eformation; and the people could with a clear
conscience return to parliament such men as might be possessed of proper
character, and be of known attachment to the truth. Were a door opened
in this manner for men consistently uttering their voice in the councils
of the nation, then means should be assiduously used, on the part of the
people and on the part of their representatives, for scripturally
reforming the State, and for giving to true religion that external
countenance and support which is due to it. The government would not act
a weak part in conceding the abolition of the oath in the said cases. It
would rather thereby attach to the support of what is good in it, men
who would be equally at least with all others, amenable to every good
law, but bound to duty by ties far stronger than those which human laws
themselves could fasten. A good government should maintain the oath; but
a government such as the British, ought not to claim it for the purpose
of securing allegiance. That government seems at present disposed to
concede the abolition of that oath to the Catholics of Ireland. Why
should not the friends of truth in the empire, strive for the abolition
of the oaths of allegiance sworn by themselves, in using which they,
directly or indirectly, support what is evil, while Catholics are
unwilling to swear, because, that by swearing they are in some measure
prevented from giving scope to their own cause?

Even in order to abolish these oaths, the going into parliament by
swearing any of them, cannot be recommended. But since legislators in
either house, having sworn oaths of allegiance--even not justifiable,
are in possession of privileges, for the time being, of which the
Legislature cannot deprive them, let such have put into their hands,
memorials on the subject, by the people, and let them use their
privilege in order to gain their object. It does not appear how any one
can act dutifully by remaining in parliament, except in endeavouring to
carry into effect this measure.

But should Popery continue to make progress, as it has done of late, and
receive more countenance from the civil power, the friends of truth
would find it difficult, in any way to co-operate with the government,
but would be urged to take higher ground, in opposition to error, or
even tyranny, than they have in general lately taken. They may even have
to confederate against powers that would seek to rob them of their
christian privileges--