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, which may raise our Wonder higher; and that is, that amidst such horrible Ruins, they still prosecuted the War with the same Vigour and Courage, against three of the most powerful States of all Europe. What Records of Time, or Memory of past Ages, can shew us a greater Testimony of an invincible and heroick Genius than this, of which I now speak? that the Sound of the Heralds proclaiming new Wars should be pleasant to the People, when the sad Voice of the Bell-man was scarce yet gone out of their Ears? That the Increase of their Adversaries Confederates, and of their own Calamities, should be so far from affrighting them; that they rather seem'd to receive from thence a new Vigour and Resolution? and that they should still be eager upon Victories and Triumphs, when they were thought almost quite exhausted, by so great Destructions?

From this Observation my Mind begins to take Comfort, and to presage, that as this terrible Disease and Conflagration, were not able to darken the Honour of our Prince's Arms; so they will not hinder the many noble Arts, which the English have begun under his Reign, on the Strength of these Hopes and Incouragements. I will now return to my former Thoughts, and to the finishing of my interrupted Design. And I come with the more Earnestness to perfect it, because it seems to me, that from the sad Effects of these Disasters, there may a new and a powerful Argument be raised, to move us to double our Labours about the Secrets of Nature.

A new City is to be built, on the most advantageous Seat of all Europe for Trade and Command. This therefore is the fittest Season for Men to apply their