Every expedient used by James and Charles in order to support their dignity, we have seen attended with sensible inconveniencies.

The majesty of the crown, derived from ancient powers and prerogatives, procured respect, and checked the approaches of insolent intruders.

But it begat in the king so high an idea of his own rank and station, as made him incapable of stooping to popular courses, or submitting, in any degree, to the control of parliament.

The alliance with the hierarchy strengthened law by the sanction of religion; but it enraged the Puritanical party, and exposed the prince to the attacks of enemies, numerous, violent, and implacable.

The memory, too, of these two kings, from like causes, has been attended, in some degree, with the same infelicity which pursued them during the whole course of their lives.