Page:An address to the thinking independent part of the community.djvu/27

( 27 ) moment of doubtful fate, and exert yourselves to procure that timely and tranquil reform, which would be to your country the blessed harbinger of peace and concord?—Meet then speedily, if yet it be in your power to meet, and consider well the importance of your resolves. Already a movement of this kind has begun in the kingdom, and from tome parts of it the wishes of the people have been conveyed to the throne; but as yet it has been too partial and languid to be attended with any effect. If you would compel the obstinacy of your government to yield, a common sentiment, approaching to unanimity, must actuate you. You have now a point round which to collect your strength—Adopt the plan of reform proposed by Mr. Ponsonby.—What though it may not exactly accord with the opinion of this or that individual:—No plan of reform can possibly be adopted, if every objection to it must first be removed. That which has been submitted to parliament is the work of virtuous and able men, and must surely be well deserving your support.—Confider the exigency of the time. The present object is not so much to make your constitution perfect in its theory, as to restore to it the attachment of the people. When this great purpose has been effected, any modifications or alterations, which may be further requisite, can be digested at leisure. Reject then