Oldalképek
PDF
ePub
[ocr errors]

lution; and founds a juft expectation that fuch profperity will be progreffive, as long as the foundness and vigour of the British conftitution are preferved."

The peace of Ryfwick, and the circumftances relating to it, are the fubjects of chapter XVII. After afligning the motives which cifpofed all parties to peace, Dr. S. points out the general alvantages which the Allies gained by the war, in checking the power of France, and the particular advantages acquired by England, in fecuring the throne to William. He next warmly controverts an accufation brought against that monarch for confenting, by a fecret article in the treaty, that after his death the fon of James fhould fucceed to the throne of England. This charge, which Mr. Macpherion fupports with a confiderable Thare of plausibility, and on which he eagerly declaims, as expoling the hypocrify, the ambition, and the treachery of William, our author examines with fcrupulous accuracy, and after a patient and full investigation, boldly and decidedly rejects as wholly void of foundation. Without entering into the merits of the queftion, we cannot withhoid from Dr. S. the praife of laborious refearch, and of clear and forcible reafoning. While he lays hold of every circumftance and inference, and fhews an ardour little short of enthusiaẩm, to refcue the memory of his patriotic hero from fuch injurious imputations, we admire his moderation in abstaining from every offentive expression. bufe and invective are common weapons in the hands of Mr. M. P's other antagonists. This adverfary is the more formidable, because he throws them away, and enters the lifts with no other armour but facts and arguments. Towards the clofe of this chapter there is a character of Burnet as an Historian, which, keeping at an equal distance from that given by his admirers, and that given by his opponents, may not be far from the truth.

A

The history, in the next chapter, reverts to the affairs of Scotland and Ireland. Thofe of the former kingdom are refumed from chapter X. which concludes with the fettlement of the crown on William and Mary; and thofe of the latter from the battle of the Boyne in chapter XII. The narrative is uniformly faithful, the principal facts are judiciously felected, and the reflections are liberal and maply. The violence of the Prefbyterians in Scotland, and the unfettled temper and tumultuary proceedings of that nation, are well defcribed. The declamation against bigotry (p. 470.) is the ebullition of an ardent and virtuous mind. The mafficre at Glenco, and the defertion and mifcarriage of the Scotch colony at Darien, are related with a happy fimplicity, which is calculated, more than the moft laboured eloquence, to arreft attention and excite horror and in lignation. The cenfure and the defence of the conditions granted on the furrender of Limerick are fairly ftated, and fatisfactory reafons are given for the tame fubmiflion of Ireland, at that time, to the government of England. The first Appendix fubjoined to this chapter contains an account of the original contitution of Prefbytery, and its claim to a jurifdiction independent on civil government; and a fhort detail alfo of the controverly

refpecting the law of patronage; all of which may be new a d amufing to the generality of English readers. The fecond Appendix is a

collection of facts relative to the maffacre at Glenco, which place the fervants of the crown' in Scotland, and efpecially lord Stair, in a very odious light, and leave a ftain on the memory of William or countenancing fo foul a deed.

After the peace of Ryfwick, the animofities of parties, which had been fufpended during the war, broke out afresh, obstructed the schemes of William, and disturbed the remainder of his reign. The vexatious meafures purfued by the commons in three feffions of two fucceeding parliaments, the changes in adminiftration, the intrigues of individuals, to undermine each other's influence, and their hoftile attacks to drive each other from power, occupy chapter XIX. The author fums up, very distinctly, the arguments for and against a standing army; indirectly condemns the narrow policy of deprefing and fecuring the dependence of Ireland; and animadverts, in pointed terms, on the fevere ftatutes enacted against Roman Catholics. He alfo takes occafion, without formally drawing a character of Lord Somers, to pay a very high and just compliment to his memory.

