This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 edition. Excerpt: ...of the domineering temper of the Duchess; and began to seek solace in the gentle submissiveness of Abigail Hill, a cousin of the Duchess, who on her recommendation had been made lady of the bedchamber. The new favourite, who now became Mrs. Masham,29 had formed a close friendship with Harley, the leader of the Tory party and a most accomplished courtier. While the influence of Godolphin and Marlborough was thus being completely undermined at court, the former was so foolish as to engage in a religious prosecution. Dr. Sacheverell, a conspicuous High Church preacher, had attacked the principles of the Revolution in a sermon preached in St. Paul's. He was impeached so before the House of Lords, and found guilty, but was only sentenced to abstain from preaching for three years. Such a sentence was regarded by the Tories as a virtual triumph; and, on learning the result, the people gave expression to their rejoicing by the lighting of bonfires. This prosecution violently offended the Queen, who dismissed Godolphin and the leading Whigs from office even before the dissolution of Parliament. In the new Parliament, the Tory majority was very decided; and, in the Ministry that followed its election, Harley became Lord High Treasurer, having a short time previously been created Earl of Oxford. With him was associated St. John, whom the Queen created Viscount Bolingbroke, and who became Secretary of State. St. John was unrivalled as an orator, and afterwards acquired considerable fame as a philosophical writer. Marlborough was dismissed from his command on I st January 171 2; and in the following year the treaty of Utrecht was signed,31 permitting the Duke of Anjou to succeed to the throne of Spain as Philip V., but securing to England Minorca and...