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ER majesty the queen of Great Britain and the lords the States-general of the United Provinces, having considered how much it concerns the quiet and security of their kingdoms and states, and the publick tranquillity, to maintain and to secure on one side, the succession to the crown of Great Britain in such manner as it is now established by the laws of the kingdom; and on the other side, that the States-general of the United Provinces should have a strong and sufficient barrier against France and others who would surprise or attack them: and her majesty and the said States-general apprehending with just reason the troubles and the mischiefs which may happen in relation to this succession, if at any time there should be any person, or any power, who should call it in question; and that the countries and states of the said lords the States-general were not furnished with such a barrier. For these said reasons her said majesty the queen of Great Britain, although in the vigour of her age, and enjoying perfect health (in which may God preserve her many years) out of an effect of her usual prudence and piety, has thought fit to enter with the lords the States-general of the United Provinces into a particular alliance and confederacy; the principal end and only aim of which shall be the publick quiet and tranquillity; and to prevent, by measures taken in time, all the events which might one day excite new wars. It is with this view, that her British majesty has