The R-L Register, with Annotations by Another Hand (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1779. Excerpt: ... give his proceedings the colour of Justice; or make his power so irresistible, as to obtain, with ease, the end of his wisties. The spirit of military Glory, by disposing a Prince to engage in war upon every occasion, must be ruinous to his People; while, on the other hand, an absolute Hatred of war, which operates to base Submission and dilhonourale Treaty, is even more destructive of his Country's welfare. The Love of Pleasure is the neverfailing cause of dissipation, extravagance, bad example, and neglect of duty, in every situation and rank of life-, --it must, therefore, be of the worst consequence when it is the failing of a King, whose concerns Are so important, whose extravagance must be supplied by his People, and whose example is of the most extensive influence. A King who is ambitious, possessed of great talents, fond of military fame, or a lover of pleasure, may be a good King;--but such is the lamentable imperfection of Human Nature, that the chance is greatly against it.--There are not many examples of men in high stations who curb those passions, and stifle those wishes which they can indulge with impunity.--After all, of the different species of Monarchs which might be enumerated, the most eligible, taken in every light with the concomitant advantages and disadvantages, is that character which is known by the significant title of King Log. By this kind of Sovereign, I would not not be supposed to mean a dull, heavy, phlegmatic, stupid Prince, insensible of his own or his country's glory, --but one who possesses the sobriety of negative, rather than the ardor of positive Virtue; as will appear in the following character of him. King Loo does not possess the splendid but the sober Virtues;--his heart is susceptible of some degree of animation, ...