lone
can we be saved from such consequences; may He shed his power and grace
upon us as a nation!"

The political being everywhere dependent on the religious creed, a
country where popish superstitions prevail will always contain two
parties hostile upon principle to a free and constitutional government.
The multitude, who have surrendered the right of private judgment upon
the most engrossing subject, lose the disposition to exercise it upon
matters of inferior importance; and become dangerous instruments in the
hands of designing characters. A party will be found among them, whose
penetration can detect the mummeries of imposture, but not perceive the
claims of religion; and who, as they throw off allegiance to God, revolt
at any exercise of human authority. Political privileges, the strength
of a nation, where the intelligence and morals of the people support the
law, will in such a country give power to rebellion, and impunity to
crime. A government paternal in vigour as in kindness; the control of a
firm authority, supreme over all influence, to maintain order, to leave
no excuse for party, to protect the peaceable, promptly to suppress all
resistance to the law, and to give to the demagogue only the alternative
between obedience and rebellion, will be required not more for the
safety of the state, than for the welfare of the misguided people.

When the progress of the French revolution engaged the attention of
Europe, there was no country where it was regarded with greater interest
than in Ireland. The Papists hoped from it the opportunity to overthrow
Protestant supremacy: the Liberals hailed the triumph of their own
principles. Emissaries were sent to France, who represented that nothing
was wanting to secure the independence of Ireland but a regular army for
a rallying point; and France, hoping to give a fatal blow to her most
formidable enemy, and to gain a valuable province for herself, readily
promised the aid required, and as soon as her own distracted condition
would allow, hastened to fulfil her engagement.

The auxiliary force which the rebel delegates deemed sufficient, was
fifteen thousand men; but an army of at least eighteen thousand was
provided, commanded by that determined republican and distinguished
officer, General Hoche, who had very recently succeeded in suppressing
the revolt in La Vendee. Vice Admiral Villaret Joyeuse, defeated by Lord
Howe on the 1st of June, was selected to command the