But, on the whole, the date from which the era of ministries may most properly be reckoned is the day of the meeting of the Parliament after the general election of 1695.
That election had taken place at a time when peril and distress had called forth all the best qualities of the nation.

The hearts of men were in the struggle against France for independence, for liberty, and for the Protestant religion.

Everybody knew that such a struggle could not be carried on without large establishments and heavy taxes.

The government therefore could hardly ask for more than the country was ready to give.

A House of Commons was chosen in which the Whig party had a decided preponderance.