Burke boldly told them that he would rather run the risk of displeasing than of injuring them.

They implored him to become their advocate.

"I should only disgrace myself," he said; "I should lose the only thing which can make such abilities as mine of any use to the world now or hereafter.

I mean that authority which is derived from the opinion that a member speaks the language of truth and sincerity, and that he is not ready to take up or lay down a great political system for the convenience of the hour; that he is in Parliament to support his opinion of the public good, and does not form his opinion in order to get into Parliament or to continue in it."[1] [Footnote 1: _Two Letters to Gentlemen in Bristol_, 1778.] A small instalment of humanity to Ireland was not more distasteful to the electors of Bristol than a small instalment of toleration to Roman Catholics in England.

A measure was passed (1778) repealing certain iniquitous penalties created by an Act of William the Third.