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If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The improved antidote, supposed to be more active in expelling - poison, than a late invention, by the Rev. Sir Harcourt Lees, - Bart. in which the Catholics are vindicated from his abuse, and - their claims for unrestricted emancipation, considered - -Author: Philodemus - -Release Date: July 10, 2022 [eBook #68491] - -Language: English - -Produced by: The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at - https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images - generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE IMPROVED ANTIDOTE, -SUPPOSED TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN EXPELLING POISON, THAN A LATE INVENTION, -BY THE REV. SIR HARCOURT LEES, BART. IN WHICH THE CATHOLICS ARE -VINDICATED FROM HIS ABUSE, AND THEIR CLAIMS FOR UNRESTRICTED -EMANCIPATION, CONSIDERED *** - -Transcriber’s Note: The Greek is transcribed as printed, although a -_correct_ transcription has also been provided at the end of the book! - - - - - THE IMPROVED - ANTIDOTE, - SUPPOSED TO BE MORE - Active in Expelling Poison, - _THAN A LATE INVENTION_, - BY THE - _Rev. Sir Harcourt Lees, Bart._ - IN WHICH THE - CATHOLICS ARE VINDICATED - _FROM HIS ABUSE_, - AND THEIR CLAIMS FOR - Unrestricted Emancipation, - CONSIDERED. - - _Addressed to the Public._ - - πασῃ φυλαχῃ την ψυχην τηρητεον, μη δια τησ των λορων ἡδονησ - παραδεξ αμενοι τι λαθωμεν των χειρονων ωσπεβ ὁι τα δηλητηρια - μετα του μελιτοσ προσ ιεμενοι - BASIL. - - _DUBLIN_: - PRINTED, AND SOLD BY THE BOOKSELLERS, - 1820. - - - - -TO THE PUBLIC, &c. - - -Should a great and commercial People experience an unlooked for reverse -of fortune; should a rapid decay of Trade, a long protracted and ruinous -War, an expenditure of the Public Money, at once lavish and unnecessary, -should even all these causes conspire with an oppressive national debt, -in reducing them from opulence and prosperity to the lowest ebb of -distress, the consequences must be melancholy and alarming: On one hand, -the People, impatient of this calamitous change, will murmur against -Government, and proceed to disorderly and tumultuous Insurrections. On -the other, Administration, foreseeing danger to its own permanence and -safety, will perhaps, adopt coercive measures, not altogether consistent -with the liberty of its subjects:—Under these circumstances, every -well intentioned mind will be deeply affected with concern, for the -welfare of his country; various means will be recommended of healing its -disorders, or, at least, of mitigating their virulence; and no one can be -reprehensible in proposing a Remedy, or an alteration, even, though the -success be doubtful:—Influenced by such considerations, we also appeal to -the indulgence of a generous Public, and should the application we offer -prove beneficial, the utmost wish of our heart will be gratified, should -it, on the contrary, be neglected or derided, the consciousness of an -upright intention, must in some measure console us. - -An Antidote has been already prescribed by a Revd. Baronet, we -presume with the same view; the application of which, however, in our -opinion, would tend to cherish the malignancy of the disease, rather -than to eradicate its cause:—Wherefore, alarmed for the constitution -of the patient, should it be adopted, and at the same time, though -we acknowledge and applaud the Revd. Author’s anxiety in this case, -suspecting that he would prefer a partial to a complete Restoration, we -humbly beg leave to state our reasons for differing in sentiment with -a man of his consummate knowledge and experience, together with our -objections to his Antidote. - -That the present crisis is an alarming one, every man capable of -reflection, will readily admit, that, however, every artifice of audacity -and craft has been exerted (and with success exerted) to undermine the -religious, moral, and political sentiments of the great mass of the -manufacturing and agricultural orders of Society in England, seems to -require some farther proof, than the mere assertion of the Author, before -we can assent to it, with an equal degree of conviction:—Is it probable -that, notwithstanding the firmness which has so eminently distinguished -the present Administration, such artifices should be resorted to with -impunity? Is it possible that success should attend such artifices, -notwithstanding the vigilance of Ministers, so unhesitatingly displayed -in the removal of Lord Fitzwilliam? Perhaps, the Revd. Author meant -obliquely to censure Administration, for overlooking such attempts in the -first instance, and subsequently, for not foreseeing and guarding against -their pernicious effects, for not suppressing tumultuous assemblies, -when, (according to his assertion) the then existing laws, were of -sufficient force to stamp the greater part of them with the Seal of -illegality. - -It is a melancholy consideration, that the Christian Religion, which -inculcates universal good will and beneficence, as the peculiar doctrine -of its founder, should have been not unfrequently perverted, in -consequence of the self-interested and prejudiced views of individuals, -into an instrument of cruelty and oppression; and it is probable that -this perversion should have an influence, in bringing into disrepute -the Religion we profess, (which is meant we presume, by the overthrow -of our God) far more prevalent than the effusions of impiety and -atheism, however circulated in private, or openly and daringly boasted -of;—The pure and simple precepts of Christianity call forth our utmost -admiration, the sanctity and beneficence of its founder, excite in -us reverence and love, can then these impious and atheistical dogmas -(inspiring us but with horror) can these dogmas it may be asked, -counteract the influence of the Religion in which we have been educated, -which we have been taught, and which we are inclined from its pure -morality to respect? It is the abuse of Christianity, its pretended -friends, not its open and avowed antagonists, that will ever abridge its -permanence or diffusion. - -Power, wealth, and consequence, are the prime motives of human exertion, -and when once in possession of these objects, men are equally anxious -to preserve, as they originally were to acquire them:—the establishment -of Hierarchies is of human invention, and of course, must partake in -the imperfections of humanity; These Hierarchies vest in the several -members composing them, no small share of profit and authority, to retain -which, is their common interest; whenever the particular tenets, for -the maintenance of which, the establishment was originally formed, are -called in question, its members, alarmed at the impending danger, resort -to every means in their power, of upholding their own, and of repelling -the influence of their assailants, among which, persecution may perhaps -appear a ready and effectual mode of quelling all opposition. - -The Church of Rome exceeded all other Hierarchies in extent of -Dominion, of Power, and of Influence; its exertions, therefore, against -all assailants would be proportionably vigorous, its persecutions -proportionably extensive:—these assertions are not advanced with the -view of vindicating Persecution, they are meant merely to account, -in some measure, for its origin;—convinced that the God of Mercy can -delight only in Virtue and Integrity, every reflecting mind must abhor -and condemn the mistaken zeal of those, who think they promote the -service of the Divinity, by torturing and afflicting his creatures:—but -have the members of the Protestant Establishment entirely abstained -from the exercise of this instrument, to establish or confirm their -Power? Are they, altogether, innocent of resorting to this object of -their reprehension? For a solution of these questions we may recur to -our own domestic annals. Has not the bulk of the Irish Nation been -subject to the will and caprice of a few individuals (in comparison -with its population) and this, for adhering to the religion of their -forefathers?—Have not the ministers of this religion (after being -compelled to seek their education in some foreign country) been -debarred from the exercise of their sacred functions except by stealth -or privacy?—Have not the adherents to this Religion been shackled in -every effort to better their condition?