presumptions, witness the reports of all th
papists generally. Observe the dispositions
commands, the trust of officers, the confiden
of secrecies of employments, in this kingdo
in Ireland, and elsewhere. They all will she
it has too great a certainty. And, to these, a
but the incontrovertible evidence of that a
powerful hand which we have felt so sore
For as the Heave
to give it full assurance!
oppose themselves to us, it was our impiet
that first opposed the Heavens.

For the second, our want of councils, th
great disorder in a State with which there can
be stability, if effects may shew their causes
they are often a perfect demonstration of the
our misfortunes, our disasters, serve to pr
it! And (if reason be allowed in this dark a
by the judgment of dependencies, the foresi
of contingencies, in affairs) the consequen
they draw with them confirm it. For, if
view ourselves at home, are we in strength,
we in reputation, equal to our ancestors?
we view ourselves abroad, are our friends
many, are our enemies no more? Do
friends retain their safety and possessions?
our enemies enlarge themselves, and gain f
them and us? What council, to the loss of