Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/290

 252 Readings in European History Lastly, 't is the general interest of the nation to establish the ancient fundamental laws, upon which every one's pro- priety and liberty are built, to settle religion, to procure a general indemnity for all actions past, to revive their languishing and almost dead trade, gain an alliance with our neighbour states ; to put the government in such hands as, besides present force, can plead a legal title to it ; into the hands of such with whose private interest that of the public not only consists, but in which 't is necessarily involved, which likewise does least contradict the aims of particular parties ; lastly, the hands of such whose counsel is fit to direct in matters of deliberation, and courage fit to vindicate the injuries of the nation. From which premises we may conclude that the preten- sions of no party now on foot in the nation are attainable ; or, if attained, are consistent with the good of other parties, or of the nation ; or, in fine, with their own ; and from hence likewise one would be apt to conclude that the ruin of the public is inevitable ; there being no door of hope left open to receive, no method visible to unite, such distant and incompatible ends. But, notwithstanding all this, 'tis not impossible — no, nor hard — to find an expedient that shall evacuate all these difficulties ; not only establish the general concernment, but (exorbitant passion only retrenched) satisfy the real interest of every party — nay, single person — in the nation. Now to the cheerful reception of such an overture, I sup- pose there is no need to persuade, nor even to admonish, that words and names, however rendered odious, ought not to frighten us from our certain benefit and dearest interest. All that is demanded here is that if, upon serious consider- ation, the proposal be found reasonable, men would be so kind to themselves as to receive it. The assertion I doubt not to make most plain and evident, and therefore shall as plainly pronounce it. 'T is this : the calling in the king is the certain and only means for the preservation of the king- dom, and also of the rights and interests of all single per- sons in it.