our turn to be Assailants wherein we hope to obtain an absolute conquest by shewing them the quite contrary Now herein we might be very large if we would argue from all the suasory and dissuasory topicks as the Honesty of being under England rather than France for the common Interest of the Protestant Religion the Honorableness thereof for the common good of Christendom whose Interest it is to oppose the greatness of France as we shall shew hereafter the Equity of this for assisting our Allies against France the possibility or practicableness of this only now that his Highness is both General and Stadt-holder and also from the contrary of these if we seek to come under France But we shall only insist upon that of Vtility because that is most petswasive and that with respect to our selves only the most part of men being so selfish that they prefer their particular before the publick good The disadvantages of being under France and advantages of being under England 1. Our being under France brings us infallibly unto a War with England and Spain in some short time at least if not presently as we have already shown Now how destructive such a War is to our maritime Negotiation I leave all wise men to judge and Merchants espcially who have the experience thereof Whereas on the contrary our being under England gives us Peace and freedom of Trade by Sea at least inconsiderable disturbance in comparison yea very probably by Land also in regard we can spoil France's Trade disturb his coasts divert his designs and ballacne his power For France cannot fight with all Europe If we be under England we have Spain the Empire c. with us and if France will fight we need not fear him But if that which is said be not sufficient as I suppose it is I am ready to make it apparent that a Land War is more eligible for this Republick then one by Sea with such potent enemies and take the utmost interruption France can make of our Sea-traffick into the ballance 2. If we come under France we shall either do it entirely or partially If the former we are ruined in a great measure in our Commerce for supposing that the Spanish Netherlands fall under France also as in all probability they will and that speedily as even our Adversaries themselves take it for granted the Scheld will be open and free and so Antwerp Bruxels Mechlin Loven Lier and the other Cities of Brabant by this means recover part of their former Commerce which now we deprive them of by Vlissing and Rammekens below and Lillo above on that River and Ghant Cortrick Riissel and other Cities of Flanders a part by the former River being free and by opening the other passage to them which is now obstructed at the Sas van Ghant Now of how great consequence this is to us especially in regard of Amsterdam which bears now a double proportion in the Admiralties and almost the half of the burden of the Taxes of Holland which is almost the half of the whole Republick I leave any one to judge and especially those that know the principles of interest for that great and flourishing City I could be very large upon this in shewing how the fall of Antwerp was the rise of Amsterdam how this City prevailed that the other should not be taken by the Arms of this Republick as also what some say it cost them to prevent it that this was a great inducement to the States not to enlarge the Republick on the side of Flanders and Brabant and what a great motive it was to make peace with Spain that so they might prevent so Potent a Prince as France from coming so nigh them upon that quarter and doing it by power and how Holland gave security for maintaining the peace when Zeeland protested against the same But these are so well known in Holland and the objections against it so answered Schookius de Pace that I need not lanch into this Ocean Now who is so purblind but he may foresee that if we come under France the Flemish Merchants especially Papists will return and carry their Trade to Antwerp and many French also setle themselves there the River being much better the City fit for traffick every way and having the Popish Religion publickly profest so that it will soon contest with Amsterdam for Trade and carry it ere long and then Amsterdam may say of Antwerp as the Ice of the Water Mater me genuit mater mox gigniture exme For we must think those Cities and particularly Antwerp are nearer the Confines of France than Holland and will be more confided in being Papists so that they will become both the care and Crown of that King and Kingdom for their Trade in these Northern parts of the World Yea let me say it for I know it to be true this is that the Trading Flamens long for seek for and should above all things be glad to see so that in stead of hindring they shall help all they dare Frances conquest for this their Interest And if some of these Provinces only come under France and othersome under England what a miserable condition shall we be in by having two such potent Princes continually contesting in the midst of us so that by such strong fits of
