ill liver like this Philip Joy. I say that men have become too free in
uttering their licentious imaginations about those who are placed by
God's Providence above them for their soul's good and bodies' health,
and that an example should be made to repress the gossip of light
tongues and evil thinkers. In punishing this Joy, (who might more
properly be called mourning,) we exalt the honor of the congregation,
one of whose sons, even in your presence, and with intent to dishonor
you, he has abused with perverse epithets, while at the same time we
strike a wholesome terror into others in like case to offend."

He ceased, and looked around as if to gather the suffrages of his
associates, but since the little interruption to their harmony, the
wary Assistants were too politic, by word or sign, to betray a bias,
so that he beheld only downcast eyes, and countenances purposely
vacant, in order to conceal the thoughts of their owners.

It was now the turn of the Governor to express his opinion, and as he
opened his lips, all eyes were fastened on him. His manner was grave,
yet soft and persuasive, and a desire was manifest to pursue a course
which should offend none, but reconcile differences by yielding
something to all.

"_Tumultuosa libertas_", (he said, commencing his remarks a Latin
quotation,) "_tranquilitati probrosoe anteponenda est_, and in the
lively observations we have heard, I mark not the signs of dissension,
but of free thought, having in view the honor of God and the welfare
of his little flock scattered abroad in a strange land. But the good
shepherd will yet gather the dispersed into his arms, and gently lead
them through green pastures and by still waters. Our Israel owes you
thanks, brethren, for the vigilance wherewith ye watch the walls of
Jerusalem, and are quick to spy the lurking wolf and ravening bear. If
the watchmen sleep, what shall become of the city? But her strong
towers of defence and bulwarks are ye, emulous only to show your love.

"It hath been said--to come more immediately to the matter in
hand--that the vice of evil speaking of dignities had greatly
increased, and needed to be repressed. It is so, and cannot be denied;
and I would thereupon note a caution to my brethren, and that is, the
necessity of rather discouraging that democratical spirit which is
threatening to sweep away all distinctions, and to strip the
Assistants themselves of necessary power. It is an insubordination,
wher