barrenness, had recourse to heaven, by her fervent prayers, to draw down
that blessing, and addressed her devotions, in a particular manner, to
this holy apostle of the Indies. I know not, madam, whether I may presume
to tell the world, that your majesty has chosen this great saint for one
of your celestial patrons, though I am sure you will never be ashamed of
owning so glorious an intercessor; not even in a country where the
doctrine of the holy church is questioned, and those religious addresses
ridiculed. Your majesty, I doubt not, has the inward satisfaction of
knowing, that such pious prayers have not been unprofitable to you; and
the nation may one day come to understand, how happy it will be for them
to have a son of prayers ruling over them.[2] Not that we are wholly to
depend on this particular blessing, as a thing of certainty, though we
hope and pray for its continuance. The ways of Divine Providence are
incomprehensible; and we know not in what times, or by what methods, God
will restore his church in England, or what farther trials and
afflictions we are yet to undergo. Only this we know, that if a religion
be of God, it can never fail; but the acceptable time we must patiently
expect, and endeavour by our lives not to undeserve. I am sure if we take
the example of our sovereigns, we shall place our confidence in God
alone; we shall be assiduous in our devotions, moderate in our
expectations, humble in our carriage, and forgiving of our enemies. All
other panegyrics I purposely omit; but those of Christianity are such,
that neither your majesty, nor my royal master, need be ashamed of them,
because their commemoration is instructive to your subjects. We may be
allowed, madam, to praise Almighty God for making us happy by your means,
without suspicion of flattery; and the meanest subject has the privilege
of joining his thanksgiving with his sovereigns, where his happiness is
equally concerned. May it not be permitted me to add, that to be
remembered, and celebrated in after ages, as the chosen vessel, by which
it has pleased the Almighty Goodness to transmit so great a blessing to