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ministry were in reality conspirators against thepeople. What is most probable in human affairsis not always true ; and a very minute circum-stance , overlooked in our speculations, servesoften to explain events, which may seem themost surprising and unaccountable. Though theking possessed penetration and a sound judgment,his capacity was chiefly fitted for smaller matters 1 ,and the ordinary occurrences of life; nor had heapplication enough to carry his view to distantconsequences, or to digest and adjust any plan

ficulties were surmounted, a sham-treaty was concludedwith their consent and approbation , containing every articleof the former real treaty, except that of the king’s changeof religion. However, there was virtually involved even inthis treaty , the assuming of absolute government in England:For the support of French troops , and a war with Holland,so contrary to the interests and inclinations of his people,could mean nothing else. One cannot sufficiently admirethe absolute want of common sense which appears throughoutthe whole of this criminal transaction. For if popery wasso much the object of national horror, that even the king’sthree ministers , Buckingham , Ashley , and Lauderdale,and such profligate ones too, either would not, or durstnot receive it, what hopes could he entertain of forcingthe nation into that communion? Considering the state ofthe kingdom, full of veteran and zealous soldiers, bredduring the civil wars, it is probable that he had not keptthe crown two months after a declaration so wild and ex-travagant. This was probably the reason why the king ofFrance and the French ministers always dissuaded him fromtaking off the mask , till the successes of the Dutch warIhould render that measure prudent and practicable.

4 Dijke of Buckingham s character of K. Charles II.

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