nto a defensive
alliance with the French king, and the king of Prussia, to which several
other powers, and particularly the Dutch, have been invited to accede,
and I have not the least reason to doubt of their concurrence. This
treaty shall, in a short time, be laid before you.

"By these means, and by your support and assistance, I trust in God, I
shall be able not only to secure to my own subjects the enjoyment of
many valuable rights and privileges, long since acquired for them by the
most solemn treaties, but effectually to preserve the peace and balance
of Europe, the only view and end of all my endeavours.

"It is not to be doubted, but the enemies to my government will conceive
hopes, that some favourable opportunity for renewing their attempts may
offer, from the prospect of new troubles and commotions: they are
already very busy by their instruments and emissaries in those courts
whose measures seem most to favour their purposes, in soliciting and
promoting the cause of the pretender; but I persuade myself,
notwithstanding the countenance and encouragement they may have
received, or flatter themselves with, the provision you shall make for
the safety and defence of the empire, will effectually secure me from
any attempts from abroad, and render all such projects vain and
abortive.

"When the world shall see that you will not suffer the British crown and
nation to be menaced and insulted, those who most envy the present
happiness and tranquillity of this empire, and are endeavouring to make
us subservient to their ambition, will consider their own interest and
circumstances before they make any attempt upon so brave a people,
strengthened and supported by prudent and powerful alliances, and though
desirous to preserve the peace, able and ready to defend themselves
against the efforts of all aggressors. Such resolutions and such
measures, timely taken, I am satisfied, are the most effectual means of
preventing a war, and continuing to us the blessings of peace and
prosperity."

Who would not have been terrified, my lords, at a treaty like this? Our
religion was to be destroyed, our government subverted, and our trade
reduced to nothing. What could a ministry, thus intimidated, do, but
resign themselves implicitly to the direction of a kind neighbour, that
promised to shelter them from the storm?

There have been ministers, my lords, in former times, who, upon hearing
such a representation, would have consid