"I will order," says the speech, "the estimates of the ensuing
year to be laid before you. I rely on your wisdom and public spirit
for such supplies as the circumstances of our affairs shall be found
to require. Among the many ill consequences which attend the
continuation of the present war, I most sincerely regret the
additional burdens which it must unavoidably bring upon my faithful
subjects."
It is strange that a nation must run through such a labyrinth of
trouble, and expend such a mass of wealth to gain the wisdom which
an hour's reflection might have taught. The final superiority of
America over every attempt that an island might make to conquer her,
was as naturally marked in the constitution of things, as the future
ability of a giant over a dwarf is delineated in his features while an
infant. How far providence, to accomplish purposes which no human
wisdom could foresee, permitted such extraordinary errors, is still
a secret in the womb of time, and must remain so till futurity shall
give it birth.
"In the prosecution of this great and important contest," says the
speech, "in which we are engaged, I retain a firm confidence in the
protection of divine providence, and a perfect conviction in the
justice of my cause, and I have no doubt, but, that by the concurrence
and support of my Parliament, by the valour of my fleets and armies,
and by a vigorous, animated, and united exertion of the faculties
and resources of my people, I shall be enabled to restore the
blessings of a safe and honorable peace to all my dominions.
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