I can now say, as far as my
judgment enabled me, I acted for the good of my country and of the
world. It may be presumptuous for me to deliver my opinions here as
a statesman, but as the government have singled me out as a leader,
and given me the appellation of 'General,' I am in some degree
entitled to do so. To me it is plain that all things are verging
towards a change, when all shall be of one opinion. In ancient times,
we read of great empires having their rise and their fall, and yet do
the old governments proceed as if all were immutable. From the time I
could observe and reflect, I perceived that there were two kinds of
laws--the laws of the State and the laws of God--frequently clashing
with each other; by the latter kind, I have always endeavoured to
regulate my conduct; but that laws of the former kind do exist in
Ireland I believe no one who hears me can deny. That such laws have
existed in former times many and various examples clearly evince. The
Saviour of the world suffered by the Roman laws--by the same laws His
Apostles were put to the torture, and deprived of their lives in His
cause. By my conduct I do not consider that I have incurred any moral
guilt.
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