f a British government, and
fully proves, that nothing but Continental authority can regulate
Continental matters.

Another reason why the present time is preferable to all others, is,
that the fewer our numbers are, the more land there is yet unoccupied,
which instead of being lavished by the king on his worthless
dependants, may be hereafter applied, not only to the discharge of the
present debt, but to the constant support of government. No nation
under heaven hath such an advantage at this.

The infant state of the Colonies, as it is called, so far from being
against, is an argument in favour of independance. We are sufficiently
numerous, and were we more so, we might be less united. It is a matter
worthy of observation, that the more a country is peopled, the smaller
their armies are. In military numbers, the ancients far exceeded the
modems: and the reason is evident. For trade being the consequence of
population, men become too much absorbed thereby to attend to anything
else. Commerce diminishes the spirit, both of patriotism and military
defence. And history sufficiently informs us, that the bravest
achievements were always accomplished in the non-age of a nation. With
the increase of commerce, England hath lost its spirit. The city of
London, notwithstanding its numbers, submits to continued insults with
the patience of a coward. The more men have to lose, the less willing
are they to venture. The rich are in general slaves to fear, and
submit to courtly power with the trembling duplicity of a Spaniel.

Youth is the seed time of good habits, as well in nations as in
individuals. It might be difficult, if not impossible, to form the
Continent into one government half a century hence. The vast variety
of interests, occasioned by an increase of trade and population, would
create confusion. Colony would be against colony. Each being able
might scorn each other's assistance: and while the proud and foolish
gloried in their little distinctions, the wise would lament, that the
union had not been formed before. Wherefore, the PRESENT TIME is the
TRUE TIME for establishing it. The intimacy which is contracted in
infancy, and the friendship which is formed in misfortune, are, of all
others, the most lasting and unalterable. Our present union is marked
with both these characters: we are young and we have been distressed;
but our concord hath withstood our troubles, and fixes a memorable area
for post