I Acknowledge your extraordinary Re­spects in Chusing Me to Serve You in the Highest Station of your Govern­ment.

I am very sensible of my own Un­fitness for so great an Employment, and could have much rather chose a Retirement; but since you will have it so, I shall, by God's Assistance, apply My self to the Work you have called Me.

And for the carrying of it on, I will take the best Advice and Direction of my Honoured Brethren of the Court of Aldermen; and, on every emergent Occasion, call in the Assistance of your Representatives, the Com­mon-Councel.

And, Gentlemen, I desire your most Free Access unto me at all times: For what By-Laws you will have Made, or Repeal'd, I will readily call a Common-Council, as oft as you shall desire.

One thing I must beg of you, That as I shall always Design and Endeavour nothing but the Publick Good, so let my Actions receive a Favourable Construction; and think me not so unworthy as to employ the Power and Trust you have invested in me, to your Prejudice.

I shall be ambitious to follow my Worthy Predecessor in all the Good Ends of Government, though I despair of coming up to his Great Example.

If Emulation be Commendable upon any Account, it must certainly be upon so good a one, as doing the Best Service for the Greatest City in Europe, and for such Fellow-Citizens as have in the Worst of Times exposed Themselves to the Greatest Dangers for the Defence of their Religion and Liberties.

May the same Noble Principles still inspire you with a True Zeal for God, your King, and Country; and may the Glorious King William and Queen Mary always be Happy in the utmost of your Affections and Assistances, that the Tranquility of this City, and of the Nation in general may Flourish.