SUCH is the accursed nature of lawless ambi­tion, that the greatest misfortunes of kingdoms, and states, as well as of lesser communities, and individuals, have arisen from, and are owing to an insatiate lust of power in me [...] of abilities, and influence.

Voracious like the grave, they can never have enough, i. e. of power and wealth: And are therefore prompted on by restless desires, to seek the means of accumulating these, and that by expedients, however profitable to themselves, are de­structive to their country.

Such false, designing, and detestable patriots have in every age, nation, and country in the world, at one time or other, led their blind confiding country-men, into the very jaws of slavery, vassalage, and ruin.

The lust of power has in all nations, combined the worst passions of the human heart, and the worst projects of the human mind, in league against the liberties of mankind.— [Page 6] From hence, has arisen so many absolute monarchies in the world, that have considered and treated their subjects, as then ca [...]le; that have reduced thousands and millions, to a brutal vassalage, unworthy the rational and immortal nature of man; to gratify the insatiable ambition, and luxury of a crafty designing few.

Yea, such often, has been the influence, of a combined in [...]o of courtiers and state-jobbers, that the reigning mo­narch, tho [...]gh naturally of a compassionate and benevolent h [...]rt, has been by such instruments, brought into a state of magnificent servitude, and sp [...]ended vassalage; and made ac­ce [...]ary to the blackest desings.

It is always the policy of such court-locusts, if possible, to shut fall the eyes, and to seal up the understanding of the [...]e prince, both with respect to his interest and danger; the lat­ter of which, consists in court favourites, growing too pow­erful, and the former in the hearty love and good will, of a numerous, brave and free people.

These designing men, this kind of patriots, always lay their plan with a view, to sculk behind the king's authority; if their oppression rouses the nation to assert their right, to screen them from deserved vengeance; or if their sovereign's eyes should be opened to discover their black designs, and his own, and the nations true interest, and his ears to better councils, to depose, or destroy him.—In a word, if they see they are like to be cash [...]e [...]ed, and the plunder of mank [...]d wrested from their unrighteous hands, and he will not give them his authority, to suck the blood and treasure of their fellow-subjects, they aim that his own shall pay for it.

But an holy, and omnipotent GOD, in his righteous provi­dence, often disappoints these aspiring tyrants, these plagues of mankind, these pes [...]s to all society; and causes them to be taken in their own craftiness.

A very striking instance of this we have in the history of this bo [...]k.—The sacred story concerning Ahas [...]erus a Persian king, potent in arms, great in extent of territoty, mighty in wealth and power,—and Haman his haughty prime-minister, —and [Page 7] his ju [...]o of court parasites,—their influence upon the king, in obtaining from him that horrid decree to slaughter the Jews in all the provinces,—the disappointment of the scheme, —the manner how,—and the remarkable interposition of di­ivine providence therein,—is worthy our no [...]ice and will afford us matter of instruction suitable to the present occasion.

This king Ahasuerus, appears to be the same with Darius Hysta [...]pes, according to the best, and most ancient historians. And indeed, the subject of this piece of history appears to be soon after the union of the Babylonish, with the Persian em­pire. This agrees, best with the reign of the before mention­ed prince: For at this time the empire covered the greatest part of Asia, both the Indias, Ethiopia, and most of Africa. The kingdom now was in its zenith of greatness and glory— besides, Heredotus an ancient and good historian, observes of this prince that his Queen's name was Harossa, which, is the same with Haddassab, the Hebrew name of Esther; the same historian observes, as also Xen [...]phon in his life of Cyrus, that the character of this king was mild and gentle, benevolent and vastly liberal, and greatly disposed to make his subjects happy; but his foibles were, an unbounded ambition, and a great propensity to luxury and sensuality.

As this monarchy had gained the summit of its glory, ex­tent and wealth, it was now at peace with its neighbours a­broad, yet luxury and riot began to rage within. It now be­came prolifi [...] in the production of cockatrices and vip [...]rs, that began to prey upon the bowels of the empire. It was with this kingdom, just as it is now, and always has been, with states under like circumstances.

Political bodies resemble the human; they have their birth, their youth, their manhood or full strength, their decline, their old age, infirmities and death. Th [...]s it was with Greece and Rome, and other kingdoms; so it will be with the British, and every other kingdom and state in the world.— As it is with the human body, when every joint, ligament, muscle and fibre h [...]—e come to their full strength, and maturity, it stays not long in that state, it is then fixed for the seizure of disease, for gradual decline; it is weakened by impercept [...]ble strokes, until disease rages and death ensues. The first strokes that a [Page 8] state, or political body receives, after its arrival to the sum­mit of its glory and strength; is usually from the venality and rapine, of its over-grown members: Under the covert of law, and shew of justice.—When a state, by the influence of minions, and court parasites, those blood-suckers of the con­stitution, begins, and goes on, to establish unrighteousness by law;—and legislative authority is prostituted, to the iniquitous, and low purpose of aggrandizing individuals, instead of the good of the whole, then it receives a mortal blow; of which wound it will certainly perish, unless timely healed.—For one set of humours will flow in after another, till the juices of the political body are consumed—and death is the conse­quence: Chicanery and craft, will be played backward, and forward, by designing and ambitious men, for places of pro­fit and honour, until the wealth of a kingdom is exhausted, until its strength is at first weakned, then destroyed, as with a deluge—and poverty and misery come upon its honest indus­trious inhabitants, like the breaking in of mighty waters. If old Harpies, are ousted, the public gets nothing by the change; a new set of the same character and conduct suc­ceed, ut unda supervenit undam; as in a rolling sea, wave urges wave; until convulsions shake the state, it to [...]ters, and then falls. To accomplish this dreadful havock of their spe­cies, STATE JOBBERS practice upon the imb [...]cilities of princes, sometimes upon the best: (For all men have their weaknesses and foibles, and happy is the man that has the fewest of them.) These, find the blind side of their prince, they court him, not to his own safety, they flatter him not to the advantage of his subjects; but their own: Which by the way is never consist­ent with the true interest of the prince, or prosperity and happiness of his subjects. For a great part of the wealth of a state, must in this case, fall a prey to their insatiable avarice.

