prejudicial to the interests of the nation. That the triumph of the
tories might be complete, the queen dissolved the whig parliament,
after such precautions were taken as could not fail to influence the new
election in favour of the other party.

To this end nothing so effectually contributed as did the trial of
Sacheverel, who was used as an instrument and tool to wind and turn the
passions of the vulgar. Having been presented to a benefice in North
Wales, he went in procession to that country with all the pomp and
magnificence of a sovereign prince. He was sumptuously entertained
by the university of Oxford, and different noblemen, who, while they
worshipped him as the idol of their faction, could not help despising
the object of their adoration. He was received in several towns by the
magistrates of the corporation in their formalities, and often attended
by a body of a thousand horse. At Bridgenorth he was met by Mr.
Creswell, at the head of four thousand horse, and the like number of
persons on foot, wearing white knots edged with gold, and three leaves
of gilt laurel in their hats. The hedges were for two miles dressed with
garlands of flowers, and lined with people; and the steeples covered
with streamers, flags, and colours. Nothing was heard but the cry of
"The church and Dr. Sacheverel." The clergy were actuated by a spirit
of enthusiasm, which seemed to spread like a contagion through all ranks
and degrees of people, and had such an effect upon the elections for the
new parliament, that very few were returned as members but such as had
distinguished themselves by their zeal against the whig administration.
Now the queen had the pleasure to see all the offices of state, the
lieutenancy of London, the management of corporations, and the direction
of both houses of parliament, in the hands of the tories. When these
met on the twenty-fifth day of November, Mr. Bromley was chosen
speaker without opposition. The queen, in her speech, recommended the
prosecution of the war with vigour, especially in Spain. She declared
herself resolved to support the church of England; to preserve the
British constitution according to the union; to maintain the indulgence
by law allowed to scrupulous consciences; and to employ none but such
as were heartily attached to the protestant succession in the house
of Hanover. The lords, in their address, promised to concur in all
reasonable measures towards procuring an honourable peace.