inciples, supported by all the analogies of the constitution, and
place it upon a mere act of parliament, or rather upon an exception from
that act: whatever became of the legal title, the moral title of the
king would be touched. But," continued Mr. Sadler, "the intended
change of the constitution was doubly objectionable on account of
its unavoidable consequences. He contended that it would put the real
liberties of the people in jeopardy; and that the united church of
England and Ireland would be placed in peril by it, the moment it was
passed. The real object of the attack was the establishment, or rather
its principles and immunities. The war had begun; the siege commenced:
the first parallel was nearly completed; the very leaders of the
garrison were summoning a bold and numerous band of fresh assailants to
the attack; and the approaches would be carried on till a final triumph
was obtained over the most tolerant, the most learned, and the most
efficient establishment which any country had ever yet been blessed
with. And could any man, he asked, flatter himself that even when this
was destroyed, a long and uninterrupted reign of quietness and peace
would ensue? When this victim had been hunted down, the same pack would
scent fresh game, and the cry against our remaining institutions would
be renewed with double vigour, till nothing remained worth attack or
defence. An oath was certainly to be taken, verbally forbidding Roman
Catholics from harming the establishment; but they must be more or less
than men to be enabled to keep such an oath. It was even immoral to
present it to them: it established a war between words and principles,
oaths and conscience: and which of these would finally prevail needed
no explanation. That Roman Catholics once seated in the house should not
feel disposed to lessen the influence, and finally to destroy a church
which they abhorred was impossible; and that they should not make common
cause for a similar purpose with other parties inspired by similar
views was equally impossible. Much, it was true, had been said about
the weakness of such a party in point of numbers; but a party acting
invariably in unison on this point would ultimately carry it, and with
it, all others of vital importance." Referring to the apologies which
had been made for these portentous changes, Mr. Sadler said that the
country had been beguiled by them. He continued:--"I was one of those
who thought the conduct of