268

HISTORY OF ENGLAND.

CHAP.

XXII.

1697 .

mercial crisis. But all those dangers were over. There was• peace abroad and at home. The kingdom, after many years ofignominious vassalage, had resumed its ancient place in the firstrank of European powers. Many signs justified the hope thatthe Revolution of 1688 would be our last Revolution. Theancient constitution was adapting itself, by a natural, a gradual,a peaceful development, to the wants of a modern society.Already freedom of conscience and freedom of discussion existedto an extent unknown in any preceding age. The currency hadbeen restored. Public credit had been reestablished. Tradehad revived. The Exchequer was overflowing. There was asense of relief ever}' where, from the Royal Exchange to’ themost secluded hamlets among the mountains of Wales and thefens of Lincolnshire. The ploughmen, the shepherds, theminers of the Northumbrian coalpits, the artisans who toiled atthe looms of Norwich and the anvils of Birmingham, felt thechange, without understanding it; and the cheerful bustle inevery seaport and every market town indicated, not obscurely,the commencement of a happier age.