Otis was not much given to general speculations upon the future;
but there is something very striking in the following language,
taken from his pamphlet "The Rights of the Colonies," if we
consider how soon after there occurred the two great crises in
the world's affairs, the American and French revolutions. "I
pretend neither to the spirit of prophecy, nor to any uncommon
skill in predicting a crisis; much less to tell when it begins to
be nascent, or is fairly midwived into the world. But I should
say the world was at the eve of the highest scene of earthly
power and grandeur, that has ever yet been displayed to the view
of mankind. The cards are shuffling fast through all Europe.
Who will win the prize is with God. This, however, I know, detur
digniori. The next universal monarchy will be favorable to the
human race; for it must be founded on the principles of equity,
moderation, and justice."