CONTENTS. Page III. The Intention of the Legislature in estab- lishing the Oath is the Rule by which it is to be construed and performed X. Objections to the Conclusion, that the Oath is an obstacle to the Concession of the Roman Catholic Claims, examined. That it is inconsistent with the Legis- XIII. Mr. Butler's Authorities from History in support of the last Objection, examined XIV. Recapitulation and Conclusion 71 76 104 THE CORONATION OATH, &c. SECTION I. THE POPULAR VIEW OF THE SUBJECT CONSIDERED. THE notion vulgarly entertained with respect to the Coronation Oath is, that it is a form, composed in some remote age, used in compliance with ancient custom, and designed, in conjunction with various other ceremonies and observances, merely to heighten the solemnity of a Coronation. As a formal investiture of the Crown is not necessary to establish the title of the successor to it, no political importance it is imagined can attach to any part of a ceremony which may be altogether dispensed with. The Oath may indeed throw a religious character around the moral obligation to govern rightly, incidental to the taking of the kingly office; but the terms of it are thought to be no more B worthy of notice in the discussion of any constitutional question, than any of the particulars of the 'Pomp and feast— —and antique pageantry" of the splendid ceremonial of which it forms a part. We see how little in matters that most vitally concern them, men in general examine either the grounds or the consequences of their opinions. We need not therefore be surprised at the existence of a notion which testifies much ignorance to be prevalent of what it becomes every man living under the British Constitution to know. The Roman Catholic question involves unhappily many points which more strongly force themselves upon the attention, and affect the passions of men; which more effectually touch the springs of human conduct than this. Hence it has not been sufficiently considered under what circumstances the present Coronation Oath originated; by whom it was framed; by what authority it was instituted; how deeply connected is its history with that of the liberties of England; with events the most interesting to us; the most remarkable that the page of history presents! For the grounds of the notion we have adverted to, it would be idle indeed to inquire, but the consequences deducible from it are absolutely certain, and are of that nature that they require but to be seen, in order to satisfy every rational mind how far removed from truth must be the source from which they flow. He that thus treats the Coronation Oath, does in effect affirm that the legislative proceedings of the Revolution exhibit an instance of unparalleled and unaccountable folly. He affirms that they whose duty it was to fix upon its base the tottering Constitution of England, they to whom devolved the care of interests the most important with which we can conceive accountable beings to be charged, turned from the glorious work before them to consider-nay, "Sat in the Council House Early and late, debating to and fro" a matter beneath the notice of statesmen at any time-the composition of an idle form! He affirms that, in that awful hour, upon the due employment of which rested the immediate safety of the State, and its security in aftertimes against the dangers from which it had just been rescued, they who repeatedly declared that their whole thoughts were bent, and their whole proceedings designed to secure the Religion and Liberties of their country; so belied their professions, so trifled with their sacred charge, as for the first time to employ the Legislative Power in the establishment of what is of no political importance-an oath which |