er is it in theory the wisest system of
government, nor practicable in this country. Yet,
though I hope the English constitution will
forever preserve its original monarchical form, I
would have the manners of the people purely and
strictly republican. I do not mean the licentious
spirit of anarchy and riot; I mean a general
attachment to the common weal, distinct from any
partial attachment to persons or families; an
implicit submission to the laws only; and an
affection to the magistrate proportioned to the
integrity and wisdom with which he distributes
justice to the people, and administers their
affairs. The present habit of our political body
appears to me the very reverse of what it ought to
be. The form of the constitution leans rather more
than enough to the popular branch; while in effect
the manners of the people (of those at least who
are likely to take the lead in the country)
incline too generally to a dependence upon the
crown. The real friends of arbitrary power combine
the facts, and are not inconsistent with their
principles, when they strenuously support the
unwarrantable privileges assumed by the House of
Commons. In these circumstances it were much to be
desired that we had many such men as Mr. Sawbridge
to represent us in parliament. I speak from common
report and opinion only, when I impute to him a
speculative predilection in favor of a republic.
In the personal conduct and manners of the man I
can not be mistaken. He has shown himself
possessed of that republican firmness which the
times require, and by which an English gentleman
may be as usefully and as honorably distinguished
as any citizen of ancient Rome, of Athens, or
Lacedemon."--Let. 58.

I would remark on the above passage from Junius, that this is one of his
finest rhetorical efforts, and it is well worthy of a moment's pause,
to study its plan and probable effect on the English mind. This was
written near the close of