PREFACE. xi 



dam, I do net fee where the power is 

 to be found, to prevent or revenge it. 

 The confequence of France has been 

 long declining, and the transfer of her 

 exertions from the land to the fea fer- 

 vice, may be fatal to the liberties of 

 Europe. If ever the fatal day comes, 

 when that exertion is to be made, all 

 her neighbours would feel it their com- 

 mon intereft to fecond and fupport her. 

 Much would it then be regretted, that 

 the ftrength and refources of thofe 

 powers fhould have been fo exhaufted 

 by wars among themfelves, as to be dis- 

 abled in the moment when mod fig- 

 nally wanted. Then it would appear, 

 that France fhould have directed ail her 

 attention to her army, and Britain to 

 her navy, as the beft united means of 

 refilling what Lord Chefterfield very 

 juftly terms, " new devils," arifing in 

 Europe. But from whatever quarter 

 danger may arife to Great Britain, it 

 much behoves her, while other powers 

 are rifing fo incredibly in force, to t?.ke 

 every means that providence permits, 



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