The dominant religion was a political institution, which, whilst it bound the citizen, left the believer to his free will.

The government itself was popular, only the people consisted of none but its leading citizens.

The House of Commons more resembled a senate of nobles than a democratic forum; but this parliament was an open and resounding chamber, where they discussed openly in face of the throne, as in the face of all Europe, the most comprehensive measures of the government.

Royalty, honoured in form, whilst in fact it is excluded and powerless, merely presides over these debates, and adds order to victory; it was, in reality, nothing more than a perpetual consulate of this Britannic senate.

The voices of the leading orators, who contested the rule of the nation, echoed thence, through and out of Europe.