An Essay on the Antient and Modern State of IrelandBrooke, Henry
History
An Essay on the Antient and Modern State of Ireland
Brooke, Henry
Catholics -- Civil rights -- Ireland; Ireland -- Church history; Ireland -- History; Patrick, Saint, 373?-463?
Let us now take a summary View of the Inhabitants of _Ireland_, in their
respective Ranks: And to begin with the Peers: Are they not such
Personages, as, by their Munificence, Affability of Manners, Easiness of
Comportment, Propriety of Appearance, and Generosity in dealing, reflect
true Honour on Nobility; and, Reality, derive their superior Rank, as much
from the Pre-eminence of their Virtues, as from the constitutional Dignity
of their Titles?
The Encrease of our People, Wealth, Commerce, Industry, Arts, Inventions;
the extraordinary additional Number, in this happy Reign, of our beautiful
Seats, elegant Improvements, useful and ornamental Plantations, extensive
Inclosures, excellent high Roads, (formerly almost impassable,) with the
visible Reformation in national Harmony, and Allegiance, will best suggest
an Idea of the Honourable the House of Commons of _Ireland_, composed of
such candid Spirits, as, neither the Smiles or Frowns of superior
Influence, popular Views, or private Connections, can bend from the
various essential Duties due to their King, their Country, and themselves;
constant in their Attendance; careful in their Protection; and zealous in
their Promotion of publick Felicity; not more extensive in their noble
Projects, for this great Purpose, than expeditious in carrying those into
Execution.
Our Constitution, partly of _Gothic_, partly of _Norman_ Institution, (the
first High Court of Parliament on the present Establishment, having been
ordained in the Reign of _Henry_ the First, Son of _William_ the
Conquerer) avoiding the turbulent Licentiousness of a _Democracy_, the
factious domineering Temper of _Aristocracy_, and the variable oppressive
Sway of _Arbitrary Monarchy_; but including, by an harmonious Assemblage,
the essential Virtues of those different Systems of Government; is
unquestionably the _best digested_ and _wisest_ in the known World: Under
which, the King and the Nobles, with the Commons, _unite_, to extend the
Commerce, promote the Happiness, guard over the Safety, preserve the
Lives, defend the Characters, support the Liberties, and protect the
Property of the People. Bless’d Constitution! O! may it ever flourish!
under whose mild and preservative Influence, a few only feel Restraint;
except from the Commission of private Evil, or social Injury.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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