multitudes of Families that depend thereon I might be large herein from my own Observations having had the humour or curiosity call it what you please to view all the Rivers Harbors and almost Creeks on both the opposite Coasts from Thames to Tinmouth and from the Elve to Oostend And particularly Yarmouth and Flambrough-head as the greatest Promontories of England and whereabouts there is the best fishing But I will only speak to those things which concern the present Argument A diligent person calculated in the Year 62 the dependants on the Fishing-trade I mean not Fishers only but also all employed about their shipping Nets Cask Salt c. with their Attendants at Sea and reckoned them above 400000. Yea some have made their number far greater particularly that learned wise and valiant Knight Sir Walter Rawleigh whom I parallel with Sir Philip Sidney in his information of King James reckons our Vessels that fish on the Coasts of Great Britain 3000 and every 20 Busses to maintain 8000 which will amount to 1200000. But this is incredible He must either be mistaken in the number of Ships or the proportion he alots them or both For upon diligent enquiry I cannot find half that number either of Ships or Men in some years last past If he mean of the three several seasons of fishing in Autumn for Herrings Spring for Cod-fish and Summer for Salmons we shall not contest with him nor concerning the number he says attends them viz. 9000 other Vessels and 150000 Men. It is sufficient for my present purpose that I shew that our Fishery is very considerable and the friendship of England for the same of far more consequence to us than that of France Guicciardine Descript generalis Belgii a very diligent Writer A. D. 1587 reckons the Herring-Busses that fish on the British Coasts at least 700 and some said many more and though he include Flanders yet not the other Fisheries as Rawleigh doth and doubtless of all the Maritime Provinces of this Republick which the Author of the Interest of Holland c. 5. erroniously appropriates to that Province alone through inadvertency that Foreigners frequently call all these United Provinces Hollanders that being the principal and all the Spanish yea formerly all the 17 by the name of Vlamens And not only so but tells us the Fishery is increased since a third part which I cannot credit not only in regard that the English but French and Flemish whom we used to supply for the greatest part now fish themselves Yea I rather think that since our Merchandise hath so much increased our Fishery hath decreased And what considerable profit redounds to us thereby appears by the computation which Guieciardine makes very particularly that those 700 Busses take annually 49000 Last of Herring which he reckons at 10 l. Vl. or 60. Guldens the Last which amounts yearly together with the other Fisheries to the following sums l Vlam Sterl Herrings 490000 or 294000 Cod-fish 166666â…“ or 100000 Salmon 66666â…“ or 40000 The usual reckoning of salt Fish that is yearly taken and either spent or sold by Hollanders if you will believe the Interest of Holland c. 5. is 300000 Last So that the families that are maintained the money that is gotten and food that is eaten from Fishing is almost incredible Now that it will be in Englands power and not in Frances to spoil us of this Fishery or at least the greatest part thereof I think no rational man will deny that considers the only fishing for Herring in these parts or perhaps in the whole World is upon the British Coast and most also for Cod-fish northward of Scotland and on the Dogger-sands and other places where they can easily interrupt us Those therefore that are so forward for France might do well to consider what they will do with all these families or how they shall be maintained when they are deprived of their Trades Other Arguments which might here be added I shall not now bring into open view but keep them as a Reserve in case our Adversaries should rally and make head against us having sufficiently rooted them we think by these five wherewith we have already fought them But yet there remain some advantages under England which we cannot expect under France some of them more general for the Republick and othersome more particular for Provinces and Persons In the handling whereof we shall desire to use now that we are got within our enemy the short and pungent dagger of Demosthenes rather than Cicero's long sworded eloquence Advantages under England not to be expected under France 1. By being under England we retain and encrease our friendship with the Empire German Princes and free Cities which are not jealous of Englands affecting the Imperial Crown as they are of France and therefore will not prejudice us under the former as they will certainly in a little time under the latter Nay I doubt not but were we under England they would take courage and generally appear against France So that we should hereby greatly promote the common Interest of Europe 2. Under England we might have the freedom of the West-Indie Trade which would be of great profit to us many ways Now how great a share England hath in the West-Indies and how small and inconsiderable France is well known These having only the Island Terre Neuf for fishing and some of the most Northerly Continent unpeopled not cultivated and improfitable as may be seen in de Laet Descript Ind. occid L. 2. by those that know it not part of St. Christophors and some other places of small concernment in comparison to what the English profitably possess 3. By being under England we might share at least with the English those Plantations we have in the W. Indies Holland in their New Netherland and Zeeland in Surinam c. Which would be of eminent advantage for Colonies either there or to be sent thither besides the profit we might have from those Plantations as Zeeland or some at least