opinion, an instance of
preference which ought to produce rather acknowledgments of gratitude
than sallies of indignation.

Upon the most exact survey of this debate, I will boldly affirm, that
I never heard in this house a question so untenable in itself, so
obstinately or so warmly debated; but hope that the sophistries which
have been used, however artful, and the declamations which have been
pronounced, however pathetick, will have no effect upon your
lordships. I hope, that as the other house has already agreed to
support the auxiliaries which have been retained, and which have been
proved in this debate to be retained for the strongest reasons, and
the most important purposes, your lordships will show, by rejecting
this motion, that you are not less willing to concur in the support of
publick faith, and that you will not suffer posterity to charge you
with the exaltation of France, and the ruin of Europe.

[The question was then put, and determined in the negative, by 90
against 35.]

After the conclusion of this long debate, the ministry did not yet
think their victory in repelling this censure sufficiently apparent,
unless a motion was admitted, which might imply a full and unlimited
approbation of their measures; and therefore the earl of SCARBOROUGH
rose, and spoke to the following effect:--My lords, it has been justly
observed in the debate of this day, that the opinions of the people of
Britain are regulated in a great measure by the determinations of this
house; that they consider this as the place where truth and reason
obtain a candid audience; as a place sacred to justice and to honour;
into which, passion, partiality, and faction have been very rarely
known to intrude; and that they, therefore, watch our decisions as the
great rules of policy, and standing maxims of right, and readily
believe these measures necessary in which we concur, and that conduct
unblameable which has gained our approbation.

This reputation, my lords, we ought diligently to preserve, by an
unwearied vigilance for the happiness of our fellow-subjects; and
while we possess it, we ought likewise to employ its influence to
beneficial purposes, that the cause and the effect may reciprocally
produce each other; that the people, when the prosperity which they
enjoy by our care, inclines them to repose in us an implicit
confidence, may find that confidence a new source of felicity; that
they may reverence us, because they are secur