In point of interefting matter, and able compofition, chapter XX. may vie with any in the volume. The subjects of it are, the partition treaties, the circumstances which difpofed England to join in the grand alliance, and enter into a war with France, and other public transactions till the death of William. In no part of his work does Dr. Somerville difplay deeper penetration into humin character, more accurate refearch into historical facts and political motives, or more profound knowledge of the actual ftate of Europe, the true intereft of its various ftites, and the views of its different potentates. He has dexterously availed himself of every information to develope the caufes by which the jarring parties in England were brought to unite ia gratifying the fa→ vourite wifhes of the king; and he makes it evident to the immortal praife of William's fagacity and wife management, that He engaged them, by a prudent conduct, by degrees, and without their perceiving it *. (p. 542. note.)

To the fame general coincidence of caufes is to be afcribed the wife measure of enfuring a Proteftant fucceflion to the throne of Great Britain, by a new act of the legislature, entailing it on the house of Hanover. At the fame time there were certain particulars, according to our author, which more directly and immediately operated towards accomplishing that important event. An intercepted letter from lord Melfort, fecting forth the warlike preparations and ftrength of France, and the defenceless state of England, as peculiarly favourable to the restoration of James; the death, firft of the Juke of Gloucefter, and next, of the abdicated king and the ac

[blocks in formation]
[ocr errors]

knowledgment of his fon as king of England by France and Spain, are reprefented as concurring to fpread general alarm and indignation among all ranks and parties.

"To thefe circumftances and impreffions," adds the doctor, "we trace that political fyftem, which, more or lef, regulated the meafures of every party and of every adminiftration in England, for many years fubfequent to this period. The acknowledgment of the right of the pretender by Lewis, who was in the most extreme degree obnoxious to the English, and upon the verge of hoftilities against them, fixed an affociation of ideas, which not only alienated the affections of the Tories from the ion of James, but multiplied and corroborated the legal obstructions to his restoration, at a period when, if it had not been for them, he would have divided the affections of the nation. The tendency of acts of parliament, the language of every party, the avowed attachment of individual, all ran in favour of the Hanoverian fucceflion. The Tories and the Whigs ftrove to excel in public zeal for this object: hence fome of the leading men among the former, when, under the fucceeding reign, they were really inclined to promote the inclinations of the queen for the fucceffion of her brother, found themselves entangled and hemmed in by the refolutions and fatutes to which they themselves had contributed, and were forced to pursue their object by meafures fo clandeftine and inconfiftent, as not only frustrated their purpote, but brought difgrace and ruin upon their families."

In a note, the opinions of Mr. Hume and Mr. Macpherson concerning the fincerity and fair dealing of James, are examined and oppofed.

In the concluding chapter Dr. Somerville reviews the comparative ftrength, influence at court, fhare in adminiftration, inconfittencies, merits and faults of the Whigs and Tories during the reign of Willem. This review, and the inferences deduced from it, will be read with plcafure and profit by all in the prefent generation whofe minds are unbiaffed. Even they who, from early attachment to the principles of either party, may think that full justice is not done to that party, ruuft acquit the author of any invidious intention either to depreciate or to extol; be yond his own clear conviction. He next enume. ates the benefits arising from the revolution. It, it fecured the liberties of England. 2dly, It infufed a meliorating fpirit into the conftitution. 3dly, I faved the Proteftant religion. And, 4thly, It promoted toleration.Thefe points are illuftr.ted with a force and a fervour which evince the hand of a matter, and a heart glowing with admiration of the British conftitution, and exulting in the farther improvements towards which it is visibly tending. We regret that our limits will not permit us to extract any part of them for the entertainment of our re ders; but we cannot deny them the pleasure of peruing the character of Willion, with which

the work concludes.

The dawn of his life was lowering and clouded, ad little promif that latre which brightened the meridim day. He was born in the f venth month, a few days after the death of hi, father, whole au chutlay k.... bez declining un

der the oppofition of the Louveftein faction. The fon, while in his cradle, was stripped of all his hereditary dignities and offices by a general affembly of the States. His conftitution was weak, his fortune narrow and embarraffed, his education cramped and neglected. The native vigour of his genius, called forth by the diftresses of his country, confuted thefe inaufpicious prefages of fortune, and rendered his future life an uninterrupted career of patriotifm and glory.

