Page 148 - Beers With Our Founding Fathers

Beers with our Founding Fathers

that would ever attain a union with them; besides the

importance, the advantages, we should derive from an
unrestricted commerce; our fidelity as a people, our

gratitude, our character as men, are opposed to a coalition
with them as subjects, but in case of the last extremity.

Were we easily to accede to terms of dependence, no nation,
upon future occasions, let the oppressions of Britain be

never so flagrant and unjust, would interpose for our relief;
or, at most, they would do it with a cautious reluctance, and

upon conditions most probably that would be hard, if not
dishonorable to us. France, by her supplies, has saved us

from the yoke thus far; and a wise and virtuous
perseverance would, and I trust will, free us entirely.”

 “Let the reins of government then be braced and held with a
steady hand, and every violation of the constitution be

reprehended. If defective, let it be amended, but not
suffered to be trampled upon whilst it has an existence.”

 “It will at least be a recommendation to the proposed
constitution that it is provided with more checks and barriers

against the introduction of tyranny, and those of a nature

less liable to be surmounted, than any government hitherto
instituted among mortals hath possessed.”

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