$sa THE RELIGIOUS IMPROVEMENT. the sceptre of our land with greater prudence and suc- cess. It is to be numbered also among our mercies, that kingGEORGE the Second is no stranger to our nation, having lived many years in themidst of us, and in this he bath a 'richadvantage beyond his immediate predecessor. Now if our late excellent monarch, who was at first so much a stranger to us, became through the mercy of our God sowise and happy a ruler, how hopeful a prospect maywe have of the present and future government under the administration of his royal son-and successor who has studied our laws, has given diligence to understand the customs of the land, and acknowledges the excellency of our constitution. How happy are we in a prince who has professed in his royal declaration, that our laws, our liberties and religion are most dear to him :" And whose affection to bis people is so conspicuous, that he hath gained the hearts of some of his subjects, who could scarce conceal their enmity to his predecessor. Nor should I be just to my text on this occasion, if I should not take notice of that religious sense which our present sovereign bath expressed many, years ago, of the interposing providenceof God in counterworking all the mischievous devices of Rome and hell, and bringing the protestpt succession in the illustrious house ofBrunswick to take ffect in the person of his royal father.* He is not one Of those that attribute the revolution.of kingdoms to chance, but he\ regards the work of the Lord therein, and the operation of his hands. 5. It should be added to the rank ofour mercies also in this event of providence, that the king succeeds to the throne of his father in so much tranquillity and peace. No tumults nor insurrections,, no rising sedition, no clashing of arms. The rebellious party are discouraged and broken, their hearts sink within them, and their men Of might have not found their hands : We trust their number is greatly diminished, and will decrease continu- ally. George the Second succeeds to the British throne with so general a satisfaction and applause, that we * Sec Mr.Derbam's dedicationof his « Astro-Theology."
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