—Have they not been rendered -incapable of acquiring real property?—If possessed of such property, -have they not been subject to its entire forfeiture by information or -discovery?—Were not such forfeitures intended to act as allurements -for children to inform, even, against their own parents?—Was not every -father of a family liable to punishment for educating his children, in -that religious persuasion, which he esteemed the only true one?—Were not -Catholics ineligible to any office of power or trust?—Were not these Acts -in force for nearly a century?—Many other grievances, equally oppressive -in addition to these, were inflicted on them in direct violation of the -Treaty of Limerick, in which it was stipulated, that the Irish should -be admissible to all the Privileges of subjects, upon taking the oath -of Allegiance, without being bound to take the oath of Supremacy:—our -domestic annals, then, afford a strong presumption that the Protestant -Establishment has been no less culpable, in the exercise of persecution, -as an instrument to support its power, than the Romish Hierarchy so much -inveighed against; whilst its present conduct, in still withholding -from the Catholics a full participation in the privileges to which its -Protestant Subjects are admitted, is a convincing proof that it continues -actuated by a spirit of intolerance;—not to particularize the absurd -calumnies, the foul misrepresentations, so vehemently urged against -them, and of which some of its ministers (we regret to observe) are -too intemperate in the application;—strange inconsistency that there -is in mankind, when the very means they severely reprehend, are not -frequently applied by themselves.—Can it be supposed, that men of well -cultivated understandings, should be so lost to all sense of morality, -so destitute of respect for their own characters, as to look upon -wilful perjury as a virtue, when resorted to for particular purposes, -or particular interests?—Can it be admitted that men, many of them eye -witnesses of, and sufferers in the late revolutionary calamities on -the Continent, when they return home should, by the most atrocious of -crimes, voluntarily endanger the peace and tranquility of their native -Country? Their own conduct is a full refutation of the calumnious charges -advanced against them, a positive proof that they seriously regard -their moral obligations;—they are, not only, peaceable in their own -demeanor,—they render the people, of whom they are the pastors, quiet -and inoffensive;—were they disposed to estimate wilful perjury as venial, -or, in some particular instances, as laudable, they would recommend it -to their several flocks, and thus, would the Catholics, by being freed -from the restraint of morality, become admissible to all the privileges -of subjects; but it is the part, only, of an abandoned profligate, to -profess his conformity with the established doctrines, and to violate -the most solemn engagements, for the advancement of his own private -interest or ambition;—the man of integrity disclaims all compromise with -his conscience, he will submit to every privation, and will encounter -indigence and obscurity, rather than deserve the imputation of guilt:—the -express denial of the Catholic Universities that any earthly power can -grant absolution for perjury, the solemn abjuration of such a doctrine -by the Priesthood themselves, but above all, the uniform tenor of their -conduct, proves that these calumnies are altogether unfounded. - -National reflections, it has been observed, are not justified in theory, -nor on any general principles;—the same observation will hold good -in regard to Sects, Parties, or Professions:—particular individuals -may, undoubtedly, be just objects of censure, particular tenets of -reprehension, but indiscriminate abuse, is the offspring of prejudice -or malevolence, it can never derive its origin from sober reason and -impartiality.—To follow the author of the Antidote through his abusive -rhapsody against the Schismatics, would, perhaps, engage us too far in -scurrility, to examine into the tenets, he attributes to them, will, -at least, more usefully employ our attention. A new sect has been -lately formed, the constitution of whose church, he says, instructs its -adherents that, through belief, they will escape from the guilt and -punishment of sin; this proposition, advanced as one of the tenets of -the new sect, is scarcely intelligible;—that a due portion of belief -will exonerate us from the punishment of sin, may be readily understood, -however we may doubt of its truth, but that the commission of sin will -not involve us in guilt, is a proposition that cannot without difficulty -be comprehended. The Revd. Author may mean perhaps, that they maintain -faith to be more meritorious than good works, a doctrine which has been -ascribed to many of the sectaries, but, as it is not included by him -who founded our Religion, among the immediate requisites for salvation, -it ought to be examined with the utmost caution, and, if upon such an -examination, it should appear disadvantageous to the interest of society, -it ought at once to be rejected—according to this tenet, its adherents -are not required to cultivate those good qualities, which are beneficial -to mankind; they neglect the occasions of beneficence, they lose even -the dispositions of benevolence, in cultivating faith, which quality -above all others, will insure their acceptance with God. They expose -themselves to the frauds of knaves, or the errors of fanatics, into which -frauds and errors however, they dare not examine, as to doubt, is to fail -in that essential point, on which they found their future hope;—under the -influence likewise of this principle, the tenor of their conduct becomes -a matter of no moment, it induces negligence in regard to their duties, -as men in a state of society, since active virtue can be of no avail, -where faith is esteemed the sole requisite for justification:—a less -grave argument also, though upon so serious a subject, may, perhaps, be -not inapplicable. Faith depends upon ignorance, of course the less a man -knows, the more he has to believe, hence the most ignorant, with a due -supply of credulity, will become the most meritorious of christians:—we -would moreover, recommend it to the Revd. Author, of the Antidote, to -examine more accurately into his own Articles of Belief, as required by -law, before he censures this doctrine of the Sectaries. - -They hold, moreover, as the Rev. Author informs us, farther, that, -if once justified, no outrage they can afterwards commit, no sin (it -does not signify of how horrible a nature, they can be guilty of) will -deprive them of eternal salvation;—We readily join with Sir Harcourt -Lees in reprobating such a tenet, it is absurd and presumptuous;—The -determinations of God are impenetrable by man;—his acceptance of our -feeble efforts to conciliate his favor, can be discovered only by the -Revelation he has communicated.—How then can we become confident in our -own justification, during our present state of existence, in which we -are unceasingly liable to error? The very supposition involves in it -an absurdity;—but to arrogate to ourselves exemption from punishment -for all future transgressions, is to assume the peculiar province of -the Deity, and is equally impious, as it is presumptuous;—this tenet is -also subversive of general Benevolence,—its votaries must, necessarily, -look upon themselves as the sole partakers in justification, and the -rest of mankind as outcasts from God’s Mercy. They will esteem them, -therefore, but little entitled to their consideration and regard;—the -conceit of being justified must originate either in actual, or fancied -inspiration, but inspiration is a real feeling of the Divine Presence, -enthusiasm a false one, and the effects are nearly the same in either -case,—how then will they guard themselves from misapprehension? how will -they be able to distinguish between Divine Inspiration, and mere mortal -enthusiasm?—The former will, we must acknowledge, dissipate all doubt, -and confirm them in virtue, but the latter may lead them into errors, -which it will be difficult, if not impossible to repair:—may not these -tenets however, be somewhat overcharged, I do not mean by design, but -through misapprehension.