therein even in these first years and beginning thereof have pretty well experienced and know how greatly it is further improvable Now what a singular benefit it is for a full and populous Common-wealth now and then like the sedulous Bees to cast a swarm of their poorest and most laborious people is apparent from the Histories of all Ages And though I confess the Dutch are not so good Planters as the English being more used to the Water and the other to Land yet in regard all those Plantations are upon the Sea Coasts and Rivers the Dutch might be used for building of Ships or Boats Houses c. and especially for fishing carrying and recarrying goods by Water on the Rivers and to and from the Ships and in navigation and the English for planting and working in the ground and so in mine opinion would make an excellent temperament and very profitable for both Nations 4. Expences might be saved in several
Conveys and particularly of the East India Companies I know very well they will have them return round about on the back of Ireland lest they should touch at any of these Northern places especially in the Chanel and so Trade and will send out Ships with fresh men and take out the Mariners that return to prevent their trading for themselves but yet the extraordinary Charges of our men of War might be spared Nay the States General bring in these to be diducted in the Accompt with England as the occasion thereof in their List of damages Article the 5. before the last War A. D. 1664. 5. Such as are Rich and weary of Trade or love their ease honour or pleasure may if we were under England more easily remove thither and be made liege subjects and free Denizens of England by the Crown or be naturalized by the Parliament and so buy possess and inherit Lands and revenues at half the price here and live upon their Rents as Country Gentlemen in a cheap and pleasant Land enjoying as great civil Liberty as any where in Christendom and also the freedom of their Religion Or let out their money not only at far greater interest but also upon bypothece or real security I have often thought this 20 years whether it might not be better for England to give this Liberty by Law to strangers especially those of the Reformed Religion and of these Countries and of which side the interest lay betwixt us for this Now that England hath so many and great Plantations in the West Indies for their poorer people now that money is so plentiful now that this Common-wealth was so increased upon them now that the Number of Merchants is every where so multiplied and now that Trade is beaten so low almost in all the known parts of the World But this would be both a large and unnecessary digression and I am very sensible that I have been already too long in this Argument Yet industriously I confess because I foresee that many will diligently peruse this who perhaps will negligently pass by the rest and mine Opposites so much glorying herein I thought best to give them full measure and rather abound to curiositie than be deficient in satisfying the least nicity Trade being the Crown of that Kingdom and this Common wealth Sect. 8. Several other Arguments and enducements to incline us rather for England briefly mentioned With an inference from the whole preceding discourse that the friendship of England is to be prefered before that of France ALthough what is said of Religion Liberty Estates and Trade be sufficient to prove this hypothetical problem yet I shall give as over measure some other enducements for England briefly 1. The different humor and genious of the French and Dutch which is well known to those that know them both to be far greater than between us and the English Which makes not only a stâ—angâ—ness but alienation of affection begets a disgust and nauseating of each other brings forth many contests and quarrels and nourishes a continual discontent uneasiness and unquietness of life 2. The affection which the generallity of the English and Dutch Nation have for each other So that if the Controversies of late years and at this present between us had been or were refered to the body of the people in both Nations although I well know what both their Representatives have done I dare say upon reasonable satisfaction for the mutual miscarriages which cannot but some times happen towards each other there never had been nor would be War betwixt us more And that his Majesty and the Prince of Orange would have more Voluntiers in one day to fight the French than they have in twenty to fight each other 3. The way of France is only Gentry and Paisantry the former lording it over the latter which have allways lived more miserably than any common people in Europe In Caesars time there was nibil plebe contemptius as he tells us and hath continued so as Bodin acknowledges and is so at this day we all know C. 1. C. 10. Whereas in England and these Countries there is a middle sort of people that live freely and independently on their own Lands and Farmes that will never endure the insolency of such Lords much less to be their slaves and least of all to be ruined by them 4. Now that the Prince of Orange is advanced and his party upmost so that the Crown of England may confide more in our friendship it is not to be doubted but through his Highness interest in his Uncles we shall better accord hereafter when these unhappy differences are once ended And thus I have done with this great Question of the times Sufficiently