Thus did the prime minister in the Persian empire, that makes such a figure in the sacred history now under conside­ration. He flattered his credulous and ambitious prince, that he was something more than human—till he really made him something less—till he caused him counter to his natural dis­position—to conduct with savage cruelty, in that bl [...]dy edict obtained against the innocent Jews;

HAMAN that arch-courtier, was ambitious like his master, but without his benevolence and good nature; yet subtle [Page 9] and crafty to compass his black designs—he, (as Xenophon observes ^*) places his master among the Gods, that he might be de [...]ed himself; and the sacred text intimates as much.— For no doubt this is the homage that Mordecai refuse [...] him.

It is very unlikely that a royal decree should be necessary to procure civil respect, to the prime minister, and so great a court favourite; and it is as unlikely that a man of Morde­cai's good sense and piety, would deny it to him—but the HOMAGE that was decreed him, no doubt was that of worship. This, a croud of fawning, expecting, [...]ringing SYCO­PHANTS paid him; but Mordecai bowed not. He that could obtain this from his duped prince, might get any thing.

And, now behold! His haughty heart lifted him up!— How it dilates with pride!—But, Oh! mortifying sight Mor­de [...]ai denies him homage. Mordecai was a Jew, and had learned that divine lesson, thou shalt worship the Lord JE­HOVAH, and him only shalt thou serve. And Haman an Ama­le [...]ite, of the royal seed of AGAG, whom the Lord had bid­den them to abhor, and detest. And no wonder, that he, with firmness refuses the demanded homage: For this, the haughty minister determined his ruin.

But it was too small a thing with this PREMIER, to rise up against a single man and take away his life; this was be­low his supposed dignity—this was too little a sacrifice to his vanity this would not sufficiently gratify either his ambition or revenge; he therefore devotes an whole people to the sword, as objects of his vengeance. A vast number, ‘not l [...]ss than eight-hundred-thousand souls,’ (as an ancient historian observes ^§) are marked out as objects of his hellish FURY—these a very useful and industrious people, were ser­viceable both to the trade and manufactures of the kingdom, as well as in agriculture; in the destruction of whom, both the king and state must have suffered immense LOSS. He asks, and obtains the royal assent, and signature, to butcher them all in a day. Horrid massacre! Shocking to humanity! The picture of insernals! What baseness! What turpitude, is not the human mind capable of, when under the power of [Page 10] ambition and revenge? " Man lest of God, without heaven't restraint, is more savage, than the savage brute; his vile ferocity rises in proportion to his capacity."

But how did this incarnate DAEMON, get this inhuman, this blo [...]y DECREE? Why just as over-grown tyr [...]nts, and their creatures, do now, and always have done; by malicious lies and slanders against the honest and useful members of SOCIE­TY, whom they mark out as objects of their vengeance, that they may take their spoil for a [...]Y.

This wicked Haman found means to keep the KING in ig­norance of the character, state, and condition of his own sub­jects, he scarce knows who, or what these Jews are? Much less their importance to him—he had to learn their character from his court favourite—from Haman the Jews implacable ENEMY. And no wonder that the king thinks [...]l of them— no wonder they stand in a bad light with him— no wonder he considers them as a public nusance—no wonder that when he had given up his senses and understanding to a tyranni [...] blood-thirsty MINISTER OF STATE—that he should give into his hands the objects of his vengeance. This is no new thing un­der the son, for greedy courtiers to misrepresent, to their prince, those of their fellow-subjects, that they would plun­der and destroy; that by the help of his authority, they may compass their oppress [...]ve designs, and spread ruin and devastati­on through the empire, that they and their tools may fatten upon the plunder.

And HAMAN said unto the King there is a certain people, scat­tered abroad, and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom, and their laws are diverse from all people; nei­ther keep they the King's laws. Therefore it is not for the King's profit to suffer them, if it please the King let it be WRITTEN THAT THEY MAY BE DESTROYED, and I will pay into the King's Exchequer Ten Thousand Talents of Silver — What horrid lies! What abominable slander! He represents to the king, that they were not only a mean contemptible peo­ple, but a strange odd set of mortals, not worthy of notice; that might be cut off without noise, crushed without tumult in the state. And yet at the same time so important, as to en­danger the state, by corrupting its subjects with their inde­pendent [Page 11] principles, as disobedient to the laws of the realm. Now it was well known that they were a peaceable people, differing in nothing but their religion, and form of the [...]or­ship, and were good subjects. How false—how inconsi [...]ent with itself is this account; notwithstanding Haman, (as all designing courtiers do) insinuates himself into the king's fa­vour, by such inconsistent slanders, under great pretence of friendship to the king, and devotedness to his interest, that he had no other view but to secure the king's personal safety, and the public good. And how? Why by cutting off eight or nine-hundred thousand of its industrious and honest subjects: A true picture this of court china [...]ery and ministerial flattery! And to clinch the whole, and to secure the king's command for his horrid project, he promises to pay Ten Thousand Talents to the king:— An enormous sum! Enough to have star [...]led a wise prince, (had he not been duped by his courtiers) to find that a single subject should be able to pay such a prodigious sum — This should have awakened his attention to the manner of his amassing such wealth, and excited his jealousy of oppression in the over-grown minister, and made him cautious of his councils for the future. How is it possible a single minister should advance the modest SUM of five-million-six-hundred and ninty-one-thousand pounds ^*, sterling, and yet have suf­ficient for his own private use, and to purchase tools and crea­tures throughout the kingdom, to carry on his black designs. Is not this astonishing! But the riddle is explained, the my­stery is un [...]olded when we consider that he had the public Ex­chequer at command, and a vast and wealthy Empire to squeeze and plunder at pleas [...]re.