—The consciousness of a scrupulous discharge of -their relative duties may, in some instance, give birth to presumption, -and leave men to conceive themselves entitled to justification from -their own superior merits; but these sectaries strongly impressed with -the imperfection of human nature, attributing such conceptions to the -arrogance of human reason, regard Faith as an humble acknowledgement -of their incompetence to merit the Divine Favor, they rely solely on -the Mercy of God for justification;—hence their preference of faith, in -comparison with their own exertions for this purpose;—by these means, -however, their minds became enervated, their reason less vigorous, they -are less inclined to exert it, and more open to the fervor of enthusiasm, -which may, not improbably, inspire an opinion, that themselves are -favored with a Divine Communication; that hypocrites and imposters will -take advantage of this disposition is more than probable, but hypocrites -and imposters abound in all persuasions, even in the Established Church, -a good mind may be deceived, but it is hoped will not be perverted -by them;—the absurdity of such doctrines may be offered to their -consideration, convince their reason and they will abjure them, but, if -this delusion tends only to sweeten their present enjoyments, and render -them confident in future hope, why should they be grossly reviled for -their belief? - -“But (he proceeds) should these schismatics form a Coalition with the -sworn enemies of our Church and constitution, the pious and merciful -Papists (as Lord Donoughmore calls them) whose Priests will give them -absolution, while the imaginations of the fanatic Enthusiast will -justify him, I should be glad to know what would soon be the fate of -both Church and King in this great Empire.” Here the Rev’d. Author -displays his motives for administering to the public, foreseeing danger -from the envenomed shafts of the fanatic, and from those of the Papist, -armed with a still more deadly poison, he compounds an Antidote that -he may counteract their pernicious effects, he expresses indeed, the -most decided contempt for Dr. Dromgoole’s Prophecy, though he evidently -apprehends its accomplishment,—but Dr. Dromgoole’s prophecy is as -harmless as himself was uninspired; the Protestant Church may defy -external violence, her danger proceeds from her own internal system, -she cherishes, within her own bosom, a principal of decay, which unless -Correctives be applied, must terminate in dissolution: The Clergy of -the establishment have been successful in their pursuit, they have -possessed themselves of the objects to which they aspired Power, Wealth -and Consequence: but in all human affairs, the completion of our desires -is generally succeeded by inactivity, after a successful termination of -our labours, we sit down to enjoy with ease and tranquility, the good -things of this life, so it is with the Clergy of the establishment, -their zeal is grown luke warm, their exertions are relaxed; In their -Churches, instead of the animated advocate infusing into his audience the -love of Religion, with admiration at its excellence, we too frequently -find an indolent drone holding forth to a drowsy congregation: In the -conventicle, on the contrary, we may be hold the schismatic, ardent in -zeal, earnest in his exhortations, vehement, impetuous, and enforcing by -his impressive manner, the uninterrupted attention of his auditors: - - ... Se vis me flere dolendum est - Primum ipsi tibi.... - ... - Si dicentis erunt Fortunis absona dicta - Romani tollent Equites Peditesque Cachinnum. - -The cause of this essential difference is, that the Clergy have -already attained the summit of their ambition, whereas the Fanatic is -still engaged in the pursuit after profit and estimation:—should it -be represented that, with respect to the establishment, there are -gradations in preferment, and dignities, with princely endowments, -sufficient to excite emulation even in the most indolent of its -members,—we acknowledge that such is the fact,—but how are they -distributed?—Are they held out as inducements for exertion, as the -appropriate rewards of diligence and merit?—By no means:—They are -universally disposed of through the channels of family influence, or -parliamentary interest:—the minister for the time being (in the name of -his sovereign) has the uncontrouled disposal of Church dignities, and -it is probable (it might be said notorious) that he will rather consult -how he may best strengthen his own interest for retaining his situation, -than attend to the characters and qualifications of the applicants:—it -is, by no means, intended to call in question the methods, by which the -present venerated dignitaries of the Church arrived at their eminence, -their exemplary conduct proves that they deserve it, they are beyond -dispute, endowed with piety, learning, and conscientiousness in discharge -of their sacred functions, but will their successors in office, succeed -also to their good qualities? The future probable consequences should -therefore occupy the attention of the public;—under such circumstances, -the minister may appoint to these dignities, men totally destitute of -the necessary qualifications; they, imitating the minister, may confer -their patronage upon their own immediate connexions, or upon such fawning -sycophants only as are best versed in flattery and insinuation;—can a -clergy, thus constituted, command the respect of the people? on the -contrary, they will excite contempt rather than reverence:—hence may be -discerned the principle of decay in the system, which, unless guarded -against with the utmost vigilance, threatens to prove fatal:—the Roman -Catholics, swayed by these facts, and their attendant consequences, -hesitated at the proposal of Emancipation, when clogged with the -Veto;—the clergy foresaw, that in consequence of the Veto, they would, -in fact, become dependant upon the minister for all future promotion; -the laity were alarmed, lest the priesthood should be corrupted, whilst -they suspected that, by these means, the people in general would be -demoralized, Emancipation therefore, upon such terms, they wisely -determined to reject, and they merit the applause of the public for this -their virtuous determination.—“Ere long” (the Revd. Author fervently -prays) “may there be prepared and enforced a stronger test than the -articles of religion, to clear our Parishes and to save our children from -the cruel consequences of Evangelical Instruction,” (by which expression -he is supposed to mean the errors of fanaticism.) Would he then, out -of pure good will to the Protestants, enlarge their measure of Faith -as already prescribed by law, and still farther controul their reason? -Is he aware that the defection of many, even of the Protestant clergy, -proceeds from a repugnance to these articles, and would he encrease the -schism? His hostility to the sectaries may be reasonably suspected, -when he recommends a mode, so evidently, tending to increase their -numbers. The Catholics are charged by him, with being sworn enemies to -their Protestant fellow subjects, he would, notwithstanding, imitate -the conduct he reviles, and render the hostility between all parties -irreconcilable;—he would, even arm the dignitaries of his Church with -more extensive powers, and convert those, who ought to be models of -Christian charity, into instruments of unchristian persecution: but the -Rev. Baronet has, perhaps, a mitre in contemplation, and is anxious, ere -he wields the crozier, that the office may be invested with more ample -means of exalting the Protestant Ascendancy, at the expense of all who -differ from its doctrines; It is to be hoped, however, that, should he -arrive at this proud eminence, he will exercise its present powers, -unaided by additional ones, with temperance and discretion. - -The Public then will cease to wonder that the Revd. Author should so -strongly object to a right honourable gentleman’s declaration, in answer -to a Catholic Address, viz: that he is at a loss to account for the -reasons that operate, to prevent the Catholics from being “unrestrictedly -emancipated,” since this declaration militates against the Protestant -Ascendancy;—with due submission, however, to the learned Author’s -accumulated Experience (“having, from the earliest period of his academic -course, been in the habit of devoting a considerable part of his time -in the acquirement of knowledge, and of informing his mind upon matters -connected with the History, Politics, and Religions of his country. -Having been accustomed, likewise, to pass such time in the society of the -most eminent and able Writers, Politicians, and Statesmen, of ancient and -modern days.”) We cannot but accord with the above stated declaration -of the Right Honorable Gentleman, as equally just and liberal;—if the -co-operation of the Catholics, as fellow subjects, be expected, why -should they be debarred from the privileges of the subjects?