upported, and even credited by great part of
the clergy, who did not fail to alarm and inflame their hearers; while
emissaries were employed to raise a ferment among the populace, already
prepared with discontent, arising from a scarcity which prevailed in
almost every country of Europe. The ministers magnified the dangers
to which the church was exposed, from dissenters, whigs, and lukewarm
prelates. These they represented as the authors of a ruinous war, which
in a little time would produce universal famine; and as the immediate
encouragers of those Palatine refugees who had been brought over, to the
number of six thousand, and maintained by voluntary contributions, until
they could be conveniently transported into Ireland and the plantations
of America. The charity bestowed upon those unhappy strangers
exasperated the poor of England, who felt severely the effects of the
dearth, and helped to fill up the measure of popular discontent.
The articles against Dr. Sacheverel being exhibited, his person was
committed to the deputy-usher of the black rod, but afterwards the lords
admitted him to bail. Then he drew up an answer to the charge, in
which he denied some articles, and others he endeavoured to justify or
extenuate. The commons having sent up a replication, declaring they were
ready to prove the charge, the lords appointed the twenty-seventh day of
February for the trial in Westminster-hall.

HIS TRIAL.

The eyes of the whole kingdom were turned upon this extraordinary trial.
It lasted three weeks, during which all other business was suspended;
and the queen herself was every day present, though in quality of a
private spectator. The managers for the commons were sir Joseph Jekyl,
Mr. Eyre, solicitor-general, sir Peter King, recorder of the city of
London, lieutenant-general Stanhope, sir Thomas Parker, and Mr. Robert
Walpole, treasurer of the navy. The doctor was defended by sir Simon
Harcourt and Mr. Phipps, and assisted by Dr. Atterbury, Dr. Smallridge,
and Dr. Friend. A vast multitude attended him every day to and from
Westminster-hall, striving to kiss his hand, and praying for his
deliverance, as if he had been a martyr and confessor. The queen's sedan
was beset by the populace, exclaiming, "God bless your majesty and the
church. We hope your majesty is for Dr. Sacheverel." They compelled all
persons to lift their hats to the doctor as he passed in his coach to
the temple, where he lodged; and among th