(2)
The Publiſher to the Judicious Reader.
Dear Countryman,
This Agreement having had its conception for a common good, as being that which contains thoſe Foundations of Freedom, and Rules of Government, adjudged neceſſary to be eſtablished in this Nation for the future, by which all ſorts of men are to be bound, I adjudged it a juſt and reaſonable thing to publiſh it to the view of the Nation, to the end that all men might have an opportunity to conſider the Equity thereof, and offer their Reaſons against any thing therein contained, before it be concluded; That being agreeable to that Principle which we profeſs, viz. to do unto you, as we would all men ſhould do unto us; not doubting but that the Justice of it will be maintained and cleared, maugre the oppoſition of the ſtouteſt Calumniator, eſpecially in thoſe clear points in the Reſerve ſo much already controverted, viz. touching the Magiſtrates power to compel or reſtrain in matters of Religion, and the exerciſe of an arbitrary power in the Repreſentative, to puniſh men for ſtate offences, againſt which no Law hath provided; which two things eſpecially are ſo clear to my underſtanding, that I dare with confidence aver, That no man can demand the exerciſe of ſuch a power, but he that intends to be a Tyrant, nor no man part with them, but he that reſolves to be a ſlave. And ſo at preſent I rest,
|
Friday, Decemb. |
Thy true-hearted
Countryman.
|
AN
