ABSTRACT
Charles's gravity and depth of religious commitment were qualities that his subjects rated highly. He therefore had good reason to expect a harmonious meeting with Parliament, especially since he had co-operated with the leaders of both Houses in 1624 by bringing pressure to bear on his father to break off negotiations with Spain. Now that James had been removed from the scene, war against Spain seemed inevitable, and Charles reminded the members of his first Parliament, which assembled in June 1625, that although he came into this business willingly, freely, like a young man it was by his entreaties, his engagements. He called on them now to honour their promises, and to remember that this being my first action, and begun by his advice, and entreaty, what a great dishonour it were, both to him and them, if this action, so begun, should fail for that assistance are able to give him.
