The renowned University on which his genius had already begun to impress a peculiar character, still plainly discernible after the lapse of a hundred and sixty years, had sent him to the Convention; and he sate there, in his modest greatness, the unobtrusive but unflinching friend of civil and religious freedom.
The first act of the Commons was to choose a Speaker; and the choice which they made indicated in a manner not to be mistaken their opinion touching the great questions which they were about to decide.

Down to the very eve of the meeting, it had been understood that Seymour would be placed in the chair.

He had formerly sate there during several years.
He had great and various titles to consideration; descent, fortune, knowledge, experience, eloquence.

He had long been at the head of a powerful band of members from the Western counties.

Though a Tory, he had in the last Parliament headed, with conspicuous ability and courage, the opposition to Popery and arbitrary power.