I thinke to satisfie any rational man though nothing is sufficient nor will satisfie I know such as are either so resolvedly prejudiced against the English or Princes interest that if they can but ruin them they matter not though they ruin both themselves and the Nation or so partially passionate for the French that they desire them though it be to their own destruction For all the Arguments in the World will never prevail against passion and prejudice It is only experience that can convince such of their error and make them with Damocles when the drawn Sword is over them desire to depart finding they were deceived in their opinion of Happiness I shall therefore conclude with a brief reflection upon some of these Arguments and the Corollary which naturally flows from them That seeing England and We are of the same Religion Both free people and affectionated to each other Both imbarqued in the same Interest of Trade though in different bottoms It not only becomes us but is our mutual concernment that we take heed we dash not one another to pieces but fairly and Christianly comply with each other for the safeguard of our Religion preservation of the Protestant Interest our own and others also Liberties and the just and equitable course of Commerce that so each Nation may happily enjoy their Religion Liberty Estates and Trade with Gods blessing on them all Sect. 9. That we are not yet come to that extremity but we may still remain a Republick in regard of our own strength and our neighbours interest Englands especially that they had better lose Scotland or Ireland than let the French have these Provinces This War a Game at Hazard Being engaged will go through and Parliament probably assist therein WE have hitherto discoursed upon the supposal of inability to defend our selves because it becomes wise men always to suppose the worst condition that may probably befall them with the consequences thereof and accordingly to make provision and in regard of the endless curiosity of mens minds which are always restless under miseries and still inquisitive after futurities We shall now proceed to shew that we are not yet through Gods mercy towards us come to the extremity supposed nor reduced to
Treasuries are exhausted in several places it is no wonder Yet if we consider the Riches of particular persons we have enough to hold out the War to weary our enemies out at the last as must as they do us at the present I will not now stand to shew the calculation of this though if necessary I think I can do it satisfactorily comprehending the disadvantages our enemies are under But the late Project printed so often of the Capitals of this Country for raising and maintaining so numerous an Army though the manner prescribed prove not practicable hath in part spared my pains herein And for food our Cities are generally so well furnished that if our enemies steal not supplies from us it is well we need neither seek to them nor fight with them for supplying our selves We have Bread Corn Fish and Oyl Butter and Cheese in abundance And if our liquorish Dames want their delicacies a while no great matter they will value peace and pay their Souldiers the better Now what can be added for the sufficient defence of any Nation to the particulars mentioned I cannot imagin and if my enumeration be insufficient I wish any wise man would shew wherein and then I shall thank them And therefore let us take courage to our selves and not be frighted with vain fears or scared with any vanting bravadoes like that great Rhodomontadoe of the grand Turk who when he heard of the long War such a great Prince as Spain made about this small Country said that before he would have kept such a pottering about a few petty Provinces he would have taken them and hurled them into the Sea at once though his successor kept no small pottering about the single City of Candia many years together to which some of our Cities all things considered seem not much inferior for strength although I well know what a difference there is betwixt the defence of one City alone without a Country and many at once contained therein But though this internal strength be so considerable and with us of greatest consequence yet this is not all we have also an external and accidental strength by the Interest of our Neighbours For this end it must be well considered that some Countries and Cities of small strength comparatively in themselves are yet very strong by their situation among and well secured by the Interest of other circumjacent Princes and States who will not suffer if they can possibly prevent it accession of strength to one another lest their own scale in the ballance of powers should become light and soon born down What is it but this under the shadow of the Almighties Protection that secures the smaller Republicks in Italy and the Empire What Geneva Stratsburg Colen Hamburg and the rest of the free Cities and Hans Towns but this God governing the World usually as both Comines and Cardan well observe by the passions of men in the ballancing of Powers that when any one will break out into rage and Wars others will oppose them with the like fury and so keep the World a little quiet otherwise the great Nimrods and hunters after Dominion would soon if let alone destroy and devour all before them Now if we look about us and see amongst whom our Land lies and well consider their interest this will be very apparent in our selves