In order effectually to avoid the rock of confusion, we should keep steadily in our eye not only what we wish to be done but what can be done now.  We know that such a reform as would send up a Parliament, chosen by all payers of direct taxes, is not only just and reasonable, but easy of execution.  I am therefore for accomplishing that object first; and I am not at all afraid that a set of men who would really hold the purse of the people, and who had been just chosen freely by the people, would very soon do everything that the warmest friend of freedom could wish to see done.

While, however, you are upon your guard against false friends, you should neglect no opportunity of doing all that is within your power to give support to the cause of reform.  Petition is the channel for your sentiments, and there is no village so small that its petition would not have some weight.  You ought to attend at every public meeting within your reach.  You ought to read to and to assist, each other in coming at a competent knowledge of all public matters.  Above all things, you ought to be unanimous in your object, and not suffer yourselves to be divided.

The subject of religion has nothing to do with this great question of reform.  A reformed Parliament would soon do away with all religious distinctions and disabilities.  In their eyes, a Catholic and a Protestant would both appear in the same light.

The Courier, the Times, and other emissaries of corruption, are constantly endeavouring to direct your wrath against bakers, brewers, butchers, and other persons who deal in the necessaries of life.  But, I trust that you are not to be stimulated to such a species of violence.  These tradesmen are as much in distress as you.  They cannot help their malt and hops and beer and bread and meat being too dear for you to purchase.  They all sell as cheap as they can, without being absolutely ruined.  The beer you drink is more than half tax, and when the tax has been paid by the seller he must have payment back again from you who drink, or he must be ruined.  The baker has numerous taxes to pay, and so has the butcher, and so has the miller and the farmer.  Besides, all men are eager to sell, and, if they could sell cheaper they certainly would, because that would be the sure way of getting more custom.  It is the weight of the taxes which presses us all to the earth, except those who receive their incomes out of those taxes.  Therefore I exhort you most earnestly not to be induced to lay violent hands on those who really suffer as much as yourselves.