1819 Mar. 22 +

To Erskine

II. Whig Merits

§.3. J.B’s Remarks

13

7

11

If, in the course of this contest, this idol of theirs shall be found to have received damage, I am truly sorry for it, but the fault is none of mine. Could his friends but have satisfied themselves with keeping up the image of the amiable man, as I have seen that of a Russian Saint, all gilt with gold, in a corner cupboard, or a glass case, for family devotions – nothing of the sort would have happened. But when, like those of Bal and the Dragon his name is made an instrument of delusion, – and the people, whom, while he publickly bowed to, he privately scorned, are called upon, and so indefatigably, to fall down and worship the golden image which party ambition has set up, it will be the fault not of people but of party[?], if, by the fate of those antient idols, that of the reputation of this modern one shall be found to have been […?] and typified.

Back to p. 11

{☞ Reasons for consideration Windham’s Military hardship lessening merit. Transfer part from Letter I.}