This discourse was delivered under excitement which soon became a reality on a day never to be forgotten in the annals of the Precinct, and ever memorable in the history of the world.[51] pour out our hearts before God, for God is a refuge for us! Though the Royal ear [King George II.] appears fast closed against the voice of our calamities, yet the eyes of the Lord are upon the ways of men, and his ears open to their cries. * * * * Lord North, according to his insulting boast, has not yet laid America at his feet! * * *
We cannot indeed expect to be saved, but in the way of duty, and in a prudent, manly, resolute defence of our rights, dearer to us than our lives dragged along in cruel slavery! Does the courage of any one among us under fresh alarms begin to fail? Recall to remembrance the wonders God hath wrought for our fathers, and in our days. How was the yoke of barbarous oppression suddenly broken under the rule of that despotic monster, Sir Edmund Andros! How have we seen Louisburg, that thorn in our sides, brought to the dust, to the astonishment of the world, by New England troops! How were we the following year delivered, by the Providence of God, from a formidable fleet and army, who perished at the Divine rebuke, and sunk as lead in the mighty waters [the Duke D'Anville's]. How was the detested Stamp Act and other cruel impositions, prevented having their baneful effect, by our spirited and united opposition! Our leading enemies are now the same; and God, with the same ease, can again turn their counsels into foolishness. The union of the Colonies is great and marvellous in our eyes! But as Ministerial Vengeance is pointed at this devoted Province, it will be expected that we take the lead in every prudent and Constitutional measure for a general defence. If we are terrified into a submission, the other Colonies will make the best terms they are able, and leave us and our posterity to groan in chains of bondage. Our Brethren in arms [the Minute Company] will duly consider this, and set a leading example of undaunted fortitude. Let us all carefully study peace, unity and good order among ourselves, and avoid all just occasion of offence to any person whatever. Let none, under any provocations, thirst for blood, but let your breasts strongly beat for the Liberty of your Country! * * * * We conclude with our earnest wish and prayers, that God would unite all our hearts to fear his name. That lasting unity between us and our once parent state may speedily take place by the terror, and not the force of our arms. That we being made free, may serve God without fear through life; and when our warfare shall be accomplished, and we discharged from the burden of arms, may we be raised to the peaceful realms of glory in the Redeemer's everlasting kingdom.
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Boston: David Clapp and son. 564 Washington Street, 1880.
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