[ 44 ] 



precifion and clofenefs: Secondly, the fubfcquent difputes between 

 the crown and people on the limits of prerogative and popular 

 right, which continued from the time of Elizabeth to the revolu- 

 tion, and which corroborated into habit that mode of clofer and 

 more abftrad thinking vvhich the Reformation had introduced. 

 According to the theory we have adopted this change (hould have 

 induced an improvement in ftyle : it did fo ; the Englifh language 

 rofe rapidly from the low ftate in which it flood in the beginning 

 of the reign of Henry the Eighth, until, at the acceflion of William 

 the Third, it had acquired a diftinguifhed degree of excellence. 

 This excellence, however, was but comparative, and appears rather 

 when we confider its former defedts, than its fubfcquent im- 

 provements ; for, from the time of the Revolution to the prefent 

 day, a numerous fucceflion of fine writers have laboured with 

 fuccefs to add to its elegance, copioufnefs and flrength. What 

 they have done, and how far they have raifed the Englifh language 

 above its former humble level, will be befl known by confidering 

 the variations of flyle which, within that period, it has under- 

 gone. 



In order to give a hiftory of thefe variations it is not neceffary 

 to engage in a differtation on the ffyle of every author of charader 

 who has written within the period which we confider ; nor indeed 

 would fuch a work be pradicable within the limits of a fliort effay : 

 it will anfwer the end at which we aim to point out the general 

 charaderiftics which have fucccfUvely diflinguifhed the ftyle of 

 En2;li(li profe within that time without engaging in a minute 

 defcription of the peculiarities of individual writers, except 



thofe 



