*

What a striking coincidence between the two! The British anti-reformers, who affect a contempt of sacred writ, viz. the phrase of "an axe laid to the root," openly assert, "That the whole nation of Great Britain is corrupt from bottom to top, but that the top is the purest!" Now the only difference between these politicians and the prophet is, that while he laments the degeneracy he condemns, his ignorant and awkward imitators glory in their shame.

To pursue Isaiah's description of a corrupt nation and government would be still more unfortunate for those of Great-Britain " at the top," who, to screen themselves, endeavour to throw most of the odium upon the people whom they call "the bottom. Because the prophet, passing by the sole of the foot," dwells expressly upon the head; the optimates and the rulers! princes," said he, "are rebellious, and companions of thieves; every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards.”

“Thy

This is sufficient to shew, that those who have not justice on their side, should be extremely careful how they meddle with the weapons of truth.

In fine, Mr. Wardle and the friends of Reform contend, that the constitution and the country are in danger; while their opponents assert, with equal pertinacity and assurance, that the constitution is still sound and unimpaired, even by avowed

corruption, and that the country, upon the whole, is in a most prosperous and happy state.

But however boastful and fallacious the profes sions of ministers may be, as Sir Francis Burdett has admitted in the laudable speech which he made just before the close of the session, when he submitted to the House his plan for a reform in Parliament," as a nation, we have no real ground for despondency." The Hon. Baronet is not one who has given the country up for lost. Who then will have the hardihood to assert, that the fate of Great Britain is inseparably connected with that of the continent? But, can the enemy be more successfully combatted than with public virtue? The virtue and exertions of the many, must come in aid of the known patriotic fewpublic virtue procured American independence; and Helvetic liberty, before it was enervated by the riches and exclusive privileges usurped by the oligarchs of Switzerland, was constantly an overmatch for the powerful Emperors of Gers many, the Dukes of Burgundy, and others. Not so in the late struggle with France, when the brave Swiss peasantry certainly felt they possessed nothing worth a sanguinary contention.

But if it is sufficient for a nation to be free to will it, what shall prevent it from rising up as one man in its defence? Yet, as to conditions on the part of the people of England, they are out of the question; the great majority are advocates for the

present war, and of course will nobly stand or fall with it. Money has hitherto been accounted the sinews of war: but perhaps it has been justly observed,

"Ce n'est pas l'argent qui peut etre appelé le veritable nerf, d'une guerre telle que celle ci, et ce ne sera pas lui qui en determinera le resultat final."

In the meanwhile, a reform at home is a distinct subject; and, as a probability of its success, we have yet the consolation of knowing that all our Nobles have not compromised the high birth of their ancestors. Our Howards, Percys, Stanhopes, and many more, stand quite unconnected with the trickery and littleness of trade and traffic. Many of our commoners have preserved themselves from corruption, and the meanness of the mercantile spirit. Our Constitution is esteemed more than ever. The King is always beloved; and the heir-apparent will, no doubt, preserve the fountain of honour unsullied. The country gentlemen have only to foster the recent revival of patriotism, which we have endeavoured to record in the preceding pages; and the example of the friends of reform have been highly cheering in their commencement! May the issue be equally happy to the country!

THE END.

Rider and Weed, Printers, Little Britain, London,