The Advocate had ceaselessly been sounding the alarm in Germany.  For the Protestant Union, fascinated, as it were, by the threatening look of the Catholic League, seemed relapsing into a drowse.

“I believe,” he said to one of his agents in that country, “that the Evangelical electors and princes and the other estates are not alive to the danger.  I am sure that it is not apprehended in Great Britain.  France is threatened with troubles.  These are the means to subjugate the religion, the laws and liberties of Germany.  Without an army the troops now on foot in Italy cannot be kept out of Germany.  Yet we do not hear that the Evangelicals are making provision of troops, money, or any other necessaries.  In this country we have about one hundred places occupied with our troops, among whom are many who could destroy a whole army.  But the maintenance of these places prevents our being very strong in the field, especially outside our frontiers.  But if in all Germany there be many places held by the Evangelicals which would disperse a great army is very doubtful.  Keep a watchful eye.  Economy is a good thing, but the protection of a country and its inhabitants must be laid to heart.  Watch well if against these Provinces, and against Bohemia, Austria, and other as it is pretended rebellious states, these plans are not directed.  Look out for the movements of the Italian and Bavarian troops against Germany.  You see how they are nursing the troubles and misunderstandings in France, and turning them to account.”

He instructed the new ambassador in Paris to urge upon the French government the absolute necessity of punctuality in furnishing the payment of their contingent in the Netherlands according to convention.  The States of Holland themselves had advanced the money during three years’ past, but this anticipation was becoming very onerous.  It was necessary to pay the troops every month regularly, but the funds from Paris were always in arrear.  England contributed about one-half as much in subsidy, but these moneys went in paying the garrisons of Brielle, Flushing, and Rammekens, fortresses pledged to that crown.  The Ambassador was shrewdly told not to enlarge on the special employment of the English funds while holding up to the Queen’s government that she was not the only potentate who helped bear burthens for the Provinces, and insisted on a continuation of this aid.  “Remember and let them remember,” said the Advocate, “that the reforms which they are pretending to make there by relieving the subjects of contributions tends to enervate the royal authority and dignity both within and without, to diminish its lustre and reputation, and in sum to make the King unable to gratify and assist his subjects, friends, and allies.  Make them understand that the taxation in these Provinces is ten times higher than there, and that My Lords the States hitherto by the grace of God and good administration have contrived to maintain