he regarded the choice of useful members, more than the number, so that it was a real honor. nor did any presume to ask it, without a genuine recommendation; & having given some proofs of thir abilities. they were then previously to be approved of by the Council; where thir qualifications were freely canvased: therefore less lyable to be balloted for, with partiality, or prejudice.
every thing was transacted with great attention, & solemnity, & decency. nor were any papers which seemed to border on religion, treated without proper respect. indeed his presence created a natural awe in the assembly; they appear'd truly as a venerable consessus Naturæ Consiliariorum, without any levity, or indecorum.
the very title was justly rever'd, both at home & abroad. the Government, the great Council of the nation, paid a distinguishd regard to their judgment in all matters of public utility: which sometime were refer'd, & recommended to thir examination. as particularly the instruments for time-keeping, for astronomical uses, & the publications of the Royal observatory at Greenwich: & what regarded the improvement of navigation, and other national concerns.
