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THE

HISTORY

O F

ENGLAND,

FROM

The EARLIEST TIMES to the DEATH
of GEORGE II.

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PRINTED FOR MESSRS. W. SLEATER, H. CHAMBERLAINE
W. COLLES, R. MONCRIEFFE,

J. POTTS,

T. WALKER, W. WILSON, J. EXSHAW,

AND L. WHITE.

M,DCC,LXXXIX.

226. k. 222

THE

HISTORY

OF

ENGLAND.

H

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ENRY the eighth was fucceeded on the throne by his only fon Edward the fixth, now in the ninth year of his age. The late king in his will, which he expected would be abfolutely obeyed, fixed the majority of the prince at the completion of his eighteenth year; and in the mean time appointed fixteen executors of his will, to whom, during the minority, he intrufted the government of the king and kingdom. But the vanity of his aims was foon difcovered; for the first act of the executors was to choose the earl of Hertford, who was afterwards made duke of Somerset, as protector of the realm, and in him was lodged all the regal power, together with a privilege of naming whom he would for his privy

council.

This was a favourable feafon for those of the reformed religion; and the eyes of the late king. were no fooner clofed, than all of that perfuafion congratulated themfelves on the event. They no longer fuppreffed their fentiments, but main

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