notwithstanding this War that is made against us that we are not devoted by any to destruction but only the French as I shall shew hereafter For Spain our next Neighbours on one hand in the rest of the Provinces they know this so well and are so sensible of their interest herein that they not only assist us what they can but I dare say were it not for England would rather break with France than see us endangered But those two Crowns as I have already hinted and shall more fully shew heareafter must not and therefore will not break For the Empire above us they also are frighted with our fears and if the Princes thereof had money to their might would willingly I doubt not assist the Emperor lest the Lillies of France should mount above the Roman Eagle In the year 15â—4 when the States upon the death of Prince William were a looking towards France for Protection the Princes of the Empire sent Malroy to admonish them ut à consilio Gallici patrocinii implorandi desisterent alioqui fore ut Germani Principes tantam domui Austriacae origine foedere arctis adeo cum Imperio vinculis conjunctae factam injuriam non negligant as Thuanus tells us l. 80. And if they were then jealous of France what shall we think they are now And if then zealous for the concernments of Spain shall we think they will now be wholly negligent both of theirs and their own And France to be sure will never see us entirely English for so he knows he should never be able to ballance Englands power at Sea which he doubtless both hopes and aims at by the accession of strength from these Netherlands Nor England suffer us if they can hinder it to be wholly French for this they know would clearly tend in a little time to their destruction This very Reason of State moved Q. Elizabeth at first to support us against Spain rather than to have us fall into the Arms of France by their becoming our Protectors Which that wise Historian Thuanus faithfully relates in several places A. 1575. she told Campaniach ne molestè ferat Philippus si ipsa securitatis suae causa Hollandiae Zelandiae patrocinium suscipiat antequam Galli perpetui Anglorum hostes cis potiantur L. 60. A. 1576. Elisabeth a verita ne aliorum ope destituti Belgae ex desperatione foedus nobiscum jecerent sique res suas Francis committerent eos pecunia adjuvit c. L. 26. A. 1577. she excuses her defence of us to Philip the 2. with this very Reason ne Belgae ex desperatione pernicio sum non solum sibi sid vicinis consilium caperent externi Principis patrocinio salute commissa Meaning the French L. 64. And A. 1584. shews the emulation between the French and English herein Ipsi sibi invicem suspecti erant Nam Rex veterem hostem Belgii accessione Galliae imminentem reformidabat Angli nostros Belgi-potentes minus aequos foederi quod Angliae cum Burgundica domo intercedit atque adeo commercio futuros verebantur L. 80. And is angry with the Ministers of State in France for neglecting this singular occasion of enlarging their Empire by taking these Provinces into the French protection And to say the truth this was the greatest error in Policy by way of omission and that of Charles the 8. concerning the Kingdom of Naples of commission that I think the Crown of France was ever guilty of And indeed there were many of the English Nation that judged it one of the greatest oversights that that wise Princess ever made not to take
absolute and govern only by an Army like the French Kings by an Army of French men is so ridiculous that I thought it not worthy of consideration Can any man in his wits imagine his Majesty of England so senseless as to give his Crown and Kingdoms to the French King For that is all one with this in effect As for that of Revenge either for Chattam or the affronts mentioned in his Declaration of this War or both I considered his Temper which hath so much Clemency that it rather inclines him to lenity than cruelty and revenge As is abundantly apparent not only by passing but even forcing as I know he did against some adicted to the latter extreme the Act of Indemnity or Oblivion for those many and great injuries he had suffered from his Subjects And his government since in conniving at the violation of such Laws as are thought severe in matters of Religion and indulging liberty therein which hath made some that have sufficiently heretofore cried up Parliaments now run into the other extreme and cry them down as fast and instead of the Parliaments formerly now magnifie the Kings favour and Clemency And yet Kings and Princes are men and men subject to like passions with others liable to suggestions from those about them and tender of their honour as the apple of their eye And therefore I will grant this might come in consideration but not so much I dare say as alone to make a War For the Prince of Orange there was not only near Relation and Affection but Interest also to be considered For the Lovesteyns party having been so cross to England upon his account and the correspondent friendship between us so uncertain without his Headship I verily believe that if what is now done therein had been done timously it had wholly prevented this unhappy War Yea besides the extraordinary affection which the people have for the Prince our very Bores had this Policy and were more than ordinary zealous for his promotion as the best means to procure their peace As to the further interest of the Kingdom of England in regard of their Trade and Naval expences I have expressed