that article, by finding ready money for naval provisions, which has saved the publick somewhat more than cent per cent in that mighty branch of our expenses.
The clergy were altogether in the interests and the measures of the present ministry, which had appeared so boldly in their defence, during a prosecution against one of their members[1], where the whole sacred order was understood to be concerned. The zeal shown for that most religious bill, to settle a fund for building fifty new churches in and about the city of London[2], was a fresh obligation; and they were farther highly gratified, by her majesty's choosing one of their body to be a great officer of state[3].
By this time likewise, all disputes about those principles, which used originally to divide whig and tory, were wholly dropped; and those fantastical words, ought in justice to have been so too, provided we could have found out more convenient names, whereby to distinguish lovers of peace, from lovers of war; or those, who would leave her majesty some degree of freedom, in the choice of her ministers, from others, who could not be satisfied with her choosing any, except such as she was most averse from: but, where a nation is once divided, interest and animosity will keep open the breach, without being supported by any other principles: or, at worst, a body of discontented people can change, and take up what principles they please.
As to the disposition of the opposite party, we all remember that the removal of the last ministry, was
- ↑ Sacheverell.
- ↑ Which owed its origin to Dr. Swift.
- ↑ Dr. Robinson, lord bishop of Bristol, to be lord privy seal.