—If their -attachment to the Constitution be a desirable object, why not attract -them by the united motives of interest and affection?—But how can they -be interested in, how can they affect a Constitution, which excludes -them, in particular, from its benefits and confidence?—Notwithstanding, -however, that we acknowledge the justice and liberality of this -declaration, we must beg leave to express our dissent from the same -Right Honorable Gentleman, when (according to the Report of a recent -debate) he pretends to define the term Liberty, by _Potestas faciundi -quicquid per leges liceat_;—the power of doing whatever may be permitted -by the laws, points out, only, that peculiar portion of liberty allowed -by each respective Government, to its appropriate subjects, but can never -be substituted for the general term itself.—In the Eastern regions, where -the Prince is despotic, where the will of the Sovereign is the law of -the state, the liberty of the subject will be bounded by the Will of a -Tyrant; under such circumstances the people are mere slaves;—hence, the -Right Honorable Gentleman’s definition is equally applicable to Slavery, -as to Liberty,—it may, however, be looked upon as the definition of -a lawyer, and as lawyers, in general, accommodate their pleadings to -the taste and interest of their clients, it may be presumed, that the -Right Honorable Gentleman adopted his definition to the interest, and -peculiar taste of his employer:—in the course of his harangue on the same -occasion, the Right Honorable Gentleman is reported to assert, (if we -understand the report aright,) that the great body of the people has no -right to enter into discussions concerning civil polity, or the immediate -measures of Government, an assertion that does but little credit to his -head, or his heart.—It may incline the people, however, to examine into -the Right Honorable Gentleman’s own claim to this important privilege;—it -may also be asked, who are interested in the measures adopted by -administration?—Is it the public at large? or is it the ministry? The -ministers are, indeed, a part of the people, but a failure in vigilance, -with respect to their own immediate interests, will never be attributed -to them; the security, the property, the liberty of the people, are at -stake, and it behoves them to be equally attentive to their concerns:—to -whom are ministers responsible?—to the representatives of the Nation:—who -are the constituents of this representative body?—the people:—in order -then to estimate the merits of a candidate, the people should become -competent judges of the excellence of their own Constitution, and of -the qualifications necessary, in a representative, to watch over and to -maintain its inviolability;—a close inspection therefore, into the System -of Government, and into the conduct pursued by their own representatives, -is a duty they owe themselves,—their fellow-subjects, and their -posterity;—the upright senator will also invite this serenity, whereas -the corrupt fool of a crafty minister will endeavour to evade enquiry, as -in the event of detection, he contemplates his own disgrace. - -Neither does the Revd. Author spare the Radical Reformers, “Who (he says) -under the pretence of Petition, have alone in view the ascertainment -of strength, for the purposes of desolation.”——that immense multitudes -assembling from all quarters, with the intent of framing Petitions -for a reform in their representation, is alarming to the peaceable -phlegmatic subject, cannot be doubted, but it is no less certain that in -general, they conducted themselves on these occasions, with the utmost -tranquillity and discretion:—if (as he maintains) Government were armed -with sufficient powers to suppress the meetings, why were they not -resorted to in the first instance? why connive at such scenes, even in -the Metropolis, where they must undoubtedly be the most formidable, and -thus impress upon the people an idea of their legality?—Why encourage -a frequent repetition of them, and thus give occasion for the fatal -occurrences at Manchester?—If it be true that prevention is better than -a cure, were not the Ministers remiss in not instantly exerting their -powers? and that they had these powers, we have the Revd. Baronets own -authority.—Why, then, resort to new measures, when the existing laws were -sufficient for the immediate occasion?—A free Press is generally looked -upon as the surest bulwark against the encroachments of power; to it -also, we are indebted for the various improvements in Arts, in Sciences, -and even in virtue and religion, when considered as Sciences;—the -unrestrained privilege of questioning every proposition, and discussing -every subject, greatly contributes to the investigation of truth; should -the liberty of the Press, degenerate into licentiousness, a legal remedy -has, long since been provided;—should it encourage tumultuous meetings, -as the former laws (according to Sir Harcourt Lees) were of sufficient -force to suppress such assemblies, a farther restraint was unnecessary, -and uncalled for;—should it disseminate Blasphemy through the nation, -the good sense of the people will soon reject and condemn it, as is -evident from the several verdicts returned against the publications of -such a nature;—does then, the Baronet indulge in irony, when he extols -the conduct of administration? on the contrary, we rather suspect that, -misled by his own voracious appetite for praise, in too liberally -dispensing it to others, he has unguardedly conveyed censure, where he -meant but to commend. - -The liberty of the Press, is without doubt, liable to abuse, so is every -privilege we enjoy, as men or as subjects, but, if it be once admitted -that the abuse of any privilege by a few individuals, is a sufficient -reason for withdrawing it from the Public at large, all their privileges -as free men will be successively forfeited:—If, indeed, Government -had not been possessed of sufficient means for remedying the apparent -disorders, they had had a decent apology for resorting to new measures, -and restrictive expedients; but, when the Revd. Author acknowledges the -competence of the powers vested in Ministers, originally to suppress -such assemblies, he according to our apprehension, (though perhaps, not -designedly,) censures their conduct in neglecting to do so. - -That seats in the House of Commons, are to be purchased, is as notorious -as the sun at noon day, according to a noble member of the present -Administration, who is reported, in the public papers, to have made -use of this expression, on being convicted of bartering or attempting -to barter a seat in that house, for a Writership in the East India -Service:—it is no less confidently affirmed, that, in many instances, -Boroughs (intended to return representatives of the commercial part of -the Empire) are become the properties of private individuals, who either -appoint their own Members (with this particular proviso, that they -shall vacate their seats, unless they vote agreeably to the will of the -individual appointing them) or without hesitation sell them to the best -bidder:—it even, sometimes happens, that the Aristocracy of a county (by -which I mean the proprietors of great landed estates) consult together, -how many votes each of them can command (for they conclude that every -tenant must vote according to the direction of his landlord) and proceed -to put in nomination such candidates, as may have secured the weightiest -interest with themselves, who are generally successful; whether are -they then, the representatives of the people, or of a few individuals -constituting this Aristocracy?—Are these practices consistent with the -Constitution? or rather is not its very principle violated by them?