The Plain Dealer, Numb. II - 4
BUT what must have been the Surprize of every candid Reader, to whom I make no doubt the like Reflections suggested themselves, when on a Perusal of those COOL THOUGHTS, they found their Tendency rather to kindle, than extinguish, and like a Spark of electrick Fire, though having passed through an Ocean of Water, kindles up a burning Flame.
SHOULD we not have expected, that by undeniable Proofs as demonstrative as any Problem of Euclid, he would have pointed out the Means, whereby such Animosities might be remedied; as in the first Paragraph of his Letter he gives us Reason to expect he will, by communicating his “Motives for approving the Proposal, of endeavoring to obtain a Royal Government in Exchange for this of the Proprietaries, with such Answers to the Objections mentioned, as in his opinion, fully obviate them.”
How far those Expectations are answered, the Consideration of his COOL THOUGHTS will show.
His first Purpose of not “entering into the Merits of the Disputes between the Proprietaries and the People,” if adhered to, would have had the Appearance of Candour, as by so doing, he would have avoided those Reflections which I am of Opinion the Impartial, will judge, he has very unhandsomely, as well as ungratefully, bestowed on his Honour-able BENEFACTORS.
It will readily be acknowledged that there are Disputes, and such have long subsisted, and that they have the Tendency he mentions: Yet from hence we cannot agree with him, that the Remedy proposed, will effectually, or at all, prevent them, or
