Page:The plot discovered; or, An address to the people, against ministerial treason (IA plotdiscoveredor00cole).pdf/21

13 tation? Have we not then the authority of Christ for asserting that men, who have been made Judges by a ministry and hope to be made Lord Chancellors, may and sometimes will be the creatures of that ministry? But enough, of so contemptible an argument for Bills so big with rain? I paid it too great reverence, when I honored its nonsense with the ceremony of refutation.

The next clause of this Bill is, and be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that if any person or persons within that part of Great Britain called England, shall maliciously and advisedly, by writing, printing, preaching, speaking, express or publish any words, sentences, or other thing or things, to incite or stir up the people to hatred or dislike of his Majesty, his heirs or successors, or the established government and condition of this realm, every such person shall be liable to punishment such as is inflicted in cases of high misdemeanor; and if convicted of a second offence, be transported for seven years. This clause is, first of all, a gross libel on his Majesty. No Monarch ever yet reigned, and none ever will reign without some calumny and abuse. This is a debt which he pays to his situation. But where no occasion for