have the precedence in the return. Unless an elector judge himself obliged in conscience to support one candidate whose interest might be endangered by his giving a suffrage for a second, or unless every other candidate should act in decided hostility to his political sentiments, why should he deprive himself of his privilege, by voting for one. representative only instead of two?-This dividing system, however, you seem desirous of encouraging, by charging the members of the Literary Institution, whom you denominate some of the first people in Reading, "with meanness and a sordid disposition," because, being particularly in the interest of Mr. S-n, they did not object to Mr. L—'s taking shares in their establishment. How many members there are in the Society of proprietors in the interest of either of the representatives for the borough, exclusively, it is not necessary to determine; but every person must be immediately convinced, that if the friends of one of them had objected to the other's taking as many shares as he was disposed to do, they would have been guilty of an act of rude illiberality, almost equal to yours in charging them (though the principal people in Reading) with a sordid disposition for not making such an objection.

According to your sentiments, not only the representatives, or candidates, for the borough, but every one of their families, must desist from exercising acts of benevolence towards any of

the inhabitants of the town. Does a relation of one of the members procure situations for suitable young men in the Bank of England, and thus render an important service to the employers and the employed? This, with the Stranger to benevolence, is quartering the sons of electors on the Bank. Does the same amiable and beneficent friend to his native town, provide for other young men situations in the East or West Indies ?-Does he lend money to persons in trade at low interest? -Does he assist some tradesmen in the purchase of their materials?-Does he help others in the disposal of their manufactures ?-Does he distribute clothes among the poor?-Does he regale the children in the market-place with plum-cake?

-Well, Sir, what follows? Because this estimable character has a relation who is one of the representatives of the borough, you stigmatize all these acts (for it is evident that you wish to be considered among the opponents to these charities) as " political engines contrived to deceive those who are not aware of the snare." But, whatever may be your sentiments on such conduct, there is no doubt that the inhabitants of Reading view it with approbation; nor is there any reason to fear that a majority of the independent voters will not continue to exclaim, on the day of election, "S-n for ever!" unless indeed(here, Sir, I am constrained to form an opinion of the electors, which stands in direct opposition to

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your's)-unless indeed a S-n should act in constant hostility to the political sentiments of his constituents, or attempt to obtain the favour of a sma!! body of the electors by means that must necessarily disoblige the majority; in which case, such, I think, are the independence and influence of a very considerable number of them, and such their freedom from corruption, that not even the benevolence of an E-d S--n would induce them to return a representative who was not a proper object of their choice. Do not, however, Sir, imagine that I have embraced the absurd and unconstitutional sentiment, that a member of parliament is under an obligation to vote on all questions according to the instructions of his constituents. When a body of electors have chosen their representative, they have transferred their own legislative wisdom and power into his hands, to be employed by him on all occasions as he shall think fit. It is now the member's personal office, "to advise his Majesty, in the great council of the nation, touching certain difficult and urgent affairs, concerning the king, and defence both of the kingdom and church of England." Probably, Sir, you are no such " Stranger in Reading" as not to have heard a manly, eloquent, and independent speech on this subject, some time ago, by Charles Dundas, Esq. one of the members for this county, to his constituents, the freeholders. The same subject was afterwards,

with similar independence, illustrated in the same place, the Town-hall of Reading, by John Simeon, Esq. one of the members for this borough. If a member of parliament be indeed inattentive to the local and particular concerns of his constituents, or if he act in his general political conduct contrary to their sentiments, they undoubtedly have a remedy in their power, which they can apply at the next election.-May the electors of Reading use their suffrages with wisdom, discrimination, and a patriotic regard to the best interests of their country!

As one of the means of influence in the return of the members, you have asserted that a "director of the Bank of England has been frequently seen decorated with a grotesque wig, a frightful mask, and the most ridiculous dress that can be conceived, presiding at a club of ODD FELLOWs." This is denied on the part of the very worthy, valuable, and excellent person you refer to, and also of his friends: unless, therefore, you produce authority for your assertion, you will find it dif ficult to avoid the charge of wilful falsehood.

LETTER III.

SIR,

IN your fifth letter you profess to give an account of the different religious societies which in times past have prevailed, and which still continue to exist, in this town. In my strictures on your remarks, and in my own observations on these various societies, I shall, as far as possible, in a subsequent letter, pursue your own order. There are, however, some things that you have taken upon you to censure, which are altogether unconnected with any divisions in the Christian church, and which it may be proper previously to notice.

Allow me first, Sir, to point out the many mistakes you have made in your remarks on the Reading Society for promoting the due observance of the Lord's-day, &c. You consider this Society as formed out of the body of Methodists, or, as you explain yourself, the congregation that worships in Castle-street Chapel. Thus you begin with a direct untruth, there being five clergymen of the Church of England, the two ministers of the principal congregations of Dissenters, and a great number of individuals from the various