any people.” The first it was that led the master states of the world to all their glory; it was the latter that afterwards degraded and pulled them down.

On this great Continent, at a time especially when our circumstances and situation are extremely critical, when we have a multiplicity of the weightiest matters to deliberate upon and execute for our safety and that of posterity, all ranks and degrees of men should be supremely attentive to the rectitude of their principles, and purity of their manners. And, unquestionably, this virtuous circumspection, this strict regard to what is excellent and praiseworthy, ought ever to be found among those who expressly undertake, who solemnly engage to be the defenders of their country’s privileges and rights. Such men I have now the honour to address. You love your country I venture to affirm; and you are not strangers to the full meaning of that venerable word. A Roman orator and patriot of celebrated fame, mentioning the subject, expresses himself thus: “Our parents are dear; our children are dear; our relatives; our near acquaintance; but our country comprehends every endearment, and the tender ties and charities of all; for which, what good man would hesitate to dare to die, if thereby he could do her service?”* And doth not the great St. Paul’s declaration breathe a like patriotick spirit: “None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.”

It is really grand, it is solemnly pleasing, to behold at a perilous, alarming conjuncture, so many stepping forward voluntarily, as thousands and thousands in these United Colonies have done, prepared to face any dangers, ready to encounter any difficulties, rather than the free should become enslaved, or the once happy be reduced to wretchedness. Of this publick-spirited number, you form a part, respected brethren. Be strong, therefore; persevere; advance with the fortitude, the magnanimity of men and Christians.

There cannot be the shadow of a doubt but that you will behave well in the brave department you have chosen, if your bosoms glow with piety to God, and are filled with fervent benevolence towards your fellow-men; if you have entered into the service of your country upon principle, possessed of a commanding reverence for a Divine overruling Providence, a generous sense of the rights of mankind, a liberal regard for freedom, and an earnest desire after the establishment of peace; for these are the principles of our American system of policy and American operations; this is the foundation upon which we profess to stand.

If the persons intrusted with the illustrious cause of the publick (both those who have to plan and determine in council, and those who are to execute in the field) be men of probity and goodness, there will be every reason to believe we shall be successful. A good cause deserves good advocates. It would be a pity, and in some degree dangerous too, that even one unprincipled man should enter the lists under the banner of liberty, or pretend to be a guardian of that Heaven-descended maid. Such had better have sought some other service they are fitter for.

Perhaps never were freemen, or patriots, or warriors, or heroes, called forth for nobler purposes than we have now in prospect. We are contending for no other prize than that we may continue to be free; that the fruits of our honest labour may be our own; that we may be delivered from the hands of those who would oppress us; that our civil and religious happiness may be secured; and that we may be able to transmit these blessings, on a firm foundation, to our children, and generations after.

It is not in rebellion; it is not in violation of the spirit of laws, or contempt of the Constitution; it is not in the rage of anarchy, or wildness of ambition, that we arise and join with such amazing unanimity. No; ye illustrious shades of our pious ancestors, and ye martyrs of whatever age or clime, who have shed your tears and your blood for dying freedom! ye cloud of witnesses, with which we are encompassed about! we declare, as in your presence, and we declare to this whole earth, that such are not our aims; that our publick measures result from a dreadful necessity; that America hath resisted purely on the footing of self-preservation.

It is evident, then, that in the present conflict we have very much at stake. There is not an individual in all these Provinces but is deeply interested in the events that lie before us. None should be remiss, indifferent lookers-on. The spheres of action are various; the field is large. Some have one part of duty to perform, and some another; and, withal, harmony, union, firmness, must be supported inviolably. A great deal depends especially on those who bear the military character; their station is in the front of danger; but it is a station that cannot be maintained usefully and honourably without much preparatory exercise, strict subordination, the love of order, and a noble persevering courage.

You, brave men, know what is the peculiar department of a soldier. But this department by no means exempts him from any Christian duty; neither does it give him a dispensation in favour of any vice. He is under obligations equal to those of other men, to shun that which is evil and to follow that which is good. You are Christian soldiers; do not behave in any instance unworthy of the character.

By the terms of your inlistment you are protectors of liberty; and by profession you are Christ’s freemen. Don’t be the destroyers of liberty, by turning it into licentiousness; nor the slaves of Satan by doing his works. In everything estimable and of good report, your officers, we make no doubt, will be your patterns and nobly lead the way.

The gentlemen who have command will show that they deserve it. They should be distinguished for martial accomplishments and for unblemished morals. They will, as frequently as possible, be present with their men, directing, forming, animating, encouraging them; herein following the steps of the immortal Wolfe and brave Montgomery. They know that they are neither to trifle with the publick safety nor with themselves; that an army can never be fit for real service unless it be well disciplined and virtuous; that there cannot be good discipline and virtue without unrelaxing assiduity in the officers; and that a bright example in them carries with it the noblest kind of authority. Indeed, every officer should study to have the vigilance, sobriety, and wisdom of a General; and every private should behave like an officer.

Of you, gentlemen of this battalion, your country entertains such honourable expectations. When or wheresoever you shall be called to encounter dangers, we are confident dangers will not terrify you; you will enter the battle, should this be your lot, with the boldness of Christian heroes, having on the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation.

RECOMMENDATION BY THE CONGRESS TO ESTABLISH GOVERNMENTS IN THE SEVERAL COLONIES.

In Congress, May 15, 1776.

Whereas his Britannick Majesty, in conjunction with the Lords and Commons of Great Britain, has, by a late act of Parliament, excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of his Crown: And whereas no answer whatever to the humble petitions of the Colonies for redress of grievances and reconciliation with Great Britain has been, or is likely to be, given; but the whole force of that Kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries, is to be exerted for the destruction of the good people of these Colonies: And whereas it appears absolutely irreconcileable to reason and good conscience for the people of these Colonies now to take the oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any Government under the Crown of Great Britain; and it is necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority under the said Crown should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of Government exerted under the authority of the people of the Colonies, for the preservation of internal peace, virtue, and good order, as well as for the defence of their lives, liberties, and properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies: Therefore

Resolved, That it be recommended to the respective Assemblies and Conventions of the United Colonies, where no Government sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs has been hitherto established, to adopt such Government as shall, in the opinion of the Representatives of the People, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular and America in general.

By order of Congress:

JOHN HANCOCK, President.