This shows us how dangerous over-grown ministers and courtiers are, both to kings and states, which every wise prince will forever guard against, and every state sound in po­l [...]s always prevent.

[Page 12]But now behold the DECREE obtained! The bloody PLAN ripened! Vast numbers devoted, as sheep to the slaughter! The day appointed for the horrid execution! Letters posted with speed throughout the empire, to ministerial tools, and creatures of his power, to be in readiness on the day appoint­ed, to execute the shock [...]g MASSACRE; and no doubt the haughty minister exulting in the triumphs of his glory and success.

But who were the partners of his joy? Who rejoiced with him? Who was glad? Was the Persian empire exulting with joy, in the prospect of soon being rid of a public nusance? No, not a word of this! Not only the devoted Jews, were in sorrow, cloathed with sack-cloth; but HORROR and deep concern, sat brooding on every countenance; a solemn gloom covers the metropolis, the royal city SHUSHAN, all in deep mourning, but the cruel per [...]trators of the horrid PLO [...], and a banditti of ministerial tools through the provinces, de­pendent on the breath of the minister, breathing the same spirit, and with him hoping to share the PLUNDER. In this situation, divine providence saw fit to continue that great affair for about two months. Every thing wore a gloomy as­pect; and no doubt every creature of power was busy in preparing for the bloody scene, Haman not excepted.

HAMAN prepares a gallow [...] of extraordinary structure, for Mordecai, as principal among the Jews, and chief object of his vengeance, all things promised to turn out to his mind— and he thought he was just ready to satiate his thirst for B [...]ood.

But behold! An omnipotent GOD " reigneth, let the Earth rejoice, let the multitude of Isles be glad. The Lord reigneth, let OPPRESSORS tremble." A merciful GOD heard the cries of this oppressed people, he looked down from the ha­bitation of his GLORY and laughed at the haughtiness, and had in derision the PLOT of the MAN that exalted himself against GOD, and conspired the destruction of his people: And was determined to bring him low, and magnify his great Name in punishing the cruel Oppress [...]. And therefore, now the Lord appears in the cr [...]s and ext [...]emity of the [...], that [Page 13] his hand might be the better seen, and acknowledged.— Behold! the scene changes, and the counsels and devices of the wicked, are turned upon their own heads.

It is now worth while to pause a minute—and attend to the temper and conduct of GOD's people, in this critical junc­ture and dilemma of their affairs. It was a serious and so­lemn time with them, and no doubt their danger lay with due weight upon their minds. But they did not despair, they did not give themselves over for lost; they firmly believed the be­ing of a GOD, and that he was their covenant God, and that he was higher than the highest, and that he could with infinite ease, extricate them out of their sore distress; that his arm was not shortned that he could not save, neither his ear heavy that he could not hear. They now humbled themselves before the Lord their Maker, they cried unto him for help in this dist [...]ess; they caught hold of, and improved every probable human means within their power for their safety; but they put their trust only in the Lord their GOD.

They ask counsel of, and are guided by their wisest and be [...] men, in the same peri [...]s. MORDECAI, the principal a­mong the Jews, and object of Haman's most inveterate hate, conducts with uncommon wisdom and courage.

The first object of his attention, is (after seeking divine help and aid) to open the King's eyes, which were blinded by court flatterers, and ministerial intrigues; that he might know the truth, and understand his own true interest, and that of the empire:—An expression this of true loyalty, and a good example for others in similar circumstances;— and the good Lord in his kind providence ordered a fa­vourable opportunity for this, by advancing ESTHER his neice, of the seed of the Jews to be Queen of the Realm, and the King's favourite.

Mordecai, treats her with respect, according to her dignity, but talk [...] to her with his usual plainness and authority; he bids her interceed in earnest for the LIFE of her people; and reminds her that her place at court, was not certain to screen her from the impec [...] [...].

[Page 14]She pauses, she considers, and at last resolves; but a great embarrassment arises in her way, she had not been called into the king's presence for thirty days, and uncertain when she should; besides, a cruel statute, (and unsafe for all princes, as well as there subjects) like a flaming sword, stands in the way of her approaching the throne. For by a statute of the realm no person might approach the throne, uncalled upon pain of Death.

In this, we have an exact picture of court parasit [...]s, and ministerial TYRANTS: They make Princes prisoners of state, and shut out (if possible) from the royal presence all persons but themselves, and their creatures, and all petitions but those of their own prefering, or that reach the royal ear through the channel of their favour.