—in -consequence of these abuses, it may reasonably be conjectured, that -the representative body will become corrupt;—that their own immediate -interests will outweigh all consideration for the public; and that they -will utterly disregard the rights and privileges of the people, to -protect which, however, they were originally instituted:—are the people -culpable if aroused by such grievances? they petition for a Reform in -the Commons House, well aware that the long duration of Parliaments, not -only gives birth to, but accelerates the progress of corruption; if they -aim at an annual, rather than a septennial parliament, concluding that, -by how much the shorter the period of their parliamentary existence may -be, the Administration will become by so much the less able and less -willing to corrupt the members, and that even should any individuals of -the representative body betray their trust, the period will soon arrive, -in which they may elect more worthy representatives?—It has been asserted -that this is contrary to the nature of our boasted constitution; but, if -the system be imperfect in this one particular, why not amend so material -a defect?—Or is the constitution immutable but for the benefit of the -Aristocracy, whilst every change is inadmissible, that will protect the -people at large in the due enjoyment of their rights and privileges?—Is -the change from a Triennial, to a Septennial Parliament (brought about -by the representative body, in direct violation of their constituents’ -rights;) is this change, it may be asked, less hazardous than one which -purposes only to guard against the corruption, and to correct those -abuses which have almost imperceptibly crept into the representation?—As -the existence of corruption in the representative is too probable, so -is its prevalence in the constituent body too notorious:—election by -ballot, it has been supposed, will provide a remedy against this evil;—it -will remain unknown to the candidates for whom the voters may poll, the -application of bribery therefore will be ineffectual, as, notwithstanding -his acceptance of a bribe, the voter may still poll, according to his -inclination or his conscience, without the fear of a discovery. - -In regard to the universal suffrage, it must be acknowledged that every -individual, in the state, has an interest in the proper administration -of its affairs, and that Government will, sometimes, need the support, -even of its meanest subjects; if, therefore, they are interested in, -and contribute to the support of Government, they are entitled to -a participation in its privileges;—the privilege they claim is the -Elective Franchise, and as the lower house is called the Commons House of -Parliament, why should not the members, instead of representing property, -be in fact the representatives of the People?—At the same time such -material changes adopted on a sudden, might produce tumult and disorder, -they might occasion convulsions, attended with far more dreadful effects, -than the evils they purpose to remedy;—but when a minister acknowledges -corruption in his own conduct;—when the sale of Boroughs is notoriously -practised;—when, in some instances, the representatives of a County are -returned by the influence alone of a few powerful individuals;—when the -late convictions, in the House of Commons, for bribery, prove that it is -frequently, if not generally practised by the candidates for seats in -that house, and that it has a pernicious influence upon the constituent -body;—it cannot be disputed, but that some remedy ought instantly to be -applied, in order to eradicate, or at least to check the wide spreading -infection. - -Lord Grey, Lord Grenville, the Whig party, even the members of the -opposition are collectively abused by this Author; Lord Grey and Lord -Grenville, however, together with many other individuals whom he severely -censures, are men of acknowledged talents and information, as is evident -from their general conduct, and the speeches they have delivered in -various Parliamentary debates; but they differ in opinion from his -Reverence, if however, every man, who thinks differently from the learned -Author, be a profligate or a blockhead, we suspect that, besides himself, -he will scarcely find a wise or a virtuous individual throughout the -great Empire. - -He again resumes his attacks upon the Catholics, we shall, however, in -the first instance, notice three questions, one particle of which he so -confidently defies them to refute: - -1st. “Does not a Papist kneel down before, pray and bow to images, -pictures, and pieces of old wood representing our Blessed Saviour, the -Virgin Mary, and many Saints, and does he not do this for the purpose -either of paying adoration to these identical pieces of wood, old sheets -of oil cloth, with faces smeared on them, almost as hideous as most -of those you will see at the Catholic Board, on reading one of Robert -Peele’s Anti-catholic speeches, or to their likenesses?”—In answer to -this question we beg leave to refer to the catechisms of the catholics, -in which occur the following questions and answers:—Is it lawful to -adore the blessed Virgin or the saints?—No: for by adoration is here -meant the honor due to God alone.—Do the commandments forbid us to honor -the Saints?—No: for the honor we give them is different from that which -we pay to God, we honor the Saints as friends and faithful servants -to God.—If it is forbid in Catholics to worship the Saints, can it -be supposed that they will pay adoration to their image, pictures or -representations?—Or, is it consistent with probability that the same -Church will direct them, in their riper years, to practise, what it has -taught them when pupils, to reject and avoid?—The council of Trent has, -without doubt, declared, that due honor and respect be given to images -of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the other Saints;—and who can deny that -that degree of honor and respect, to which they are entitled, should be -paid these, or any other representations?—It is natural to be affected -at the Representation of a dear departed friend and benefactor; the -Catholics look upon them as their best of benefactors, they therefore -pay them a due degree of honor and respect, should they, however, exceed -this degree, they are not only culpable, but obnoxious likewise, to the -censures of their own Church:—the Protestants themselves regard King -William III. as their benefactor, of course they honor and drink to his -memory, some even have been so far inflamed with enthusiasm, as to drink -to his glorious and immortal memory on their bare knees, are not these -Protestants equally idolatrous with the Catholics? - -Secondly, “He wishes to know whether a Papist does not pray to Saints -and Angels, and invoke their intercession, thereby making Gods, not -only of Angels, but even of dead men, although expressly informed, by -God himself, that there is but one mediator with the Father, not only -of redemption but of intercession also, which is our blessed Saviour, -and in doing so is he not guilty of idolatry?” That the Roman Catholics -intreat of Saints and Angels to forward petitions in their behalf, for -obtaining the divine mercy, is acknowledged, but that, in doing so, they -mean to worship them as Gods, or to incur the guilt of idolatry, is as -confidently denied:—they dread through an humble confidence of their own -demerits, to offer from themselves an immediate address to the Deity:—and -as Christ himself has given an example of praying for others, even his -persecutors, in those memorable words, “Pardon them O Lord, for they know -not what they do;” so the Catholics may probably imagine that the Saints -and Angels whom they address, will petition in their behalf, and as they -are pure in comparison with themselves, these petitions will have greater -effect, than the immediate addresses of a polluted sinner—we think also, -that the answer to the first, is a sufficient answer to this question. - -Thirdly, “He is induced to enquire whether a Papist does not pay divine -adoration to a mixture of flour and water, made up by the hands of an -illiterate and possibly profligate priest, contrary to the figurative -sense and meaning of the Holy Scripture, and in direct opposition to -reason and common understanding? does he not believe that a Popish Priest -has the power of making a God? and does he not bow down and worship -this worse than golden image?”