"The ambition of Lewis XIV. intruding into the frontiers of Holland, firft opened to the young prince a theatre for the difplay of thofe aftonishing endowments, which proved him to he worthy of the honours, as well as the name, of his renowned ancestors. miral, captain general, and at laft restored to the He was appointed adoffice of Stadtholder.

"The magnanimity, the exertion, and the perfeverance, by which the prince of Orange defeated the intrigues and the armies of Lewis, not only protected the liberties and engaged the confidence of his country, but recommended him to the furrounding powers of Europe, trembling for their independency, as the fitteft perfon to form and condu a fcheme of a confederate refifte to the ufurpations of France. While the gdeur of the defign flattered his ambition, its conection with the liberties of the ftates interested his patriotic acal.

"In the fequel of his hidory, it is difficult to fly which we ought not to admire, the variety and excellence of his talents, or the fuccefs with which they were crowned. By a compreheative difcerament of the political interes of Europe by penetration into the characters of individuals; by addrefs in negociation, he cmented States and Princes, whofe interests and preju tices feemed moft oppofite and irreconcileable. By the firmnefs of his refolution; by fortitude under the most dififtrous events; by fertility of expedients, heat lift furmounted every difficulty; chaftifed the ambition of Lewis; exhausted the ftrength of France; and wrought the deliverance of Holland, England, Spain, and the cmpire.

"As the moft illuftrious fame is annexed to exploits in the caule of liberty, fo, without a newer inlight into character, we are at cfs te decide, in particular inftinces, whether they refult from the fordid motives of felf intereft and ambition, or the more exalted ones of virtue and public spirit. That the love of liberty was predominant in the character of William; that his ambition was under the direction of principle, and fubfervient to the caufe of juice and the rights of mankind, is attefted by the uniforma tenor of his actions. Private emolument was with him no consideration, when the intereft of his country was at take. The alluring bait of royalty he repelled with difdain, when propofed to him upon terms ruinous to the freedom of his country, Ilis acce.lion to the throne of Eagird with thefe who confider rot only how important will appear no argument against thus cone ufion it was & her ccliverance, but that it was an effintial link in the child of measures, which was to connect and eftib ish the liturties of Europe. ir Williard had not altended the throne of England,

the

[graphic][merged small][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed]
[graphic]
[graphic]
[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

the grand alliance could never have been completed, and rendered efficient to overpower the armies of France, aided by James, matter of the liberties of his fubjects.

"That liberality of defign which dignified his negociations and extended his influence upon the continent, was no less confpicuous in the fcheme of his domeftic policy and government. By an impartial difpenfation of favours to all parties in Holland and England, he moderated their violence, and employed their united strength in the defence of public liberty. No flattery, nor zeal for his perfonal aggrandiferent, ever feduced him to give fcope to the refentment or ufurpation of any party. It was the defire of his heart to accomplish the most extenfive plan of religious toleration; and though he found himfelf thwarted by the prejudices of the people, yet he never relinquished his liberal purposes from the dread of obloquy or mifreprefentation. His opinion, in queftions of the greatest political moment, he maintained with a firmnefs rather honourable to his character than favourable to his interefts. "That his refpect for religion was not feigned and political, but fincere and conftant, appeared, not only from his regular and decent attendance upon the duties of focial worship, but from the time and attention he allotted to private devotion. It was remarked, that he never mentioned the truths of religion but with ferioutheft and veneration; and that he expreffed upon all occafions indignation against examples of profaneness and licentioufnels. He maintained great equanimity under all vifciffitudes of fortune; being neither immodera ely elated with profperity, nor dejected with adversity. Often fretted by the rudeness of faction, and the jealoufy and difcontents of his fubjects, he still regulated his temper by the dictates of prudence, and refigned his private inclinations and interefts for the fake of public peace. Though liable to fudden fallies of anger, yet he never harboured refentment in his breast; and he even treated fome of thofe perfons from whom he had received the highest perfonal injuries with mildness and generofity. To fum up his talents and his virtues: he poffeffed great natural faga city, a retentive memory, a quick and accurate difcernment of the characters of men. He was active, brave, persevering; and to thefe qualities, more than to his ikili as a general, he was indebted for his military fuccefs. His knowledge in politics was extentive and profound; his application to bufinefs ardent and indefatigable. An enthufiaftic lover of liberty, he was ever true to his principles; futhful in the difcharge of every truft commi.ted to him; and, in the characters of the statefman and general, acquired the confidence and praise of his friends, and excited the admiration an dread of his enemies.

