House of Commons Journal Volume 10: 18 February 1689

Lunæ, 18 die Februarii;

°1 Willielmi & Mariæ, Anno Domini 1688-9.

Prayers.

Answer to Address.

MR. Hamden acquaints the House, That, according to their Order, his Majesty, having been attended by such Members of the House as are of the Privy Council, with the Thanks of the House for their Majesty's gracious Answer, upon presenting the Declaration of both Houses in the Banqueting House, His Majesty was pleased to say, "That he was very glad that what he had done had given Satisfaction to the House; and did assure them, that he should be always ready to do what was for the good of the Kingdom."

Message to attend the King.

A Message from his Majesty, by Sir Tho. Duppa, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod;

Mr. Speaker,

The King commands this honourable House to attend him immediately, in the House of Peers.

And accordingly Mr. Speaker, with the House, went up to attend his Majesty.

The House being returned;

The King's Speech reported.

Mr. Speaker acquaints the House, that his Majesty was pleased to speak to the Purpose following:

My Lords and Gentlemen,

I HAVE lately told you how sensible I am of your Kindness, and how much I value the confidence you have reposed in me.

And I am come hither to assure you, That I shall never do any thing that may justly lessen your good Opinion of Me.

I think it necessary to acquaint you, That the Condition of our Allies abroad, and particularly that of Holland, is such, that, unless some speedy Care be taken of them, they will run a greater Hazard than you would have them exposed to.

You yourselves must be sensible, That the Posture of Affairs here require your serious Consideration; and that a good Settlement at Home is necessary, not only for our own Peace, but for the Support of the Protestant Interest both Here and Abroad:

And, particularly, the State of Ireland is such, That the Dangers are grown too great to be obviated by any slow Methods.

I must leave it to you to consider of the most effectual Ways of preventing the Inconveniencies which may arise by Delays; and to judge what Forms may be most proper to bring those things to pass, for the Good of the Nation, which I am confident are in all your Minds; and which I, on My Part, shall always be ready to promote.

Thanks for Speech.

Resolved, Nemine contradicente, That the humble Thanks of this House be returned to his Majesty, by such Members thereof, as are of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, for his gracious Speech this Day made to both Houses.

King's Speech to be considered.

Resolved, That this House will To-morrow Morning, at Ten of the Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to take into Consideration his Majesty's gracious Speech this Day made to both Houses.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Sir Wm. Cook of Norfolke, have Leave to go into the Country, for his Health.

And then the House adjourned till To-morrow Morning, Nine of the Clock.