my thoughts before in the Preface It is true this War was always intricate and hath proved a Game at Hazard for England beyond not only theirs I believe but all the worlds expectation But yet if it be still notwithstanding cautiously played as they may and so far as I can possibly discern mean to play it they can many ways come to save their stakes at the least if not to win more than we imagine by the War and was far fairer at first than France for winning by the game in all humane appearance as I could manifest by many Arguments But because that concerns them two only and us not at all further than our sufferings I shall wave them at least for the present and proceed For I will not hearken to the curious enquiries of those who would here be asking how I think England will play their game for that let them look to it whom it concerns on all sides as doubtless they will for me to express my private thoughts might do more hurt than good which is the only thing I aim at and what I think the issue will be I shall declare hereafter in my Conjectures But here it will be asked seeing it is Englands interest that we fall not into the hands of France and that the Prince is now promoted will they not make peace with us this Winter I must needs say I fear they will not except we should give them such terms as I see we shall not we thinking our condition far better and they thinking it far worse than really it is For the cause of this as of most Wars is complex as I have shewn so that though two of those I assigned may be past yet the 3d of the Kingdoms interest not They are already too far ingaged in the War and with France The Kings Honour is at the stake and the Kingdoms expectation of another issae than the last War And besides all these how can any wise man imagine now that they are engaged with France and have an advantage against us as well as a Hazard from France that if they know how to secure themselves against the latter as I suppose they do they will let go the former For we must needs think they will be at a certainty on one side or the other and not part with France's friendship till they be sure of our satisfaction What it is they demand or how rightly is not now our design to discourse but only matter of Interest all along And yet I can easily foresee that the danger of our becoming French will be a singular advantage to us as an inducement to them for a more easie compliance with us But at present I see no probability of Peace but that they will go through with the War or continue it so long till they have tryed their utmost to obtain their ends I know there are many wise men amongst us that think the King cannot carry on this War as there was that thought he could not begin it The former they find themselves deceived in and will be so in the latter also I have discoursed this with several in Government who argue that the King hath not money of himself to go through with the War and that he will not convene the Parliament or if he do they will not supply him I grant the first but deny the others For if we rightly consider their defign the Parliament must meet and the representation that will be made thereof and the constitution of the Parliament they will grant him supplies though perhaps not with that facility that they did it with in the former War And therefore let us neither flatter nor deceive our selves with vain hopes herein but rather seek timely to accommodate differences before their preparations in the Spring for I fear the longer we delay and the worse it will be with us Sect. 10. Compliance with England the only means of the Common-wealths continuation HAving thus declared the condition that we are in and that there is no probability of peace we come now to shew the consequences thereof and what is to be done by us to preserve our selves from ruine and destruction And here to my understanding one of these three things must necessarily follow That we must either continue the War against them both or comply with them both or with one of them alone if possibly we can We shall first declare our thoughts concerning these briefly and then shew with which we both may and must comply 1. Then whether we should continue the War against them both And herein would we do as we might and should it may be this were better than to comply with either of them especially if they will impose upon us unreasonable conditions and much better than to comply with them
we cannot discerne as Christ tells them the signes of the times Can all Europe allmost be arming and we a sleepe in the Bed of Security dreaming of Peace Besides the incredible preparations of France is not England Sweadland and all our Neighbors allmost up and at worke and can we thinke they would be at that cost for a Comedy of Peace have we not all the reason in the World to thinke it will be to us a Tragedy of War Let others enjoy their opinion and not take the alarme till they see Hanibal ad portas for my part I must needs profes I cannot from what I observe but conclude that the affaires of the ensuing Summer are like to be great and the motions thereof quick and such as will highly concerne us in these Countreys As to this Republick which hath at this time these four declared Enimies England France Colen and Munster I shall briefly speake my thoughts with reference to them all England probably will get a bridle to curb us I have shewne in the Preface what they account the Intrest of the Kingdome