Hence we find, that _most_, of the _great_ and _enlightened_ statesmen of _England_, always _boldly_, and _freely_, advocated the freedom, and liberties of the _Catholics_. _As long_, as we retain _any_ respect for genius, and discernment, for Parliamentary eloquence, and political wisdom, the names of Pitt, and of Fox, of Burke, and of Windham, of Canning, and of Peel, will stand _foremost_, in the _public_ estimation. These eminent statesmen, however they might _differ_ on _other_ subjects, concurred in supporting the _cause_ of the _Catholics_. _Their's_ was the conviction of _liberal_, and _enlightened_ minds, who forgot the distinctions of _party_, in their _zeal_, to serve the cause of _justice_, and of _freedom_. Yes, they _well knew_, that the _British_ Constitution, was _not_ a constitution of _restraints_, and _penalties_, that it was _framed_ to preserve the rights of _freemen_, that it was formed, for the _whole_, not for a _part_, and that it was destined, like the sun, to shed its benign influence _upon all_. And _hence_, they knew, that they could not _better_ consult its _prosperity_ and _stability_, than by fearlessly, and manfully battling, for _equal_ rights, and _equal_ justice _to all_. Gentlemen, I must now beg leave to retire, as my presence is required, in a _more august_ assembly. You know, your address to the Magistrates for calling a meeting, &c., was _headed_ by certain Protestant Ministers, and you know also, that most of their fellow labourers in the vineyard, of the Protestant Church, have been most _active_, and _zealous_ in the _late_ crusade against the _Catholics_. Now, to pass over these reverend gentlemen with _silent_ contempt, would be, in my humble opinion, an act of great _incivility_, and _disrespect_ on _my_ part; and which, _they_ might perhaps consider, _a most extraordinary_, and _presumptuous movement_, on _my_ part; I beg leave, gentlemen, therefore, to adjourn to this _august_ assembly, and as I shall have to show these reverend gentlemen, what "an extraordinary and presumptuous movement," _their Protestant_ Church, has been making, _for a long time_, on the _pockets_, and on the _intellects_ of Englishmen, I shall be very glad, if you will accompany me, and see verified the poetical words of my two texts, annexed to my first _little_ address to you-- "I would you had been there to see How the light blazed up so gloriously." "And then in naked majesty, With brow serene, and beaming placid light, Came truth." FOOTNOTES: [A] Lingard's Anglo-Saxon, vol. 1, p. 189, 190.