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A Serious Address (Second Edition) - 8

would be the Conse­quence? Is it not highly probable, that, to prevent the like, the English Government will oblige us to maintain a Military Force to support the Civil Authority; and dragoon us into our Duty, at our own Expence? The Iron Rod of Military Power must correct those who are deaf to the Voice of Reason, and superior to the Fear of the Laws.--Great is the Law, it must, and it will prevail. Whoever thinks himself exempted from the civil Jurisdiction only gnaws a File which will break his Teeth.--Besides, as ’tis currently reported, that these Outrages, Tumults and Insurrections have been excited, executed, and abetted, principally and chiefly, if not altogether, by Persons dissenting from the Church established in England; it is too likely, if they are repeated and encouraged, that every Person who would bear an Office must conform to the Rites of that Church, in the same Manner as in England.

From all these Hints, which I have thrown together, without Order or Method, I hope you will be convinced, that it is your Duty to Use your Influence with these deluded People, to desist from their intended Enterprize; and that you will endeavour to convince them of their Error in what they have already done. Why should they be rendered desperate by having a Price set upon their Heads, like Wolves? Why should they have a Mark set upon them; and wander like Fugitives and Vagabonds in continual Fear? Or why should we be put to the Expence of Maintaining an Army in Time of Peace, which we might have done without?--Or pay Tithes, &c, to Clergy, whom many of us do not choose to hear preach? Or why should you deprive yourselves of filling the Posts you are otherwise qualified for, by vindicating a wrongheaded Mob?

The Lower Sort of People are very imitative of their Superiors.--They watch their Motions, Looks and Eyes:--If therefore the more sensible Part of you would openly avow your Disapprobation of these Measures, you will find this Rage and Clamour will soon subside; These People will disperse; they will crumble like the Dust, and disappear (at least in a hostile Manner) like the Snow that melted yesterday. Yours &c.

A PENNSYLVANIAN.

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