tch been
servile or base, it could never have coalesced with that of the English.

_Douglas_.--It is true that the minds of both nations are congenial and
filled with the same noble virtues, the same impatience of servitude, the
same magnanimity, courage, and prudence, the same genius for policy, for
navigation and commerce, for sciences and arts. Yet, notwithstanding
this happy conformity, when I consider how long they were enemies to each
other, what an hereditary hatred and jealousy had subsisted for many ages
between them, what private passions, what prejudices, what contrary
interests must have necessarily obstructed every step of the treaty, and
how hard it was to overcome the strong opposition of national pride, I
stand astonished that it was possible to unite the two kingdoms upon any
conditions, and much more that it could be done with such equal regard
and amicable fairness to both.

_Argyle_.--It was indeed a most arduous and difficult undertaking. The
success of it must, I think, be thankfully ascribed, not only to the
great firmness and prudence of those who had the management of it, but to
the gracious assistance of Providence for the preservation of the
reformed religion amongst us, which, in that conjuncture, if the union
had not been made, would have been ruined in Scotland and much endangered
in England. The same good Providence has watched over and protected it
since, in a most signal manner, against the attempts of an infatuated
party in Scotland and the arts of France, who by her emissaries laboured
to destroy it as soon as formed; because she justly foresaw that the
continuance of it would be destructive to all her vast designs against
the liberty of Europe. I myself had the honour to have a principal share
in subduing one rebellion designed to subvert it, and since my death it
has been, I hope, established for ever, not only by the defeat of another
rebellion, which came upon us in the midst of a dangerous war with
France, but by measures prudently taken in order to prevent such
disturbances for the future. The ministers of the Crown have proposed
and the British legislature has enacted a wise system of laws, the object
of which is to reform and to civilise the Highlands of Scotland; to
deliver the people there from the arbitrary power and oppression of their
chieftains; to carry the royal justice and royal protection into the
wildest parts of their mountains; to hinder their natural valour f