from the prosecution of such an
unpopular measure; which, however, they had courage enough to maintain
against all opposition. The bill passed the ordeal of both houses, and
his majesty vouchsafed the royal sanction to this law in favour of the
Hebrew nation. The truth is, it might have increased the wealth, and
extended the commerce of Great Britain, had it been agreeable to the
people; and as the naturalized Jews would still have been excluded from
all civil and military offices, as well as from other privileges
enjoyed by their christian brethren, in all probability they would have
gradually forsaken their own unprofitable and obstinate infidelity,
opened their eyes to the shining truths of the gospel, and joined their
fellow-subjects in embracing the doctrines of Christianity. But no
ministry ought to risk an experiment, how plausible soever it might be,
if they found it, as this was, an object of the people's unconquerable
aversion. What rendered this unpopular measure the more impolitic, was
the unseasonable juncture at which it was carried into execution;
that is, at the eve of a general election for a new parliament, when a
minister ought carefully to avoid every step which may give umbrage to
the body of the people. The earl of Egmont, who argued against the bill
with equal power and vivacity, in describing the effect it might have
upon that occasion, "I am amazed," said he, "that this consideration
makes no impression.--When that day, which is not far off, shall arrive,
I shall not fear to set my foot upon any ground of election in the
kingdom, in opposition to any one man among you, or any new christian,
who has voted or appeared in favour of this naturalization."

MARRIAGE ACT.

Another bill, transmitted from the upper house, met with a reception
equally unfavourable among the commons, though it was sustained on the
shoulders of the majority, and thus forced its way to the throne,
where it obtained the royal approbation. The practice of solemnizing
clandestine marriages, so prejudicial to the peace of families, and so
often productive of misery to the parties themselves thus united, was
an evil that prevailed to such a degree as claimed the attention of
the legislature. The sons and daughters of great and opulent families,
before they had acquired knowledge and experience, or attained to the
years of discretion, were every day seduced in their affections, and
inveigled into matches big with infamy an