THE FRENCH CONSTITUTION; WITH REMARKS ON SOME OF ITS PRINCIPAL ARTICLES; IN WHICH THEIR IMPORTANCE IN A POLITICAL, MORAL AND RELIGIOUS POINT OF VIEW, IS ILLUSTRATED; AND THE NECESSITY OF A REFORMATION IN CHURCH AND STATE IN GREAT BRITAIN, ENFORCED. BY BENJAMIN FLOWER. IS EXCELLENCE HELD OUT TO US ONLY THAT WE SHOULD NOT BURKE. THE SECOND EDITION, WITH CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS. LONDON: PRINTED FOR G. G. J. AND J. ROBINSON, PATER-NOSTER-ROW.- PREFACE. ALTHOUH the Table of Contents, and the Introductory Obfervations to the following Work, will inform the Reader of my defign; yet, in order to prevent mistakes, I think it neceffary to premife a few prefatory remarks. Since the major part of this work was printed, feveral of my obfervations have received additional confirmation, by the proceedings of the Houfe of Commons, during the prefent feffion. But there is one thing which requires a little explanation, in order to obviate what may be thought a contradiction. I have in one or two places mentioned "our "increafing taxes." The practice of government for fifteen years paft, warranted me in using fuch an expreffion. At laft, after nine years peace, it appears that the people of this country, have the profpect of fome trifling diminution of their burdens. The ingenuity, industry, and spirit of our manufacturers and merchants; the meafures of government to make the taxes productive ;-Thefe, with many accidental and temporary circumstances, have confpired to render our revenue flourishing beyond expectation. But I beg leave to add, that the main principles of this work, are not to be fhaken, either by temporary profperity or adverfity. Should a 2 |