IT is with a great deal of Satisfaction that I meet you here to day, there being such a Union Established be­tween Me and the Gentlemen, as well as other Inhabi­tants of this Island, as surpasses that of our Predecessors, and will be a just cause of Emulation to those that shall come after us; which is to be attributed to the Blessing of God, and the Serene and Auspicious Reign of King WILLIAM. I may say it with Justice, and therefore I ought to say it, no Prince that hath sate upon the English Throne hath been more Successful, and no Prince ever used his Successes with greater Moderation.

I have done every thing that is fit for me to do, to settle Matters upon a lasting Foundation of Peace and Unity with­in this Island; I have examin'd Records and Living Wit­nesses, I have advised with some of His Majesties most Ho­nourable Privy Council, with several of the most Experienced and Knowing Members of the Late Parliament, as well as with the prudentest and most considerable Persons here in the Country; and upon this Advice and Mature Deliberation I have endeavour'd to redress all Abuses, that either by Violence or any other Methods have been introduced, and I have put all His Majesties Subjects of the Isle of Wight upon the same Bottom, upon which His Majesty has been graciously pleased to put the rest of England, in which my Duty and not any private Interest has been my Motive and Direction. And I am sure in this I have done that which will be pleasing to the King my Master, who has done me the Honour to commit to me the Care of this Island.

To these endeavours of mine I must confess I have met [Page]with suitable Returns from all the Gentlemen, in the greatest Marks of Respect and Affection that are possible, accompanied with the deepest Expressions of Duty and Loyalty to His Majesty; and if some Discontents and Animosities (which have lately happen'd in Your Corporation) were removed; I could say, to the great Reputation of this Island, that (as to the Concerns of the Publick) we were all of one Mind, and in Peace and Unity within our selves.

I shall not intermeddle (however) with any Differences that have happen'd about the Affairs of your Corporation (though I have heard something of it;) But thus much I am obliged to say, not only as your Governour, but as a Christian, and an English Man, that every good Man, and every honest Man, should have his Eyes upon such Persons (if any such should be found) as Sacrifice the Affairs of the Publick to their own private Interest or Passions, or as love Contention for Con­tention's sake, such Persons whenever their Party grows to any strength are more dangerous than publick Enemies.

Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,

There is one thing which I do most earnestly recommend to your serious consideration and diligent care, and that is the suppressing (as much as possibly you can) Profaness and Im­morality. The unspeakable Disorders and Extravagancies of this Age, and the Impudence with which Men of ill Principles do every day attack the very Foundation of our Religion, have made the KING think it necessary to recommend these mat­ters from the Throne to the great Council of the Nation His Parliament; The Parliament have expressed their Sense of it in an Humble Address to His Majesty, and by passing an Act Pursuant thereunto; and 'tis indispensibly your Duty to God and Man, to your King and Country (and of every Member of your Corporation) to be Serious, Vigilant, and Active, on this Occa­sion. It will be no new thing to tell you (and therefore I only put you in mind of it) that the Accounts of all Histories, as well as the Experience of all Mankind, agree in the Confirming of this Truth; that Religion and Virtue promote the Happiness and Reputation of every Body-polltick, and that Irreligion and Debauchery are the Causes of their Misfortune and Disgrace. Let us make use of our Authority; and (every one of us) add the force of our own Example to it; and I pray God inable me al­ways to shew you the way.