—It may be asked the Revd. Baronet if -he ever enquired before administering the holy Communion to his own -flock, whether the bread provided for the purpose, were made by pure -and undefiled hands, whether the wine were genuine, or brewed by some -rascally vintner;—and is not the term profligate, equally applicable to -a minister of the establishment, as to a Popish Priest, particularly, if -the minister devotes much of his time to the joys of the chase, and (we -may naturally suppose) its consequent festivity; whilst the Priest is -laboriously and almost constantly employed in the conscientious discharge -of his sacred functions? as to the adoration paid to the Host, the -Catholic believes that the Body and Blood of Christ (acknowledged to -partake of the Godhead) are actually present, and can he justly be called -idolatrous for paying adoration to the presence of Divinity?—the learned -gentleman may also be requested to explain what he means to impress -upon the mind of a Catechumen, by the following words: “the Body and -Blood of Christ are verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful -in the Lord’s Supper.”—Let it be understood, that we by no means, -recommend these doctrines, they may possibly give occasion of offence -to such tender consciences as the Baronet possesses, they are matters -of belief, and therefore left to every man’s own determination;—since, -however, some particles of his questions have been absolutely and with -truth denied, whilst others have been so far answered, we hope, as to -exculpate the Catholics from all criminality either in act or intention, -we may conclude, that should a Cardinal’s hat be now engaged to the Revd. -Baronet, he will perhaps, not only be almost, but altogether inclined to -renounce his own faith, and turn Papist. - -In treating of the monstrous doctrines ascribed by Sir Harcourt Lees to -the Catholics, we may premise that their own general conduct sufficiently -refutes his accusation:—his strong assertions however, may seem to -demand some farther enquiry. - -The 4th Lateran council was held in the year 1215, at which were present, -most of the christian sovereigns;—this council therefore may be properly -termed a general congress of the temporal, as well as spiritual Powers -of Christendom; they assembled for the purpose of suppressing the heresy -of the Manchæans, or Albigenses, whose doctrines were (according to -Mosheim) not only subversive of morality, decency, and good order, but -even destructive to the human species,—it was supported by the Counts -of Thoulouse, Cominges, Foix, and aided by numerous bodies of banditti, -hired for this purpose.—The heresy was condemned by the spiritual -authority of the church; and the Fiefs of the princes encouraging it, -were declared forfeitures to their liege lords, by the authority of the -sovereigns, there assembled:—the censures of this council or rather -congress were never promulgated, and scarcely known in this island, but -were directed (we believe, solely) against the Manchæans or Albigenses, -and the princes above mentioned, who encouraged and protected the -votaries of this pernicious heresy. - -The council of Constance, held in the year 1414, expressly declares -that it is heretical to affirm it lawful for a subject to kill his -prince, on any pretence whatsoever, session 15. One solitary instance -of the contrary doctrine being maintained, occurs in Mariana, whose book -was condemned, and publicly burnt by a provincial council of her own -order; this Mariana was a Spaniard, born at Talavera, in the year 1537, -who became a Religious in the year 1554;—he was also condemned by the -parliament of Paris, and by the doctors of Sorbonne, and his book burnt -by the hands of the common hangman. - -The council of Trent assembled in the year 1545, and continued to the -year 1563, declares, that to violate the least point of public faith -given to heretics, is a crime punishable by the laws of God and Man; -session, 15 and 18. The doctrine then of the Catholics teaches them that -no power on earth can absolve them from allegiance to their sovereigns -and civil magistrates, and obliges them to keep faith with all men:—when -therefore, the Revd. Author asserts, that according to the 4th Lateran -council, oaths taken contrary to the interest of the Popish church are -not to be called oaths, but perjuries, and that it is still in force, we -must question the accuracy of his information, in regard to its being -a received doctrine among the catholics;—the council of Constance, and -subsequently the council of Trent decreed the very reverse, and the -doctrine of the last general council must now be like the prevailing -one:—the oaths taken by the priests and Bishops regard only spirituals, -that part which refers to the Rights, Honors, State and Power of the Pope -is confined (as the Catholics assert) to such as live under the Pope’s -temporal jurisdiction, or the jurisdiction of a Catholic Sovereign;—Our -own sovereigns are bound (the author proceeds) by the coronation oath -“to the utmost of their power to maintain the true profession of the -gospel,” but by gospel, we are enjoined to do unto all men as we would -they should do unto us; persecution therefore, in the slightest degree, -is a departure from this precept,—“and the Protestant reformed religion -as established by the laws”—whether will the Protestant Religion be -better maintained by an observance of, or a deviation from, the doctrine -contained in the Gospel? “to preserve the Bishops and Clergy of this -Realm, and to the churches committed to their charge, all such rights -and privileges as by law, do or shall appertain to them, or any of -them,” Catholic Emancipation will not encroach upon these rights and -privileges, it will only procure an equal participation of civil rights -and privileges for the Catholics, which in compliance with the Gospel, -the Protestants are bound to grant, as they in a like situation, would -wish to obtain the same privileges for themselves. - -As Sir Harcourt Lees is so very liberal in his application of censure -upon individuals, upon Parties, upon Sects, who may differ from himself -in opinion, with respect to the three natural points which concern human -Life, Religion, Morals and Politics, we presume that he bears in mind -and accords with the assertion of Demosthenes,[1] “that all men are, -by nature, prone to delight in detraction and invective,” but that, -through the multiplicity of his studious pursuits, the remainder of the -sentence, in which this assertion is contained, has entirely escaped his -recollection, “but to be disgusted with those who praise themselves,” as -he is no less liberal in self Commendation;—The Athenian Orator indeed -recounts to his Audience the services he had rendered the State, during -his Administration, but handsomely, apologizes for this conduct, by -premissing that he was obliged to pursue this method, in order to refute -the Calumnies of his Adversary, and that therefore the odium, naturally -attendant upon self Praise, ought to rest upon the Individual, who had -compelled him to bring forward such a Relation: Sir Harcourt Lees, -however had no adversary to contend with; no one disputed his merits; of -course he had no Calumnies to refute; we must conclude therefore, that he -expects some material Reward for his present and former Exertions, and -therefore points out his peculiar claims lest they should remain unknown -and extinguished; his success we wish not to prevent; our aim is to guard -the Public (since men are naturally inclined to delight in censure) from -imbibing prejudice through the agreeable medium of invective. - - [1] Φυσει πασιν ανθρωποις ὑπαρχει των μεν λοιδοριων κ των - καταογριων ακουειν ἠδεως, τοις επαινουσι δ’ αὑτονς ἀχθεσθαι. - -To give advice, without giving offence, is a serious difficulty;—it has -been pertinently observed, that to give advice is to seize an occasion -of displaying our own wisdom, at the expence of others, and however -readily a superiority in all other respects, may be admitted, the -assumption of superior sense and understanding is universally offensive; -the learned Baronet has made a pompous display of his diligence, his -research, his consequent information, and urges his claim to