Discourses upon the modern affairs of Europe tending to prove that the illustrious French monarchy may be reduced to terms of greater moderation.

To this State.

1. The first argument is prudential. Prudence is that vertue, by which, when several things are offered, we are directed which to chuse, and which to refuse; what to do, and what not to do. Holland then must eiaher make a League with France, or with England, or remain Neuter.

To make a League with France is utterly imprudent, for these two reasons.

1. Because France aiming at and designing an Universal Monarchy, would only secure himself of them, till their own turn come, that is, till he hath swallowed up the Spanish Netherlands and Germany, when he would turn his Force upon them.

2. By such means they would lose the best and surest friend they have had from their Foundation of their State, and that is England. And where a State is not sufficient by its own proper force, in respect of the weakness of the same, or the mightiness of its Neighbours, to defend it self, it must of necessity rely some where els for protection.

To remain in a neutral condition cannot be. For so, instead of making one friend, they would make three enemies. And in case France should renew the war upon them, England would be won, upon such terms as France would offer, either to join with them, or to stand still, and see

Holland ruined. Besides how impolitic a thing neutrality is, any man may see that will consider the observations made there on. Mach. Prince cap. 21.

It remains then, and I know nothing els that remains, To make a League with England. For that will have one of two effects. Either France will be wholly deterred from attempting upon their State; or if he does they will be able with the assistance of England to defend themselves. This is the first Argument.

2. The authority and reputation of the Proposers; It is a League pro∣posed by the Parliament of England, to be entred into with the King and Kingdom of England. The Parliament represents the whole people of England, and commands both the parts and persons of a great, rich and valiant nation, from whom neither money nor souldiers will be want∣ing to beat down the power of that proud & insulting nation of France. But these people here are afraid of France, why then, let them make a league with those of whom France it self is afraid. And withal let them remember this League is to be made with a People, from whom they have received the greatest benefits, as I have shewed before. And this argument alone will beat down the most, if not all the objections that would arise against such a League, proposed in any other manner.

3. The great reputation and security such a League will give to this State, which will cover them as with wings of Protection against France, and whosoever else would prey upon them.

If I have not expressed these things so as I would, I have done it so well as I can in a short time. And so submitting it with all decent humi∣lity, to the grave Considerations of those excellent personages whom it may most concern, I leave it to its Fate.