There policy in this, is, to keep the groans, and COM­PLAINTS of those subjects whom they oppress, from moving the compassion of the royal HEART; that, by his ignorance, of their villainy they may secure to themselves his favour, and escape the punishment due to their atrocious Crimes: And so go on, to pillage and oppress mankind with impunity.— But if a torrent of murmures, and general complaints, should at any time arise, too mighty for their strength to encounter, or wisdom to quiet, if possible they will throw the public odium upon their master; and screen themselves behind his a­bused authority: or perhaps in this case, they may sacrifice a few of their obsequious tools, those lesser villains, those Jack­als, that have barked after the Lyons, to still the popular rage, and to save their own BACON.

But how much more safe, and happy would it be, for both princes and their subjects, if (like Pharamond an ancient prince of France, who had a court gate, that was called The Gate of the Distressed, because there he heard in person, the complaints of the meanest of his subjects) their palaces and ears were open to the complaints of the oppressed, without the parade of state, or ministerial gloss or disguise, against the greatest of their servants.

But Queen ESTHER and Mordecai, strengthned by a firm saith in GOD, and clothed with heroic fortitude, were [Page 15] determined to surmount all th [...]se difficulties and dangers, t [...] bring their complaint and petition to the royal ear at the peril of their lives, to give him the true state of their affairs, and to acquaint the king with the whole of the hellish plot form­ed against them at all adventures.

Nothing can discover greater human wisdom, a more thorough acquaintance with men and things, or more 2 fortitude of soul, than is discovered in the management of this great, delicate and difficult AFFAIR. They seem to be under a di­vine efflat [...]s of wisdom and policy.

Thus while they, like men, used the most probable means For their safety, the Lord JEHOVAH was working for them; and in a remarkable manner paved the way for th [...] destruction of Haman the Jews enemy, by advancing the devot­ed Mordecai to honour and dignity, and that through the very means by which Haman thought to aggrandize himself. Of the circumstances of the king's not sleeping, and how he was di­rected to turn over Court RECORDS for his amusement, and there find that Mordecai had saved his life, and Haman's ad­vice on this affair with a view to his own honour; I need not remind you:—These where surprising interpositions of GOD's providence, in favour of his oppressed people, and ladly morti [...]ying to the Persian PREMIER.—And had not his heart been callous to a sense of guilt and shame, as well as to the feelings of humanity (like all others of the same stamp) he must have been filled with horror, and trembling seized him, for fear of a sad reverse of fortune.

But, now the important hour comes! And Haman the TYRANT and MURDERER present! When the King's ear was to be opened to hear the cries of the distressed, and his heart to pity, and afford them help.—ESTHER the Queen brings her request to the royal ear,—instead of half the king­dom it is only this! Let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request, for we are sold to be slain, and to perish. And Haman thou art the man that hath done this—brought up the rear, in this heavy complaint.

Now the king's understanding is for once unloosed, and his eyes opened, he is cut to the heart with shame, at the re­proof [Page 16] given him, which was wisely couched in the petition: [...] at the instigation of the Minister it was the that King told them, and Haman had only bought them, as Minister of [...]tate with the King's money.—Thus were they bought and [...]old as cattle for the slaughter.—Here we see despotism epi­ [...]mised!

But the king stung with remorse, that he had been blinded and fooled by an haughty minister, and shock [...]d at his own conduct in that affair, justly devotes the deceiver and murder­er to ruin; for bringing guilt and odium upon his Prince, and fear and distress upon his subjects; by slanders and cruel [...]use of his power, and influence with him.

Such an example, one would be ready to think, would be sufficient to make all crowned heads cautious of giving impli­cit faith to courtiers and place-men; sufficient to make them ever jealous of aspiring ambitious ministers, and s [...]v [...]re in scrutinizing into their public conduct, and careful to w [...]tch their motions in all their actions respecting public affairs; and as effectual in punishing every fraud and deceit of this kind, that tends to alienate the affections of their loyal subjects from them, and to six upon them the odium of cruelty and OP­PRESSION.— O that Princes were wise, that they [...] this!

But now behold! the bloody Decree reversed! reversed did I say? no, it was not; but rather in a sort superceded by an­other.—To such a pitch of pride, folly, and madness, had the Persian court arrived, that they had assumed [...] and omniscience, essential perfections of JEHOVAH; for it had become a Statute of the realm, that their Laws should not be repealed, or their Decrees revoked.—Egregious folly! And how is it copied, in the conduct of most cour [...]s in all great empires; though the principle may not be op [...]nly avowed. A [...]d thus it comes to pass, that rather than honestly to r [...]tract one error, known and fully discovered, they go on to comm [...]t an hundred more, as remedies of the former, until the REMEDY is worse than the DISEASE; untill their inexplicable turnings, and political windings, have thrown the affairs of the nation, into such an amazing suarl, and labyrinth, as that it is, next [Page 17] to impossible for human wisdom to unravel them: And thus by such designing selfish politics, the state often trembles, and some times the crown to [...]ers; or what is worse, if such traitors and tyrants continue their influence, the nation will be Enslaved, and dwindle to barbarism and brutality. How the remedy would have operated in the case before us, had not divine wisdom and power interposed, is hard to say; but the LORD over-ruled it well; the Lord JEHOVAH is able to bring good out of evil, light out of darkness, and did so now! And is abl [...] and ready to do it again.