attention, -from the mortifying circumstance of our inferiority in understanding, -when compared with his own:—making no pretensions to superiority of -intellect, claiming only the free exercise of reason and common sense, -and suspecting that some ingredients in the Rev. Baronet’s prescription -(should it be adopted) might prove injurious to the general system; -We are anxious to preserve the constitution sound and vigorous, and -being members of the public, we look upon ourselves as included in -the number of patients, we shall therefore take the liberty, without -further ceremony, of examining (as far as we can understand it) into the -composition of his Antidote. - -The Revd. Author thus expresses himself: “to the superintending care of -an energetic, firm, and most popular administration, I with confident -security resign the civil and constitutional difference of my country; -the established government in state, may in such hands be saved from -destruction;” we must beg leave in this particular, to dissent from his -prescription (of which we deem this an ingredient, since he recommends -it by the authority of his own example) as, however energetic, firm, -popular, and even strenuously devoted to public liberty the present -ministers may be, they are but men, of course liable to error and -assailable by the temptations of power and interest we would, on the -contrary, recommend a jealous vigilance with respect to every measure -of every administration;—the immediate interests of a minister may be -distinct from those of the people, he may therefore, in some instances -be induced to sacrifice all considerations for the public good, to the -prevailing motives of avarice and ambition:—and here we will repeat our -dissent from a Right Honorable Gentleman, should he have asserted (which -however, we gather only from a News-paper report) that the people have no -right to enter into discussions concerning civil Polity in general, or -the immediate measures of government; his legal experience we presume, -will inform him that a Trustee is accountable for the proper management -of his trust;—both the executive and legislative bodies are trustees of -the people, to whom they are responsible, for the due discharge of the -sacred trust reposed in them; the more they enquire into the effects -resulting from the measures of every administration, the more competent -will they become in appreciating the merits of their respective trustees, -and the more clearly will they discern the propriety of conferring upon, -or withholding from them their farther confidence. - -He considers “unrestricted Emancipation to be impossible, so long as -the Constitution in Church and State shall be Protestant” and asserts -“that the necessity of excluding Papists from Parliament, and from -the great offices of State, is imperious, in order to preserve both -from destruction.” Neither can we subscribe to this opinion of the -Revd. Author;—We have endeavored to prove (and hope with success) -that the Authorities he quotes are unfounded, or obsolete and at -present of no force:—an equal Participation in the same rights and -privilege produces union and harmony, even among those who, from the -circumstance of receiving different educations, may have imbibed -different religious tenets; whilst a partial preference, and distinct -privileges annexed to the profession of a particular faith, encourage -the growth of jealousy and discussion:—_Divide and impera_ is the -boasted maxim of a crooked policy;—a well constituted Government -consults for, and endeavours to promote the common welfare of all its -subjects:—what have been the measures of policy pursued with regard -to Ireland? The bulk of its population is Catholic, and has during a -century groaned under the arbitrary sway of a Protestant Government, -partial to professors of its own faith, and arming them with distinct -privileges;—the Catholics have been subject to an Oligarchy, composed of -their declared opponents;—they have been debarred from acquiring real -property;—their Estates have been liable to confiscation, for refusing -to swear contrary to their consciences;—they have been restricted in -the free exercise of their religion, and from educating their children -in that faith which they esteemed the true one;—can it be expected, -that these circumstances should attach them to the constitution? they -acknowledge its excellence, and that its subjects enjoy a greater portion -of liberty, than the subjects of any other state in Europe;—they look -upon themselves, however, not as its subjects, but its slaves:—instead -of interminable hostility against the Catholics, we would earnestly -recommend conciliation;—let them be once admitted to all the privileges -of subjects, they will (we dare affirm) become equally zealous in their -attachment to the Constitution, as the Protestant himself.—In maintaining -the contrary opinion, we regret that the Revd. Sir Harcourt Lees, -should forget his character as a gentleman and a scholar, for, however -he may vent his spleen in gross and vulgar abuse, a sinner against -good-breeding, and the laws of decency will no more be esteemed a good -author, than will a sinner against grammar, good argument, or good sense. - -He is scarcely less abusive in his animadversions upon the Fanatics -or Evangelical, and if they, in reality, maintain such tenets as he -attributes to them, we must acknowledge that they are objectionable; they -tend to diminish the general benevolence of mankind, and to render them -regardless of moral rectitude; but persecution is still more dangerous, -and in proposing a strong test, in addition to the Thirty-nine Articles -he seems actuated, in some measure, by a spirit of persecution; even -Bishop Burnet (whose orthodox we presume will not be disputed) confesses -that the requiring subscription to the Thirty nine Articles, is a great -imposition:—and, would you, Revs. Sir, impose a more grievous test of -orthodoxy?—be assured, that the strength of your test, and its embracing -a multitude of objects will not tend to confirm your establishment:—it -may and probably will flourish, in power and wealth, with the government -of which it forms a part, but the superior excellence of the doctrines -you profess, your own exemplary deportment in private life, together with -a zealous exertion in the discharge of your sacred functions, will also -render its influence extensive, or its duration permanent:—here we would -recommend (but with the utmost deference and humility) the co-operation -of Government,—were the gradations in preferment allotted to gradations -in merit,—were the dignities of the Church, exclusively, appropriated -to eminence in virtue, piety, learning, the clergy in early life would -be stimulated to exertion for the attainment of these good qualities, -their exertions would, in general, be crowned with success, and thus, at -a more advanced period, they would become illustrious ornaments to their -profession; whilst the people instructed by the impressive exhortations, -and influenced by the upright conduct of their clergy, would be far more -inclined to the practise of morality and good-order. - -In regard to the radical reformers, their views may possibly be directed -to tumult and anarchy, but the ostensible object of their contemplation -do not appear to us visionary and impracticable, such material changes, -however, admitted at once into the system, might be attended with danger -and convulsion, we wilt by no means venture to deny that it might be so, -yet Burnet (zealously devoted to Government in his time) recommends the -annual Election of Representatives as an effectual expedient to stem the -progress of corruption, which had, even then, made great inroads among -all ranks of people: Election by ballot would defeat all the purposes -which, at present, induce many of the candidates to resort to bribery; -whilst universal suffrage would disable them from tampering with all the -voters:—corruption has moreover in some instances, and at some periods, -insinuated itself into the representative body;—the expediency of reform, -therefore, can be no longer doubtful;—and that reform is necessary, the -most eminent characters in our Empire have, long since, acknowledged, -they have likewise on several occasions attempted to introduce it;—whilst -Foreigners contemplating the excellence of the British