nations, which we want to comprehend before we penetrate to
what has been passing within."

This introductory discussion is followed by a rapid sketch of the
different struggles for power and independence in Europe during the
three last centuries. The general tendency of this period has been to
consolidate severed nations into great kingdoms; but this tendency has
been checked when the growth of any single power has become excessive,
by the combined efforts of other European nations. Spain, France,
England, and Austria, all in their turns have excited the jealousy of
their neighbours, and have been attacked by their confederate strength.
But in 1793 the peace of Europe was assailed by an enemy still more
dangerous and energetic--still more destructive--we doubt whether in the
English language a more vivid description is to be found of the evil,
its progress, and its termination, than Dr Arnold has given in the
following passage:--

"Ten years afterwards there broke out by far the most alarming
danger of universal dominion, which had ever threatened Europe.
The most military people in Europe became engaged in a war for
their very existence. Invasion on the frontiers, civil war and
all imaginable horrors raging within, the ordinary relations of
life went to wreck, and every Frenchman became a soldier. It
was a multitude numerous as the hosts of Persia, but animated
by the courage and skill and energy of the old Romans. One
thing alone was wanting, that which Pyrrhus said the Romans
wanted, to enable them to conquer the world--a general and a
ruler like himself. There was wanted a master hand to restore
and maintain peace at home, and to concentrate and direct the
immense military resources of France against her foreign