ESTHER and Mordecai obtain a decree in favour of the Jews, and with a view to their salvation. But let us attend a minute, to the tenor of the decree, and let us see what mighty BOON! Is the former decree reversed? No: Are the bloody orders countermanded? No, not a word of this. What does the whole amount to? Why, only to what GOD and Nature al­lowed them, yea, demanded of them before— To arise, to ga­ther themselves together in EVERY CITY, and to stand for their LIFE, and to destroy, and to cause to perish; Whom? And what persons? Was it their honest neighbours, that had no hand in the plot? No verily; but all the power and persons, that would ASSAULT them.

The grant amounted to this, and no more, that they might stand on their defence against all court tools, and ministerial crea­tures and minions, that taking the advantage of the former de­cree should be found in arms to assault them. And who would not (unless it be a coward or a fool) defend himself, if possible from the assault of a banditti of villains that would cut his throat.

But here let us attend to the sequel, and well notice the issue.—By this last decree the innocent Jews (just now re­presented, as a contemptible mean spirited set of mortals) and their haughty enemies were put upon an equal footing. Now let us see the personal bravery of ministeral blood-suckers and TYRANTS, and the whole GANG of their dependant bravadoes, through all the provinces of this vast empire. For no doubt Haman the Premier, and his junto of court favourites, flat­terers, and dependants in the royal city, together with govern­ors of provinces, counsellors, bo [...]ds of trade, commissioners and [Page 18] their creatures, officers and collectors of REVENUE, sollic [...]tors ▪ assistants, searchers and inspectors, down to tide-waiters, and their scribes, and the good Lord knows whom, and how many of them, together with the coach-men and servants of the whole ^* made a formidable number through that great empire, all de­pendant upon the breath of Haman the court favourite, and with him breathing the same spirit, and expecting to share with him some part of the spoil. Do these bold usurpers, this croud of officers and sworms of their dependants, arise and quit themselves like men? Do they, who (just now armed with royal authority and favour) could represent a brave peo­ple, as no more important, than a swarm of flies, or a covey of grasshoppers, unworthy of public notice, farther than to destroy them? Do these sons of thunder arise, and put their foot, or finger upon them, and crush them? Not a word do [Page 19] we find of this! Brave Heroes! Fit only to Filth Treasure, by unright [...]ous establishments out of the honest and industrious. Like all others of the same stamp and character, when it come [...] to the pinch, and when on but equal ground, like cowards they creep into holes, they [...]r [...]mble and fall before the p [...]o­ple, whom they had barbarously devoted to ruin. True courage is found only with the opp [...]e [...]sed, they destroy their implaca­ble enemies and obtain salva [...]ion.

Now, in this instance, we see the true spirit, genuine cou­rage, and personal bravery of all such oppressive tyrannie men, divested of Fleets, and striped of armes, those executioners of their black designs against the liberty and property of their fellow-men. For now the scale of power and influence was turned in the Pe [...]sian court, and Mordecai had the direction of these; but without liberty or instruction, to make use of them, either for the protection of the Jews, or dest [...]uction of their enemies. There is not a word in the decree itself, or in the sacred story, that in the least intimates, that the Jews had a­ny help from the army of the empire; but now they and their enemies stood on equal ground, and were to try it out by personal bravery;—and we have before taken notice of the consequence.

It is true that the Jews were the LORD's covenant people, and that they humbled themselves before the Lord their Ma­ker and Redeemer, and earnestly sought his he [...]p, while they stood o [...] their own defence. And it is as true, that the Lord was on their side, and wrought wonderfully in every circum­stance, by which their salvation was accompl [...]shed; and they piously acknowledged the hand of their GOD in the whole. — But the Lord helped them, in a way of means, in a wise and prudent attempt to help themselves, while they stood on their defence, the Lord omnipotent, appeared for them, and wrought for their salvation. And this is the way in which GOD always has, and ever will deliver his people out of their distresses, and from the hand of Violence and OPPRESSION. They have no reason to expect the mighty hand of GOD working for them, while like Asses they couch down, to take on them Burdens.

[Page 20]Are not the people of America, also GOD's covenant peo­ple? And is not the Lord of Hosts their covenant GOD? God is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever! He is as able and as ready to appear for his distressed covenant people now, as then; and they may hope for, and expect salvation in the same way.

The example of GOD's ancient covenant people, when on the brink of ruin may afford us instruction, under present distress; while on the one hand, it admonishes us, of the necessity and importance of fervent prayer and deep humiliati­on, and a th [...]rough breaking of our sins by righteousness, and our iniquities by turning to the Lord; on the other, not to dispond or despair, but commit our cause to GOD, and stand FAST.

All human prudence, and wisdom, are to be exercised, yet if called by divine providence, (which we pray heaven to prevent) we must, we ought, as they did in the case before us, to improve the grant that every man has from the King of Heaven, "to arise, and stand for his Life, to kill and destroy all that ASSAULT them"—but none other!

Our case to human appearance, is nothing so deplorable as was the case of the Jews in the instance before us, (though distressing enough)—they did not despair, they conducted like men of wisdom and fortitude, they put their trust in the Lord and were saved. So in this way we also may hope that GOD will arise and plead our cause, and his OWN, against the op­pressor—For the Cause of Liberty is the Cause of GOD; it is the gift of GOD to man in his very creation, and what he has fitted him for, as a summary of his terrestrial happiness: And whosoever gives it up, and tamely submits to Slavery, like a foolish or wanton Heir, spends the PATRIMONY of his Heavenly Father's giving, and is a rebel to GOD and NATURE.

