But till that vivifying principle be there, till it generally animate the dissident sects, and till a respectable portion of our national clergy, avow their concurrence, it is to be feared that the spirit of toleration, though powerfully aided by the councils of policy, is not sufficiently predominant in this country to overcome the repugnance of our government; and to procure for all, or for any of our sects, the grant of emans : cipation.

When far smaller boons have been recently and most ungraciously refused to the Roman Catholics of Ireland, on what ground of probability can it be supposed that this incomparably greater concession will be yielded to them, with whatever prudence, dignity, or eloquence their plea may have been drawn, or introduced to

parliament, when placed as it is, not on the basis of impartial justice and religion, but on the unstable grounds of policy and favour. It is true that some accession of strength to their cause has been obtained from the co-operation of their Roman Catholic brethren in England. But no disposition to give any countenance to the Irish claim has appeared among the Presbyterians of the church of Scotland. Though members of a sister establishment, in England, they are subject to the restraints of the English test-laws. And hitherto they have submitted

*The time, we trust is fast approaching, when Scotchmen, called on by the joint voice of the truly liberal part of their clergy, and of patriots and philosophers worthy of their country, will no longer appear insensible of the wrongs of Scotland, in this respect, nor slow to relieve the oppressions of Ireland.

though many individuals among the Protestant Dissenters of England are honourably distinguished by their liberality, yet the various sects, and the collective body have alike forborn to declare their approbation and concurrence.

In

this case, therefore, the intolerant adversary of the Irish Dissidents, will enjoy a peculiar advantage to inflame the prejudices of the nation respecting the religion of Rome, and the increased danger from its professors; will once more raise, with apparent consistency, the how] of bigots and fanatics, and too probably retard that happy pacification which must be the consequence of a full and impartial restoration of liberty of conscience.

To these discouraging considerations add the disappointment in Ireland, from the offer of the

veto, and the unfortunate retraction of it; the necessity that a safe and proper substitute for it should be found, and the numerous difficulties which will obstruct the attainment of that substitute when found. Add to these embarrassing circumstances, the disputes which may arise, which may be sought, indeed, to perplex the settlement of other measures, necessary to secure the established institutions in church and state, and to give permanent satisfaction to all the great parties in these islands. And who then could wonder, if the heart of peaceful Irish Dissi→ dents, and doubtless many such there are, who love their country, and their religion, should be appalled by the foreign dangers which threaten the one, and should be ready to sink within them, in despair to see the other freed from the shackles of intolerance.

But what faintest gleam of hope has appeared shooting athwart the thick political gloom which surrounds us; and already perhaps has begun to cheer the dejected Catholic of Ireland, whose conscience has spoken sincerely to the legislature all his wants; yet could he discern no. rational hope that his just prayer would begranted! That faintest ray of hope has arisen whence perhaps he least expected it to arise, from members of the church of England: and ifthe Catholic should not be wanting in prudence to himself, that ray will be sufficient to light him on his road to a just success. In England it has been felt by friends unknown to him, that impartial justice may succeed where partiality would fail; it has been seen, that after the long obduracy of intolerance, gospel-benevolence is advancing, and has melted the hearts of many of our coun

U