5 Nov 1809

Parl. Reform

Ch.1. Explanations

'.2. Influence on understanding

Instruments of fascination

2

But, as the human mind is constituted /such is the constitution of the human mind/ this excessive effect /influence/ they are in experience found in general to have: and to /in addition to/ /over and above/ the power of which, in the instance /case/ of those classes which are invested with power they are the constant concomitants and unerring indications, they are commonly understood as evidence little less conclusive of those virtues and accomplishments /attributes/ with which the power must be accompanied, ere the exercise of it can be directed to its proper ends. So certain has this union of appropriate virtue with political power been believed to be or at least represented to be by those leading men /writers/ upon whose minds the minds /minds in general/ of other men are moulded that without knowing who will be King the gift of prayer not being accompanied in this instance with the gift of prophecy the authors of the English Liturgy /Liturgy of the English Choral/ scruple not to certify of of the King that is of every King that he is not only "most gracious" but "most religious".

It is thus that Blackstone, in his picture /portraiture/ of the King a picture /portraiture/ which like the seven-leagued boots that fitted alike all legs, represents alike all Kings, thinks it no robbery to cloath him in the attributes of the Divinity: and conceiving of peers that the endowments of wisdom, valour and /or/ opulence would not all become their quality, has in favour of all Peers that be or are to be signed a certificate certifying of them and every of them that they are either wise or rich or valiant.