"His talents and virtues belonged to the refpetable rather than to the amiable clafs; and were formed to command efteem more than to engage a fection.

ter.

"For literature and the fine arts he difcovered ns take. He had acquired none of thofe graces which animate converfation and embellish characA filence and referve, bordering upon ful. lennefs, adhered to him in the more retired fceres of life, and feemed to indicate not only a ditufte for fociety bug a diffuit of mankind.

He was greatly deficient in the common forms of attention. His favours loft much of their value by the coldness of the manner with which he conferred them. He did not enough accommodate himself to the open teraper of a people who had fo freely devoted their allegiance to him. His warm and steady attachment to a few friends demonstrated that he was not deftitute of private friendship He was occafionally furprifed into indulgences of mirth and humour, which fhewed that he was not infenfible to the relaxatio of focial amusement. But the infirmities of his conftitution; the depreffion of his early fituation; a fital experience of deceitfulness and treachery, derived from his poli`tical intercourfe with minkini, the ferioulness and weight of thofe objects which continually preffed down his mind, controuled a propenfity, however ftrong, to confidence, affability, and pleafantry, and introduced habits of constraint and gravity, which draw a veil over the attractions of virtue, and frequently contribute, more than vicious affections to render character unpopular.

It would, perhaps, be difficult to fele&t, from the various and wide range of biography any two characters which form a more perfect contraft, than that which opens, and that which clofes, the period of this hiftory.

"In the character of Charles the Second, we are truck with a brilliancy of wit, and gracefulnefs of manners, deftitute of any one ingredient of principle or virtue; with politenefs, affability, gaiety, good-humour, every-thing that captivates imagination, or gives delight for the moment.

"In the character of William, we turn our eyes to fterling merit, naked and unadorned; to stern integrity, incorruptible patriotiin, undaunted magnanimity, unshaken fidelity; but no fplendid drefs or gaudy trapping to arreft the attention of the fuperficial obferver. A deliberate effort of the understanding is neceffury to perceive and eftimate its deferts.

"Charles, with all his vices, was beloved while he lived, and lamented when he died.

"William, with all his virtues, refpe&ted abroad, refpected by pofterity, never obtained, from his fubjects and contemporaries at home, the tribute of affection and praife adequate to the merit of his virtues and the importance of is fervices."

From the fpecimens and analyfis which we have given, the reader of tatte will be difpofed to judge favourably of the information, the ftile, and the fentiments of the author. We hesitate not to avow our opinion, that for judicious felection and arrangement of materials; for ingenious oblervation and folid reafoning, and for compofition never languid, generally glowing, and fometimes highly eloquent, his work will hold a confpicuous place among the productions of modern times. But wait fhould particularly recommend it to general edeem is, the noble fpirit, which it uniformly breathe, of genuine patriotifm and pure morals. be read with avidity and pleature by all who revere the memory of William, who rejoice in the Revolution which he accomplished, who admire the British conftitution, and who are friends & religious liberty, to the valuable rights of mu, and to the profperity of thote virtuous princi», by which alone thefe rights can be tranfmitte i m viel.ble pofterity.

It mat

Re..

« ElőzőTovább »