It is probably from some such motives that the friends of a very respectable party in this kingdom have been hitherto silent.  For these two years past, from one and the same quarter of politics, a continual fire has been kept upon them; sometimes from the unwieldy column of quartos and octavos; sometimes from the light squadrons of occasional pamphlets and flying sheets.  Every month has brought on its periodical calumny.  The abuse has taken every shape which the ability of the writers could give it; plain invective, clumsy raillery, misrepresented anecdote.[38] No method of vilifying the measures, the abilities, the intentions, or the persons which compose that body, has been omitted.

On their part nothing was opposed but patience and character.  It was a matter of the most serious and indignant affliction to persons who thought themselves in conscience bound to oppose a ministry dangerous from its very constitution, as well as its measures, to find themselves, whenever they faced their adversaries, continually attacked on the rear by a set of men who pretended to be actuated by motives similar to theirs.  They saw that the plan long pursued, with but too fatal a success, was to break the strength of this kingdom, by frittering down the bodies which compose it, by fomenting bitter and sanguinary animosities, and by dissolving every tie of social affection and public trust.  These virtuous men, such I am warranted by public opinion to call them, were resolved rather to endure everything, than co-operate in that design.  A diversity of opinion upon almost every principle of politics had indeed drawn a strong line of separation between them and some others.  However, they were desirous not to extend the misfortune by unnecessary bitterness; they wished to prevent a difference of opinion on the commonwealth from festering into rancorous and incurable hostility.  Accordingly they endeavored that all past controversies should be forgotten; and that enough for the day should be the evil thereof.  There is however a limit at which forbearance ceases to be a virtue.  Men may tolerate injuries whilst they are only personal to themselves.  But it is not the first of virtues to bear with moderation the indignities that are offered to our country.  A piece has at length appeared, from the quarter of all the former attacks, which upon every public consideration demands an answer.  Whilst persons more equal to this business may be engaged in affairs of greater moment, I hope I shall be excused, if, in a few hours of a time not very important, and from such materials as I have by me (more than enough however for this purpose), I undertake to set the facts and arguments of this wonderful performance in a proper light.  I will endeavor to state what this piece is; the purpose for which I take it to have been written; and the effects (supposing it should have any effect at all) it must necessarily produce.