reformation was preceded by the discovery of America, as if the
Almighty graciously meant to open a sanctuary to the Persecuted in
future years, when home should afford neither friendship nor safety.
The authority of Great Britain over this continent, is a form of
government, which sooner or later must have an end: And a serious mind
can draw no true pleasure by looking forward under the painful and
positive conviction, that what he calls "the present constitution" is
merely temporary. As parents, we can have no joy, knowing that THIS
GOVERNMENT is not sufficiently lasting to ensure any thing which we may
bequeath to posterity: And by a plain method of argument, as we are
running the next generation into debt, we ought to do the work of it,
otherwise we use them meanly and pitifully. In order to discover the
line of our duty rightly, we should take our children in our hand, and
fix our station a few years farther into life; that eminence will
present a prospect, which a few present fears and prejudices conceal
from our sight.
Though I would carefully avoid giving unnecessary offense, yet I am
inclined to believe, that all those who espouse the doctrine of
reconciliation, may be included within the following descriptions.
Interested men, who are not to be trusted; weak men, who CANNOT see;
prejudiced men, who WILL NOT see; and a certain set of moderate men,
who think better of the European world than it deserves; and this last
class, by an ill-judged deliberation, will be the cause of more
calamities to this continent, than all the other three.
It is the good fortune of many to live distant from the scene of
sorrow; the evil is not sufficient brought to their doors to make THEM
feel the precariousness with which all American property is possessed.
But let our imaginations transport us for a few moments to Boston, that
seat of wretchedness will teach us wisdom, and instruct us for ever to
renounce a power in whom we can have no trust. The inhabitants of that
unfortunate city, who but a few months ago were in ease and affluence,
have now, no other alternative than to stay and starve, or turn and
beg. Endangered by the fire of their friends if they continue within
the city, and plundered by the soldiery if they leave it. In their
present condition they are prisoners without the hope of redemption,
and in a general attack for their relief, they would be exposed to the
fury of both armies.
Men of passive temper
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