We have found by experience that the publick is not to be
reformed at once, and that the progress from corruption to reformation
must be gradual; and as this bill enforces some degrees of amendment,
it is at least more eligible than the present law, which is wholly
without effect, because no man will dare to put it in execution.
Every man must be convinced, by his own experience, of the difficulty
with-which long habits are surmounted. I myself suffer some indulgence
which yet I cannot prevail upon myself to forbear; this indulgence is
the use of too much snuff, to which it is well known that many persons
of rank are not less addicted; and, therefore, I do not wonder that
the law is ineffectual, which is to encounter with the habits and
appetites of the whole mass of the common people.
For this reason, my lords, I cannot approve what has been recommended
in this debate, any new law that may put the enjoyment of this liquor
yet farther from them, by facilitating prosecutions, or enforcing
penalties, as I am convinced that the natural force of the people is
superiour to the law, and that their natural force will be exerted for
the defence of their darling spirits, and the whole nation be shaken
with universal sedition.
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