If they were not, the cause would be cursed by their adhesion.

The same argument would apply to the priesthood with still more imperious force; such of them as were actually sincere would be found at their post at the hour of trial, in obedience to no form, but influenced by their own conscientiousness.

Such of them as were insincere would be true to no obligation imposed by conventionality.

Untrue to their convictions, they could not be faithful to their words.

And finally--an argument which appears unanswerable and insuperable--Mr.John O'Connell and his immediate followers had so solemnly abjured, denounced and cursed the principles of the great majority with whom they were asked to league, that they could not comply without such a debasement of character as to compel the scorn of all men, not only to themselves, but all those with whom they were united.