FROM THE ACCESSION OF PHILIP II.

OF SPAIN TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INQUISITION IN THE NETHERLANDS A.D.

1555--1566 It has been shown that the Netherlands were never in a more flourishing state than at the accession of Philip II.

The external relations of the country presented an aspect of prosperity and peace.

England was closely allied to it by Queen Mary's marriage with Philip; France, fatigued with war, had just concluded with it a five years truce; Germany, paralyzed by religious dissensions, exhausted itself in domestic quarrels; the other states were too distant or too weak to inspire any uneasiness; and nothing appeared wanting for the public weal.