It has been prevented by the Dukes and Peers in
opposition, because they suppose that no modification to be made by the
government will give to that body the form they desire, which is that of
a representative of the nation. They foresee that if the government
is forced to this, they will call them, as nearly as they can, in the
ancient forms; in which case, less good will be to be expected from
them. But they hope they may be got to concur in a declaration of
rights, at least, so that the nation may be acknowledged to have some
fundamental rights, not alterable by their ordinary legislature, and
that this may form a ground-work for future improvements. These seem to
be the views of the most enlightened and disinterested characters of the
opposition. But they may be frustrated by the nation's making no cry at
all, or by a hasty and premature appeal to arms. There is neither
head nor body in the nation, to promise a successful opposition to
two hundred thousand regular troops. Some think the army could not
be depended on by the government; but the breaking men to military
discipline, is breaking their spirits to principles of passive
obedience.
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