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INTERESTS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 377different to their fate. This, then, was one reason for interference. The second regarded the religiousinterests whichthey had in common. The struggle which was here beginning, was one against religious tyrannyif the Protestant;creed was victorious in the Netherlands, its maintenance inGermany and England was also secured but in both;countries this was more than doubtful, if Spain succeededin stiflingit there. The third reason was, that the loss ofthe Netherlands would be a blow to the Spanish power,which must eventually prove fatal to it,and insure successto England in the rivalry which had now commenced.For these reasons Elizabeth took a share in the Flemishdisturbances ;and this share was advantageous not only toher, but to the nation. She did not do more however thangive them scanty subsidies, and permit her subjects to serveas volunteers in their army. She wished, as it appears,, toavoid, if possible, a war with Spain ; and she well knew,that the scanty assistance she gave, was best calculated todevelope their powers, and thus to obtain her principal object.It w r as only in 1585, that she made a formal treaty withthem, by which, in consideration of the money which shehad advanced, and the troops which she supplied, three oftheir ports were pledged to her, and a place in the councilof war, then existing, was promised to her ambassador ;atthe same time, however, she declined the proffered sovereignty over these provinces. These and other well-knowncircumstances led to a formal quarrel with Spain, and theinterests of England and the Netherlands, in respect to thispower, became inseparably united. The destruction of theinvincible armada (1588) freed Englandat once from allapprehension of the Spanish power and now Elizabeth had;no longer any wish to put a stop to a war, the circumstancesof which were favourable not only to the security, but alsoto the greatness of her empire.If we consider the whole conduct of Elizabeth towardsthe Netherlands, we shall plainly discover what her intentions were. That this infant state, just liberating itself fromthraldom, would advance with such giganticstrides towardsthe greatness which awaited it : that it would not only outstrip Spain, but, by engrossing the commerce of the world,w r ould even surpass England itself, and obligethat state to