The CAUSE of AMERICA (now in controversy) is the cause of GOD, never did Man struggle in a greater, or more glorious CAUSE, It will, it must appear, to Heaven and Earth, that we are not the aggressors in this sad controversy! we ask, we contend for nothing more, than what God and [Page 21] nature gave us, to enjoy our OWN, without rapine or robbe­ry. This we hold not only by the Law of Nature, but by the Faith, and Contract of KINGS stipulated in the most So­lemn CHARTERS under their Sign and Seal Manual ^*. Our [Page 22] fathers, have earned and we their children have deserved what we contend for, Liberty and Property; to enjoy our own, without molestation. When I say we, and our fathers have deserved these blessings, I mean not from the hand of GOD, we have forfeited them into the hand of his justice, by our back-sliding from him, and covenant breaking, and GOD is holy and righteous in his present controversy with us, and we ought to humble ourselves before him, and implore his mercy;—but we have deserved from the hand of Great-Bri­tain better usuage—we have deserved their protection, in the enjoyment of our Natural and Charter Privileges; instead of an attempt to wrest both from our hands. Every attempt to [Page 23] [...]rest Liberty and Property from us must be exceeding un­righteous, and fraught with peculiar turpitude, for we have never forfeited one [...]ota of our Charter Rights, we have been as fast friends to our mother-country, as loyal to our king, and as peaceable and governable a people as any under hea­ven, and have afforded to Great-Britain immense wealth.— But they are angry with us, because we WILL NOT BE SLAVES.— Angry did I say, Who are angry? The good people in general of Great-Britain—I hope not, we have rea­son firmly to believe they are not; all the pains taken to blind their eyes and to prejudice their minds with regard to us, by crafty designing men, notwithstanding. But who are an­gry? [Page 24] Who, but a set of designing HAMAN's, and their creatures who want to take our estates, if not our lives for a prey, that they may riot up the SPOILS; and prompted by this stimulus, they have used every artifice to blind the na­tion, and to prejudice our king against us, that they might not see their true interest, that justice and right judgment, might be hid from the king and nation, that they might aggrandize themselves at the expence of the king and nation, and by the ruin of AMERICA.

And if our King is angry with us, it is because Men of the beforementioned Character have imposed upon him, by sordid Slanders and infamous lies against the good people of America, and of this Province in particular. Therefore his wrath can­not be against the true character of these Colonies, but a false PICTURE drawn by our enemies, with a view to aggrandize themselves, and promote their black design of enslaving AMERICA. But could our kind and benevolent SOVEREIGN, but look through America with his own eyes, could he visit every COLONY in Person, could he know the fervour of their love and loyalty, could he see, and personally take notice of their amazing patience and fortitude, under unparalleled indig­nities and sufferings cast upon them by his tyrannie and op­pressive servants, could he see their heroic virtue, resolution, and prudent Steadfastness in the Cause of LIBERTY, could he be acquainted with the greatness of their souls, and firm and unshaken resolution, not to survive the loss of the rights of nature, and their Charter Privileges; and could he but know the inexpressible MEANNESS as well as falshood and malice of their adversaries, in all their calumny against us, with which they have wounded the royal ear: I say if he had a just view of these things, how would his royal heart melt with pity at our oppressions! What noble sentiments of Americans, would arise in his mighty soul! What affection! What parental tenderness! How would his heart dilate with joy to find, that he had so many noble spirited subjects in this part of the world, Fired equally with love to their King and Country. Who so well understand the nature of true Liberty, and spirit of good government, and who can so well defend them, and how firm would his determination be, that those should have Liberty, that so well understand it, so prudently enjoy it, and so bravely defend it; and how would he frown [Page 25] Indignant, upon American enemies, that have so basely be­trayed their trust, and abused their Sovereign.

And I yet firmly believe, and humbly trust in that GOD, that turned the slander and falshood of wicked Haman ▪ and his accomplices, against the innocent Jews; upon their own heads;—that he will speedily appear for us, and plead our righteous CAUSE, against all those, that have so falsely accused us, so unjustly reproached us, and sought to enslave us. That a merciful GOD will open the eyes of the King, and Nation, to see their true interest, and thoroughly to perceive the bale­ful influence of present counsels, and destructive tendency of present MEASURES; and the King's ear to hear, and his heart graciously to receive, the just complaints, of his oppressed A­merican subjects; and that the slander and falshood of our enemies (and some of them the most unnatural and ungrate­ful) will yet be turned upon their own heads.

But it is OURS, to be up and doing; like Esther and Morde­ [...]ai, to be resolute to let the King know the TRUTH at all ADVENTURES; and in this way to counteract the fraud and malice of our enemies; and to follow him with incessant cries, and complaints against the Men that are the cause of this general trouble; and to convince him, if possible, of both his, and our danger from designing, crafty avaricious men: And that these CONVULSIONS, must, and will, shake the whole Empire unless an effectual remedy is speedily applied.

And to this end no pains are to be spared, in order to en­gage wise, prudent and influential men, at home, in the glori­ous cause of Freedom. And we have reason to hope, yea, firmly to believe, that GOD will so dispose the heart of the King, and raise us up friends, that shall be able, and effectual, to put a stop to the reign of present men, and measures, without shedding of blood. Nothing but our sins, and impenitence can prevent this, our cause is so just, and the affair so im­portant and interesting to the nation, it must, and will pre­vail, unless for our sins we are given up of GOD:—But after all our greatest dependance is upon our GOD, and under him, upon the exertions of our own virtue and fortitude.

