1792* ' ohjervations on Watson's history. 165 



them to some great design, and ^ees them teeming 

 with important effects upon succeeding ages. 



Upon these rational and enlightened principles is 

 the history of Charles v. conducted ; a work perhaps 

 the most comprehensive, original, and masterly of its 

 kind. "With it we may be satisfied to begin our en- 

 quiries into modern history j at least if we were to be 

 satisfied with useful information. It has given stabi- 

 lity to the theory of European politics, laid open the 

 secrets of its government, and may be considered as 

 the best model for all succeeding compositions of this 

 kind. 



The history of Philip 11. his immediate succefsor, 

 by Watson, upon the same plan, may be considered 

 as a continuation of the above f. A work of very 

 singular merit, and which pofsefses the principal qua- 

 lities of historical composition in an eminent degree ; 

 but not being adorned with the glitter of what is called 

 fine writing, and that ambitious elevation of sentiment 

 which is now so prevalent, it has not been so~ much 

 celebrated as it deserves. We fliall attempt to give a 

 particular character of this history. 



And in the first place we may observe that it is ex- 

 tremely happy in the subject. The succefsful struggles 

 of liberty against despotic power ; the increasing im- 

 portance of the fcene of action ; the republic of Hol- 

 land rising into high political consequence, by the 

 persevering valour, and commercial activity of its in- 



t This history is liirthcr continued by the same autiior, in a posthu- 

 mous work, containing the reign of Philip in. and is of tlic sjmc -cha- 

 racter witli the work under review. The two last books arc written 

 '7 another hand. 



