Page:The Danger of Mercenary Parliaments - Toland (1698).djvu/12

, were able by that one self-denying Act to maintain the publick welfare from the danger of inward Convulsions at home, and violent Concussions from abroad; if that small and broken number without any Head, and under so many disadvantages, could by this only means secure our peace, and so widely extend the repute and honor of the English Name; what Country or what Region could ever give limits to the unbounded reputation of a full and legal Parliament so nobly qualify'd? What Nation could there be so powerful as to resist our Forces, or so politick as to infatuate our Counsels? There is nothing within the compass of human wishes that we might not assure our selves from the Wisdom and Virtue of such a disinterested Assembly, headed and incourag'd by the most auspicious Prince that ever yet swayed the English Scepter: A Prince who only waits the opportunity of our own willingness to be happy, and is fir'd with a longing eagerness to see the Nation deserve the glorious effects of his inimitable Conduct, and inexhausted Beneficence; who only wishes a happy Conjuncture of a free and unbyass'd Parliament, that he might join with them in the rescue of himself and us from the oppression of those devouring Harpies, who would tear off the yet green and flourishing Lawrels from his Majestic Brows, and ungratefully cast a tarnish upon the lustre of his bright and shining Atchievments: That he might dissipate those inauspicious Vapors which have hindred him from breaking out in the height of his meridian Glories, and intercepted his benign and noble Influence upon his inferior and dependent Orbs: That he might deliver up to Justice those traitorous and insinuating Parasites, who endeavour to inspire into his sacred Breast an unworthy Jealousy of his People, as if he wanted the assistance of a Standing Army to secure and establish to himself that Throne which he has already so firmly erected in the hearts and affections of his Subjects: And lastly, that he might wholly discharge himself of those wretched and perfidious Statesmen, who endeavour to fix the brand of their own acquir'd infamy upon their Master, that they may make him as hateful to one party for their Vices, as he is already to another for his own Virtues, and deprive him of the glorious Title of the World's greatest Benefactor, which he has so justly purchas'd to himself by his immortal Performances.

12. I shall conclude with one word, in answer to such who may possibly think I have reflected too much upon the supineness and base neglect of the People of England; as if it were possible they could be such monstrous and unnatural Self-murderers, as to give away with their own breath and free consent all their Rights to their Estates and Lives. I confess I should be glad to find my labour lost upon this account: But I desire such to consider, that there are many honest and well-meaning Englishmen who do not distinguish between our present Government, and our present way of governing; whose distance from the Parliament, multiplicity of Business, or other Circumstances in the world, render them less able to penetrate the designs that are now carrying on for the total subversion of our most excellent Constitution. And it is plain on the other hand, that the great and unwearied diligence of the present Conspirators against our Government, in order to support their future Elections, dos infer their thoughts that the majority of the Electors are capable of being impos'd upon in this gross and unexampled manner. Since therefore those who are making us Slaves, think it no great difficulty to effect their purposes, I see no reason why I ought to be so tender as to forbear expressing my sears and apprehensions of their success.