We see notwithstanding the Prince of Orange his promotion they still pursue the War and must we not then conclude that they seeke some thing further Whether they will by Sea attacque our Coasts or by marching their Armie about over Land is not for me to determine much les what particular places below they may fall upon or what succes they may have Yet I conclude they will have some hanke or other upon our Navall power one way or other before they make Peace with us otherwise they will continue the War the following Summer to try their utmost to get that which we will not give them France that is allready got into the Sadle will there sit and ride us though we flatter our selves we shall by one means or other shake him out of it and off our backs Truly I cannot but wonder often times to heare what vaine hopes men expres and there 's no contradicting them allthough some times I cannot conteine my selfe from smiling or shakeing my head that France must be content with one or two of our Cities which we can best spare and with a confidence allmost as large as if they was ready to run way or resolved to march out and quit those Cities they have at our pleasure As if the French were such sooles to be at that vast expence great paines even the King himselfe personally and have such advantage upon us and quit the same for a thing of nothing For my part I am affraid they will rather get more then lose that they have gotten already And I know their designe is to get all at last It is true if we comply with England and so strengthen our selves by them and Spaine we may thereby hope either to obteine better conditions by Treaty or compel them thereunto by Force But I am speaking of the state of the War as now it stands Colen that pretends to some of those Cities which we held about the Rhyne that are now in the power and possession of the French may possibly for his paines and permission of their passage c. get some supernumerary girth one place or other that may be of no great concernment to France either for their designes upon us or the Empire and must be contented therewith And perhaps for some time his Counsellors may have their Pensions continued from France Munster that is mercinary and fights for Money will get a bos off the crupper French Lewis's made and minted of Dutch Ducats For elective Princes as Bishops that are onely for life seek more to enrich themselves then to enlarge their Territories as those doe that are hereditary And this is likely so far as I can see to prove our condition except 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appeare in the Tragedy or God Almighty by some wonderfull providence make a change in the Scene of this War Which I confess is very deplorable which way soever we look and we are not so sensible of it now as we shall be hereafter I had thought here to have sit downe a little with a lamentation but I have been so large already that I shall wholly wave it for the present And yet it is a had wind that blows no good we may make this advantage of our miseries so long as we remain amidst our enimies when a Peace is once concluded that we may hold them both fair to us and so secure our selves a little more in quiet then we perhaps think by being ready to close with either to the great prejudice of the other And therefore let me freely insert this important and necessary Caution for England That they take heed they do not overdo their work and so far irritate this Republick that out of a present prejudice and passion and also desperation of their future quietness from them they call in the French to be revenged of them though it be to their own ruine I know many are jealous that this whole War is onely to make the Prince of Orange a Monarch and the two Crowns will have no more to do with the States although I profess I am far from thinking that those two Kings and Kingdoms would be at all this expence of blood and treasure for that end onely and doe believe that if that would set us in our former condition it would soone be assented unto not onely by the multitude but the wiseft men amongst us who know the extraordinary abilities and great capacities of his Highness Therefore let me say it freely without offence either of Him or his Enimies that I perceive many lay this for a fundamental maxim Better a Prince that hath power to defend us then one whom we must onely defend And except my eye-sight fail me some are fast at work in preparing materials to build thereon A word is enough to the wise and therefore I will say no more Nay I will not dissemble my further fears That if France keeps those places on the South Sea and should get others lower either in Holland or Frieslands as may capacitate him to incommodate their Trade though we should have a peace for some time with him we shall fall into his hands at last For the French are already so near us on every side that they hover over us as a Hawk over the grey watching onely an opportunity how they may grasp us in their talons If any shall here aske me Why may we not then as well now become French I also shall aske such one Question which when they satisfie me in I also shall them You know certainly you must die at last whereas here is onely uncertaine fears and yet when you are sick why do you take physick and use means for recovery Is it not because you desire to live as long as you can Doe you not account him a mad man that will cast away his life although he must lose it at