Letters to a Young Nobleman, Upon Various Subjects, Particularly on Government and Civil Liberty; Wherein Occasion Is Taken to Remark on the Writings of Some Eminent Authors Upon Those Subjects And, in the First Place, Upon Those of the Reverend Doctor PR (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1784 Excerpt: ... the whole sabrick rises in exact, beautiful, and necessary gradation. Upon the solidity, and integrity os thisfoundation, the permanency of the whole superstructure depends: it is that which is most liable to derangement; and it is, consequently, that which requires the peculiar attention and wisdom of the whole. At the fame time that this proves the futility of that absurd doctrine of equality, it proves also the importance of the great mass of the people, from whom every part arises in just proportion: this appears obvious, first, from the evident inequality amongst themselves: next, from that part of them who possess the right of electing their representatives; and lastly, from the representatives themselves. These, at this day, form the material, and, perhaps, the most important stage of this marvellous edifice: upon the careful and wise construction of this stage must, therefore, depend not only the strength, solidity, and regularity of the superior prts, but even of the foundation itself, os which, in reality, it constitutes the essence, It is become too evident that this member of the pyramid requires reparation; and we must consess, my dear friend, in plain English, that a thorough reform " both both in the House of Commons, and the mode of constituting it, is necessary to the welfare and the tranquility of this country. If some exceptions are to be found to this general opinion; if the. idea of such a reform has even been ridiculed, it can be no matter of wonder, since some have a private interest in supporting the present lystem, and others revok from any change, on account of the partial, the ineffectual and the contradictory means, which have hitherto been proposed of effecting h I know not whether your lo-kv ship will be more inclined to ...