Constitution, and -enumerating the beneficial consequences, resulting to the several Nations -of Europe, from the example of a free and independent State, flourishing -among themselves, have deeply lamented the existence of a vice in the -system, which must gradually undermine it;—O Honte (says Raynal) l’Homme -riche achete les suffrages de ses Commettans, pour obtenir l’Honneur -de les representer; la Cour achete les suffrages des Representans -gouverner plus despotiquement; une Nation sage ne travailleroit elle -pas a prevenir l’une & l’autre corruption? N’est il pas etonnant que -cela ne se soit pas fait, le jour qu’un Representant eut l’impudence -de faire attendre ses Commettans dans son Antichambre, & de leur dire -ensuite, je ne sais ce que vous voulez, mais je n’en ferai qu’a ma tete; -je vous ai achetés fort cher, & j’ai bien resolu de vous vendre le plus -cher que je pourrai:—we here confidently recommend a radical reform in -ourselves, for the purpose of insuring to the body politic a sound and -perfect recovery—Let every member of the state correct his own vices—and -the voters should not only correct themselves; but it is their duty -to examine into the qualifications which can entitle a candidate to -their approbation;—is he frugal in his expences without meanness?—is he -liberal, without profusion or ostentation?—is his private life marked by -no destructive vice?—they may safely conclude that such a representative, -unassailable by corruption, will discharge his trust with fidelity. - -In consequence of the demise of our late and regretted Monarch, the -period is at hand when the people will have a legal opportunity of -freely and openly expressing their sentiments, in regard to the measures -lately adopted by Administration;—if, in their opinion, the good and -loyal subject is farther protected, by these means, in the unmolested -enjoyment of his rights and privileges;—if the cottage of the meanest -peasant still remains his castle, from which he may legally repel all -violent intrusion;—if the Press restrained only in its licentiousness, -is confirmed in the full exercise of its liberty (the great Bulwark of -the British Constitution)—then will their former members, who supported -such enactments, be returned to Parliament, as deserving objects of their -preference:—but should they think that encroachments on civil liberty -are substituted as safeguards to the Constitution;—that the habitation -of every British subject is exposed, even, to nightly visitations, at -the capricious will of a Magistrate;—that the liberty of the Press -is essentially violated, under a specious pretext of correcting its -abuses, and preventing the dissemination of blasphemous and seditious -libes;—the people will be aroused to a consideration of the danger -impending over themselves, and therefore be cautious in their choice -of Representatives;—in either case, however, we finally recommend -inviolable abstinence from corruption:—Let no views of present emolument, -no promises of further patronage,—let neither threats, nor intreaties -prevail on you to depart from the conscientious discharge of your duty -as voters:—the corruption of the constituent, will serve as an apology -for the corruption of the Representative body:—exhibit in yourselves a -generous example of reform:—your Representatives, chosen for the good -qualities you have discerned in them, will copy the example and thus -will the pernicious disorder, preying upon your very vitals, be in some -measure checked, if not entirely eradicated from your constitution. - -We have thus far obtruded upon the Public, in consequence of our -objections to the Antidote of Sir Harcourt Lees, and conclude with an -anxious wish that, whatever application may be adopted by them, it may -most conduce to the advancement of civil and religious liberty, and may -best contribute to the present and future welfare of the people. - - PHILODEMUS. - - - - -Transcriber’s Note: - - -The Greek passage on the title page would be better rendered: - - πασῃ φυλαχῃ την ψυχην τηρητεον, μη δια της των λογων ἡδονης - παραδεξαμενοι τι λαθωμεν των χειρονων ὡσπερ ὁι τα δηλητηρια - μετα του μελιτος προσιεμενοι. - -And the Greek passage in the footnote: - - Φυσει πασιν ανθρωποις ὑπαρχει των μεν λοιδοριων και των - κατηγοριων ακουειν ἡδεως, τοις επαινουσι δ’ αὑτονς ἀχθεσθαι. - -A list of changes made to the text: - - Page 3, “oppulence” changed to “opulence” (from opulence and - prosperity) - Page 3, “coersive” changed to “coercive” (adopt coercive measures) - Page 5, “vigilence” changed to “vigilance” (the vigilance of - Ministers) - Page 6, “tenents” changed to “tenets” (whenever the particular - tenets) - Page 9, “witnesess” changed to “witnesses” (men, many of them eye - witnesses) - Page 11, “tenents” changed to “tenets” (one of the tenets of the - new sect) - Page 11, “tenent” changed to “tenet” (according to this tenet) - Page 12, “inaplicable” changed to “inapplicable” (may, perhaps, - be not inapplicable) - Page 15, “adminstering” changed to “administering” (his motives - for administering) - Page 17, “conscientousness” changed to “conscientiousness” (and - conscientiousness in discharge) - Page 19, “irreconciliable” changed to “irreconcilable” (all - parties irreconcilable) - Page 21, “quiequid” changed to “quicquid” (Potestas faciundi - quicquid per leges liceat) - Page 21, “undersand” changed to “understand” (if we understand - the report aright) - Page 22, “serinity” changed to “serenity” (will also invite this - serenity) - Page 23, “themelves” changed to “themselves” (they conducted - themselves on these occasions) - Page 25, “appology” changed to “apology” (they had had a decent - apology) - Page 26, “greivances” changed to “grievances” (if aroused by such - grievances) - Page 26, “accellerates” changed to “accelerates” (accelerates the - progress of corruption) - Page 26, “septenial” changed to “septennial” (a septennial - parliament) - Page 30, duplicated word “the” removed (Do the commandments) - Page 30, “probality” changed to “probability” (is it consistent - with probability) - Page 31, “maing” changed to “making” (thereby making Gods, not - only of Angels) - Page 32, “poluted” changed to “polluted” (of a polluted sinner) - Page 32, “anwer” changed to “answer” (is a sufficient answer to - this question) - Page 32, “appliable” changed to “applicable” (equally applicable - to a minister) - Page 33, “Catolics” changed to “Catholics” (ascribed by Sir - Harcourt Lees to the Catholics) - Page 34, “Albigensis” changed to “Albigenses” (against the - Manchæans or Albigenses) - Page 35, “Marianna” changed to “Mariana” (Mariana, whose book was - condemned) - Page 35, “teach-them” changed to “teaches them” (The doctrine - then of the Catholics teaches them) - Page 35, “geueral” changed to “general” (the doctrine of the last - general council) - Page 36, “confinad” changed to “confined” (Power of the Pope is - confined) - Page 37, “apoligizes” changed to “apologizes” (apologizes for - this conduct) - Page 38, “univerrsally” changed to “universally” (is universally - offensive) - Page 40, “unrestrcited” changed to “unrestricted” (unrestricted - Emancipation to be impossible) - Page 40, “Paticipation” changed to “Participation” (equal - Participation in the same rights) - Page 41, “jealously” changed to “jealousy” (the growth of - jealousy and discussion) - Page 41, “disscussion” changed to “discussion” (the growth of - jealousy and discussion) - Page 41, “priveleges” changed to “privileges” (arming them with - distinct privileges) - Page 42, “benovelence” changed to “benevolence” (the general - benevolence of mankind) - Page 43, “extentive” changed to “extensive” (render its influence - extensive) - Page 43, “upwright” changed to “upright” (the upright conduct of - their clergy) - Page 43, “impractible” changed to “impracticable” (visionary and - impracticable) - Page 45, “bein” changed to “bien” (j’ai bien resolu; the French - text left otherwise uncorrected) - Page 47, “obtrurded” changed to “obtruded” (We have thus far - obtruded upon the Public) - Page 47, “Harcout” changed to “Harcourt” (the Antidote of Sir - Harcourt Lees) - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE IMPROVED ANTIDOTE, SUPPOSED -TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN EXPELLING POISON, THAN A LATE INVENTION, BY THE -REV. 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