The Gentleman's Magazine, January 1731

The Gentleman's Magazine, January 1731 - Or, Trader's Monthly Intelligencer

Mr. Oldcastle having begun his remarks on the conduct of the Kings of England, to shew how the spirit of Faction, and the spirit of Liberty had exerted themselves at different times and occasions, had brought his Observations down to the reign of Q. Elizabeth. He begins No. 234, with an Eulogium upon her prudent conduct in the most arduous difficulties that attended her accession to the Throne. These difficulties he explains at large, and goes on No. 235, to speak more largely of the means whereby she establishd her glory and confirmd herself in the affections of her People. Her first principle was to be neither feard nor despisd by those she governd. He mentions some instances wherein she discoverd her wisdom in both these respects, particularly in maintaining her Prerogative, which altho she was fond of, yet took care it never should be grievous, or if it should happen so to particular persons, that it should appear specious to the publick. The effects, he says, of a bare-facd Prerogative are not so dangerous to Liberty as the attempts which are made to surprize and undermine it. Wherefore Q. Eliz. never kept up a Standing Army, but placed her security in the affection of her People. With respect to parties he extols her moderation and equity, by which conduct she stood on firmer ground, and had less to fear from the spirit of Faction. She neither hastily espoused the party which she favourd, nor inflamd the spirits of the adverse party. The Papists and Puritans she used with lenity, till their evil practices made it necessary to execute rigours, and even then she distinguished Papists in conscience from Papists in Faction, nor condemnd the Zeal of the Puritans, but sometimes censured their Violence. He says from Cambden, she bestowed her favours with so much caution, and so little distinction, as to prevent either party from gaining the ascendant over her, whereby she remained Mistress of her own self, and preserved both their affections and her own power and authority entire. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 53351
Author: Various
Release Date: Oct 23, 2016
Format: eBook
Language: English