[Page 26] Americans by this time, no doubt are generally acquainted with the question in controversy between us and the court of Great-Britain; in short, it is this, the parliament of Britain, at present claim a right of binding us by their laws in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER, i. e.) to tax us at their pleasure; the Colo [...]ies de [...]y their [...]ight to taxation in any case whatever, and affirm that to submit [...]o the claim would reduce them to abso­lute Slaver [...]. If they have right to lay on us one tax, they have ano [...]her, if they have right to take one shill [...]ng from us without our con [...]ent, they have as good right to take all, and strip us naked of every thing; though the robbery would not be so great i [...] the first, as in the latter case, yet it partakes of the same nature. If Ministers of State, and court dependants at any time want money to support their luxury, or to buy creatures, to increase their power and to strengthen their in­fluence, it is but to apply to a Parliament smuggled up by venality, grouped to ether by ministerial BRIBERY, whose interest it is, to serve their CREATOR, and grant all their demands; and Americans must be taxed without mercy, to pay it. But if we complain or oppose, we are to be taught submission by the point of the Sword; armed mercinaries, at the beck of an haughty wanton Minister of State, are to en­force the decree, and we are to pay them for pillaging our substance and spilling our BLOOD.

Can it be any longer a secret, that a PLAN has been sytemati­cally laid, and persued by the British ministry, near twelve years, for enslaving America; as the STIRRUP by which they de­sign to mount the RED HORSE of TYRANNY and DESPO­TISM at home?

Well did despots at home know, that if Charming FREE­DOM spread her olive branches in America, emigrations from them to us, would soon go near to depopulate their own country; weakening them and strengthning us, until Ameri­ca became invincible; and therefore open strides of arbitra­ry power, were first to appear in the Colonies, while the mines were laying at home; that when we were subdued, they might open their batteries with safety against British Liberty; and Britons be made to feel the same oppressive hand of des­po [...]e Power.

[Page 27]Besides it would then be in the power, and it would be the policy of haughty ministers, to make America a nursery of mercinary troops for their service, supported by the sweat of Americans, and called home upon any emergency, necessary to promote their despotic purposes.

And then not a murmur, not a complaint must be heard from poor servile Americans, or it must be stopped with axes and scaffolds, gibb [...]s and the halter: Or perhaps in great ten­derness so [...]e might be permitted to die by powder and ball, sword or bayonet. Armed mercenaries must be the instru­ments of st [...]ling all complaints, and the officers to collect from us all our treasure; and in case of the least resistance, we are to expect Massacre and Death.

These are thy Blessings, this thy legacy, O AMERICANS! bequeathed thee by those in power in thy parent state—This thy reward for thy warmest duty, and filial affection! This the return for all the blood and treasure of thy fathers expend­ed in settling and defending this large and fertile territory, and hereby enlarging the commerce of Great-Britain, and adding sinews to her strength! These thy wages, for the blood of thy young men sp [...]t, and thy treasure largely and cheerfully spent, in the conquest of Lo [...]isb [...]rg, Nova Scotia, and Canada, on­ly for the benefit of thy King, and to increase the wealth, and enlarge the territories of the British nation ^*. These thy [Page 28] returns, for all thy rich treasures, cast in abundance into thy mother's LAP.— Oh! Heaven attend to our oppression, and hear our cries —Oh! Almighty Father,—awake in thy Righte­ousness and in thy Strength,—and avenge our just controver [...] ▪ upon the heads of the contrivers of so fatal a plan;— [...] mercy LORD, spare thy covenant people!—O AMERICANS! awake, arise, and stand for your life: You have a grant to do so, against all that assault you, from the King of Heaven; from NATURE and from NATURE'S GOD.

To repel armed force, by force of the same kind, is LAW­FUL by Heaven's decree. Therefore be of good courage, nothing is lost that is not given over for lost.—STANDING ARMIES MUST BE REMOVED, or they will reduce us to a State of SLAVERY worse than DEATH.—But the time when, and manner how, I leave with a merciful GOD, and the wisdom of our political fathers.

That GOD who delievered his people of old, when brought to the brink of ruin by a wicked Minister of State, can deli­ver us. And is there not reason to hope, yea firmly to be­lieve that he will remove the MONSTER of a standing ARMY from our land? Has he not amazingly united the Colonies, in the grand cause of Liberty? Notwithstanding all the bribery and craft practised in order to disunite them? Has not GOD been wo [...]king for us, while we have made (as yet) a noble stand against oppression? And is he not raising us up friends at home? We trust he is; and that he will save us from Distruction, when by our trials he has prepared us for mercy. And who knows but GOD in mercy suffered so early a TRAGEDY and CAR­NAGE of our brethren in the Metropolis, that by awakening us out of lethargy, to assert our invaded rights, and uniting us in the general cause before it was too late, he might pre­vent greater destruction.

But while I mention our slaughtered Brethren in BOSTON whose funeral obsequ [...]es, we this day with sympathy comme­morate and lament; my blood ferments, my passions kinale, my heart burns, and every power of my soul is on the stretch, in the love and for the cause of Liberty! With what ardour, firmness, and resolution, should we defend this glorious cause, [Page 29] Men and brethren, our brothers blood cries to us from the ground, and the voice is like that in the motto, Arise and stand for your lives against all that would assault you.

