it proved in this very instance:  for, asking one of these gentlemen, what it was that provoked those he had been disputing with, to advance such a paradox? he assured me in a very calm manner, it was nothing in the world, but that himself and some others of the company had made it appear, that the design of the present P[arliamen]t and m[inistr]y, was to bring in Popery, arbitrary power, and the Pretender:  which I take to be an opinion fifty times more improbable, as well as more uncharitable, than what is charged upon the Whigs:  because I defy our adversaries to produce one single reason for suspecting such designs in the persons now at the helm; whereas I can upon demand produce twenty to shew, that some late men had strong views towards a commonwealth, and the alteration of the Church.

It is natural indeed, when a storm is over, that has only untiled our houses, and blown down some of our chimneys, to consider what further mischiefs might have ensued, if it had lasted longer.  However, in the present case, I am not of the opinion above-mentioned; I believe the Church and State might have lasted somewhat longer, though the late enemies to both had done their worst:  I can hardly conceive how things would have been so soon ripe for a new revolution.  I am convinced, that if they had offered to make such large and sudden strides, it must have come to blows, and according to the computation we have now reason to think a right one, I can partly guess what would have been the issue.  Besides, we are sure the Q[uee]n would have interposed before they came to extremities, and as little as they regarded the regal authority, would have been a check in their career.

But instead of this question; What would have been the consequence if the late ministry had continued?  I will propose another, which will be more useful for us to consider; and that is, What we may reasonably expect they will do, if ever they come into power again?  This, we know, is the design and endeavour of all those scribbles that daily fly about in their favour; of all the false, insolent, and scandalous libels against the present administration; and of all those engines set at work to sink the actions, and blow up the public credit.  As for those who shew their inclinations by writing, there is one consideration, which I wonder does not sometimes affect them:  for how can they forbear having a good opinion of the gentleness and innocence of those, who permit them to employ their pens as they do?  It puts me in mind of an insolent pragmatical orator somewhere in Greece, who railing with great freedom at the chief men in the state, was answered by one who had been very instrumental in recovering the liberty of the city, that “he thanked the gods they had now arrived to the condition he always wished them, when every man in that city might securely say what they pleased.”  I wish these gentlemen would however compare the liberty they take with what their masters used to give:  how many messengers and