An History of England (Volume 2); In a Series of Letters from a Nobleman to His Son (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1786. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... heim; Bavaria and Cologne were the fruits of the one, and all Brabant was gained by the other. The French troops were dispirited, and the city of Paris overwhelmed with consternation. Lewis XIV. who had long been flattered with conquest, was now humbled to such a degree as almost to excite the compassion of his enemies: he intreated for peace, but in vain; the allies carried all before them, and his very capital dreaded the approach of the conquerors. What neither his power, his armies, nor his politics, could effect, a party in England performed; and the dissension between the whigs and the tories saved the dominions of France, . that now seemed ready for ruin. LETTER L. OUEEN Anne's councils-had hitherto been governed by a whig ministry; they .still pursued the schemes of the late king, and, upon republican principles, strove to diffuse freedom throughout Europe. In a government, were the reasoning of individuals, retired from power, generally leads those who command, the designs of the ministry must change, as the people happen to alter. The queen's personal virtues, her successes, her adulation from the throne, contributed all to change the disposition of the nation; they.now began to defend hereditary succession, non resistance, and divine right; they were now become tories, and were ready to convert the designs of a. whig ministry, whenever a leader offered-to conduct them . to the charge. These discontents were* .in some measure, increased by a meditated union between the two kingdoms-doms of England and Scotland. The treaty for this purpose was chiefly managed by the ministry; and although it was fraught with numberless benesits to either kingdom, yet it raised the murmurs of both. The English expected nothing from the union of so poor a nation, but a ...