Benjamin Disraeli On the Importance of Scotland (1873)

‘On the Political Situation’; delivered before the Glasgow Conservative Association, November 22, 1873.

Extracted from Orations of British Orators, Vol. II

(New York: The Colonial Press; 1900), p. 227.

‘. . . It may be open to England again to take a stand upon the Reformation which three hundred years ago was the source of her greatness and her glory, and it may be her proud destiny to guard civilization alike from the withering blast of atheism and from the simoom [desert wind, Ed.] of sacerdotal usurpation.

These things may be far off, but we live in a rapid age, and my apprehension is that they are nearer than some suppose.

If that struggle comes we must look to Scotland to aid us.

It was once, and I hope is still, a land of liberty, of patriotism, and of religion.

I think the time has come when it really should leave off mumbling the dry bones of political economy and munching the remainder biscuit of an effete Liberalism.

We all know that a general election is at hand.

I do not ask you to consider on such an occasion the fate of parties or of ministers. But I ask you to consider this, that it is very probable that the future of Europe depends greatly on the character of the next Parliament of England.

I ask you, when the occasion comes, to act as becomes an ancient and famous nation, and give all your energies for the cause of faith and freedom.’

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