Ecclesiastical, and, political, state of the nation [graphic].

"George III guides (left to right) a plough which is drawn by a snorting bull; he is blindfolded and wears a crown and the garter ribbon; from his pocket hangs a fragment of "Magna Charta". Lord North rides on the bull, urging him forward with a whip, attached to his shoulders is a knapsack or bundle inscribed "Ways & Means". Another man goads the bull with a spear. A Scot in highland dress, probably Gordon, tugs violently at the bull's harness, trying to pull it back; two other men who have been tugging at the bull have fallen to the ground and the wig of one has fallen off. The bull is advancing towards the "River Tweed" (right), on the farther side of which are a large thistle and some fir trees on a hill. This shows that Scotland has not as yet been ploughed up for the emissaries of the Pope, see BMSat 5534. In the foreground (left) lies a sleeping bishop, his head on his hand, holding a crozier, and leaning on a book and a "Map of Bishoprick". Behind him and the king a Jesuit, a Catholic priest, and a monk are sowing in the ground which has been already ploughed. Above their heads the Pope is seated on clouds which are supported by a swarm of demons and imps. He wears his triple crown, a royal crown is suspended over his head; in his right hand is a crozier to which are attached keys, in his left hand is a sheaf of thunderbolts. At his side is an inverted cornucopia, pouring out documents inscribed "Absolutions", "Persecutions", "Releases from Purgatory", "Pardons for Money", "Excommunications", "Curses on Heriticks", "Indulgences", "Bulls", "Confessions". Truth, an almost nude female figure, stands upon clouds (right) surrounded by a glory of rays; on her breast is a face surrounded by rays. She holds up a large scroll inscribed "40000 English Protestants massacred in Ireland 1641 Protestants burnt at Smithfield in the reign of Queen Mary. Gunpowder Plot or an attempt to blow up the Parliament House Protestants massacred at Paris, in the Vallies of Piedmont. Tortures of the Inquisition." Beneath the design are the dedication and explanation: "To the Respectable Association of Protestants & to every Worthy supporter of both Church & State this Plate is Dedicated by their Humble Servt the Publisher. Explanation. The State Husbandmen Plowing up the glebe of the Constitution, whilst the Popish Emissaries take the Advantage of the supineness of the Established Church who is fast asleep in the Vineyard where its grand Adversary the Pope, and all his host of Devils, are permitted to Sow the Seeds of their Pernicious Doctrine: Opposition attempts to stop their Progress, but the band of Unanimity is broke, & they have fallen off. Truth descends, showing a Scroll of Melancholy proofs of popish cruelty, Soliciting the Aid of her Friends, to vanquish the Inveterate Enemy, who threatens the Ruin of thair Religion, thair Posterity & thair much injured Country."--British Museum online catalogue