You are called upon by repentance and amendment to en­gage the Lord on your side, to exert yourselves like men that fear their maker, and ye shall stand proof against a flood of ministerial vengence; your GOD will remarkably appear for you, and you shall yet be safe and free.

But hark! methinks I hear the Ghost of GREY, or one of his associates in death, sounding in mine ear, with a plaintive voice, Oh! Americans will ye not take warning by our untimely fate? Will ye not resent our FALL? Will ye not shake off the yoke? Will ye open your bosoms to the fatal lead, and pointed steel? Will not our warm blood reaking from the hands of armed mercenaries mingled with the dust of your metropolis? Will not the groans, sighs, and tears, of our bereaved wives, children and friends, rouse you to heroic valour, and inspire you with the temper, and form you to the character of the tribe of Judah, and arm you with martial virtue in the cause of GOD, and in the cause of drooping Liberty; in our cause and in your OWN? By our untimely death learn your own fate if tyranny should prevail; you will soon be hourly exposed to fall by an armed assassin, and he escape with impunity. Will not these plaintive groans from the Dead awaken every virtue of the human soul, and call forth all its vigour, to expel from the land the power by which we fell? If ye do not ye are Slaves But is their no Lightning in the hidden stores of Heaven, red with uncommon wrath to blast the men, that have called these mercenaries to your land, the ingrateful men that abet the despotic plan, and would owe their greatness to their COUNTRY'S RUIN? Is it not real, or is it all illusion; the voice is indeed illusion: But are not the sentiments real and just. The sentiments of all wise men, the patriots of every coun­try, the experience of all ages, bare TESTIMONY against a standing ARMY, as inconsistent with LIBERTY. When ever there exists a power in the state sufficient, to trample upon or controul its LAWS, THAT STATE IS NO LONGER FREE.

[Page 30]An ingenious author ^† speaking of a standing army in England, says, "It is evident that thi [...] is a mortal distemper in the British government, of which at last, it must inevitably perish;" since which, this disease has amazingly increased, but of this, no more need be said. We feel the balef [...]l influ­ence, we hear the monster roar, he shews his pointed teeth, fierce and red, we have felt, and still feel a touch of his iron CLAW, and shall we not believe our senses? But we hope, and have great confidence, that this unhappy controversy will be settled without bloodshed and liberty yet be triumphant with us, without the contention of swords; that the eyes of the nation will soon be opened, by our steady perseverance in the peacea­ble measures adopted by the whole continent ^* and our w [...]ongs righted, and fr [...]endship again restored; which may Heaven grant, according to the earnest prayer of every lover of this country, or of the interest of Great-Britain. But have we not every admonition, and every motive to prepare for the worst, to stand ready for the onset, to stand for our lives against all that assault us, and if our enemies drive us to it (which may the Lord prevent) to contend for the immortal prize sword in hand. Awake! arise Americans! and prepare for the event, by no means strike the first, but be ready to strike the second blow, to advan [...]age. Had we not better [...]ie gloriously in the cause of GOD, of Liberty and our Country, than to dishonour GOD and human nature by submitting to ignoble slavery, than to die like dogs by meagre famine or the halter. Behold yonder the SHACKLES forging ▪ and perhaps traitors to their King and Country, hoping to put them on: Upon whom? Th [...] [Page 31] good Lord knoweth, but we fully trust that our God will dis­app [...]nt them; and that with regard to our wearing of them, it shall remain an unanswerable question, who shall put them on. Let them remember who it was that occupied the gallows prepard for innocent Mordecai. I mention this not to discourage you, [...]ut to animate your souls, and to warm your hearts, and to call forth every manly passion, and christian virtue. Let your spirits be cool, your opposition to tyranny prudent, yet stedfast and persevering, and let this thought support you, that when wicked men are nearest their hopes, the godly are farthest from their fears. I close in the words of the ingenious Mr. Quincy. Yet ‘be not amused, my countrymen! the extirpa­tion of bondage, and the reestablishment of freedo [...] are not of easy acquisition. The worst passions of the human heart, and the most subtle projects of the human mind are leagued against you; and principalities and powers have acceded to the combination. Trials and conflicts you must, therefore, endure;—hazards and jeopardies—of life and for [...]une— will attend the struggle. Such is the fate of all noble exerti­ons for public liberty and social happiness —Enter not the lists without thought and consideration, lest you arm with timidity and combat with [...]rr [...]solution. Having engaged in the conflict, let nothing discourage your vigour, or re­pel your perseverance:—Remember, that submission to the yoke of bondage is the worst that can befall a people after the most fierce and unsuccessful resistance. What can the misfortune of va [...]quishment take away, which despoti [...] and rapine would spare? It had been easy (said the great law-giver Solon to the Athenians,) * to repress the advances of tyranny, and prevent i [...]'s establishment, but now it is established and grown to some h [...]ight it would be MORE GLO­RIOUS to demo [...]ish it. But nothing glorious is accomplished, nothing great is attained, nothing valuable is secured with­out magnanimity of mind and dev [...]tion of heart to the ser­vice —BRUTUS-LIKE, therefore, dedicate yourselves at this day to the service of your Country;’ (and let me add, to the fear and service of your GOD) ‘and henceforth live A LIFE OF LIBERTY AND GLORY:’ Which may God in infinite mercy grant, through JESUS CHRIST.

AMEN.