The speeches of the hon. Thomas Erskine ... when at the Bar, on subjects connected with the liberty of the press, and against constructive treasons collected by J. Ridgway, Volume 2

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Page 177 - ... I see in my mind a noble and puissant nation rousing herself like a strong man after sleep, and shaking her invincible locks. Methinks I see her as an eagle mewing her mighty youth, and kindling her undazzled eyes at the full midday beam, purging and unsealing her...
Page 13 - King there inhabiting and being, in contempt of our said Lord the King and his laws, to the evil example of all others in the like case offending, and against the peace of our said Lord the King, his crown and dignity.
Page 177 - ... methinks I see her as an eagle muing her mighty youth, and kindling her undazzled eyes at the full mid-day beam ; purging and unsealing her long-abused sight at the fountain itself of heavenly radiance...
Page 8 - An Act declaring the rights and liberties of the Subject and settling the Succession of the Crown...
Page 393 - The liberty of the press is indeed essential to the nature of a free state: but this consists in laying no previous restraints upon publications, and not in freedom from censure for criminal matter when published. Every freeman has an undoubted right to lay what sentiments he pleases before the public: to forbid this, is to destroy the freedom of the press: but if he publishes what is improper, mischievous...
Page 198 - And all the rule, one empire ; only add Deeds to thy knowledge answerable ; add faith, Add virtue, patience, temperance; add love, By name to come call'd charity, the soul Of all the rest : then wilt thou not be loath To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess A Paradise within thee, happier far.
Page 63 - That the freedom of speech and debates or proceedings in parliament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any court or place out of parliament. That excessive bail ought not to be required nor excessive fines imposed nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Page 147 - Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.
Page 55 - All hereditary Government is in its nature tyranny. An heritable crown, or an heritable throne, or by what other fanciful name such things may be called, have no other significant explanation than that mankind are heritable property. To inherit a Government, is to inherit the people, as if they were flocks and herds.
Page 62 - That the raising or keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace, unless it be with the consent of Parliament, is against law.

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