of those inestimable privileges for which they are now contending. The man who fears difficulties arising from the defence of freedom, is unworthy of freedom. God has given the right and the means of asserting it. We may reasonably expect his gracious assistance in the reasonable employment of those means. To look for miracles while we abusively neglect the powers afforded us by divine goodness, is not only stupid, but criminal. We are yet free—let us think like freemen.

In the last place, I beg to offer some observations concerning the measures that may be most expedient in the present emergency. Other Nations have contended in blood for their liberty, and have judged the jewel worth the price that was paid for it. These Colonies are not reduced to the dreadful necessity. So dependent is Great Britain on us for supplies that Heaven seems to have placed in our hands means of an effectual, yet peaceable resistance, if we have sense and integrity to make a proper use of them. A general agreement between these Colonies of non-importation and non-exportation, faithfully observed, would certainly be attended with success. But is it now proper to enter into such an agreement? Let us consider that we are contending with our ancient, venerable and beloved parent country. Let us treat her with all possible respect and reverence.* Though the rulers there have had no compassion upon us, let us have compassion on the people of that Kingdom. And if, to give weight to our supplications, and to obtain relief for our suffering brethren, it shall be judged necessary to lay ourselves under some restrictions with regard to our imports and exports, let it be done with tenderness, so as to convince our brethren in Great Britain of the importance of a connection and harmony between them and us, and the danger of driving us into despair. Their true interests, and our own, are the same; nor would we admit any notion of a distinction till we know their resolution to be unalterably hostile.

In the mean time, let us pursue the most proper methods for collecting the sentiments of all the British Colonies in North America on the present situation of affairs, the first point, it is apprehended, to which attention should be paid. This may be effected various ways. The Assemblies that may have opportunity of meeting, may appoint Deputies to attend a general Congress, at such time and place as shall be agreed on. Where Assemblies cannot meet, such of the people as are qualified by law to vote in election of Representatives, may meet and appoint, or may request their Representatives to meet and appoint.

When the inhabitants of this extended Continent observe that regular measures are prosecuted for re-establishing harmony between Great Britain and these Colonies, their minds will grow more calm. Prospects of accommodation, it is hoped, will engage them patiently and peaceably to attend the result of the public Councils, and such applications as, by the joint sense of America, may be judged proper to be made to his Majesty and both Houses of Parliament.

"Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right."

LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) RESOLUTIONS.

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Borough of Lancaster, at the Court House in said Borough, on Wednesday, the 15th day of June, 1774.

Agreed, That to preserve the constitutional rights of the inhabitants of America, it is incumbent on every Colony to unite, and use the most effectual means to procure a repeal of the late Acts of Parliament against the town of Boston.

That the Act of Parliament for blocking up the port and harbour of Boston, is an invasion of the rights of the inhabitants of the said town, as subjects of the Crown of Great Britain.

That it is the opinion of the inhabitants of this meeting, that the most proper and effectual means to be used to obtain a repeal of the said Act, will be to put an immediate stop to all imports and exports to and from Great Britain, until the same Act be repealed.

That the traders and inhabitants of this town will join and concur with the patriotic merchants, manufacturers, tradesmen, and freeholders of the City and County of Philadelphia, and other parts of the Province, in an Association of solemn agreement to this purpose, if the same shall be by them thought necessary.

That Edward Shippen, Esquire, George Ross, Esquire, Jasper Yeates, Esquire, Matthias Slough, Esquire, James Webb, Esquire, William Atlee, Esquire, William Henry, Esquire, Mr. Ludwick Lawman, Mr. William Bailsman, and Mr. Charles Hall, be a Committee to correspond with the General Committee at Philadelphia.

That these sentiments be immediately forwarded to the. Committee of Correspondence at Philadelphia.

Signed by order of the said Committee,

EBERHART MICHAEL, Clerk.

RHODE-ISLAND RESOLUTIONS.

At the General Assembly of the Governour and Company of the English Colony of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, in New-England, in America, begun and holden by adjournment at Newport, within and for the said Colony, on the second Monday in June, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-four, and in the fourteenth year of the reign of his most sacred Majesty, George the Third, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, and so forth.*

This Assembly taking into their most serious consideration several Acts of the British Parliament for levying taxes upon his Majesty's subjects in America, without their consent; and particularly an Act lately passed for blocking up the port of Boston; which Act, even upon the supposition, that the people of Boston had justly deserved punishment, is scarcely to be paralleled in history for the severity of the vengeance executed upon them; and also considering to what a deplorable state this and all the other Colonies are reduced, when, by an Act of Parliament, in which the subjects of America have not a single voice, and without being heard, they may be divested of property, and deprived of liberty; do, upon mature deliberation,

Resolve 1st. That it is the opinion of this Assembly that a firm and inviolable union of all the Colonies, in counsels and measures, is absolutely necessary for the preservation of their rights and liberties; and that, for that purpose, a Convention of Representatives from all the Colonies ought to be holden in some suitable place, as soon as may be, in order to consult upon proper measures to obtain a repeal of the said Acts, and to establish the rights and liberties of the Colonies upon a just and solid foundation.

2d. That the Honourable Stephen Hopkins, and the Honourable Samuel Ward, Esqrs., be, and they are hereby appointed by this Assembly to represent the people of this Colony, in a general Congress of Representatives from the other Colonies, at such time and place as shall be agreed upon by the major part of the Committees appointed, or to be appointed by the Colonies in general.

3d. That they consult and advise with the Representatives of the other Colonies who shall meet in such Congress, upon a loyal and dutiful petition and remonstrance to be presented to his Majesty, as the united voice of his faithful subjects in America, setting forth the grievances they labour under, and praying his gracious interposition for their relief. And that in case a major part of the Representatives of all the Colonies shall agree upon such petition and remonstrance, they be empowered to sign the same in behalf of this Colony.

* "'By justice (saith the Scripture) the Throne is established,' and by justice a Nation shall be exalted.' I resemble justice to Nebuchadnezzar's tree, shading not only the palace of the King, and the house of nobles, but sheltering also the cottage of the poorest beggar. Wherefore, if now the blast of indignation hath so bruised any of the branches of this tree, that either our persons, or goods, or possessions, have not the same shelter as before, let us not, therefore, neglect the root of this great tree; but rather, with all our possible means, endeavours, and unfeigned duties, both apply fresh and fertile mould unto it, and also water it even with tears, that so those bruised branches may be recovered, and the whole tree prosper again and flourish."—Mr. CRESKELD'S Speech in the Parliament that met in 1727.

* The Assembly met at the Court House in Newport, on Monday, June 13, 1774; and on Wednesday adopted those Resolutions, which passed unanimously, except one, to which there were only two or three dissentients.