Our Country Is In Danger but Not
To Be Despaired Of
"That personal freedom is the natural right of every man; and
that property, or an exclusive right to dispose of what he has
honestly acquired by his own labour, necessarily arises therefrom, are
truths which common sense has placed beyond the reach of
contradiction. And no man, or body of man, can without being guilty of
flagrant injustice, claim a right to dispose of the persons or
acquisitions of any other man, or body of men, unless it can be proved
that such a right has arisen from some compact between the parties in
which it has been explicitly and freely granted."
Dr.
Joseph Warren, in 1775, spoke on the events of the Boston Massacre
that had occurred five years before. He spoke of the invasion of a
standing army in times of peace and the death and suffering caused by
it. He spoke of the Natural Rights of every colonist and their right
to defend themselves and their posterity. He applauded those who
sacrificed themselves and their money for a cause that was barely
underway yet.
"You then, who nobly have espoused your country’s cause, who
generously have sacrificed wealth and ease; who had despised the pomp
and shew of tinseled greatness; refused the summons to the festive
board; been deaf to the alluring calls of luxury and mirth; who have
forsaken the downy pillow to keep your vigils by the midnight lamp,
for the salvation of your invaded county, that you might break the
fowler’s snare, and disappoint the vulture of his prey, you then will
reap that harvest of renown which you so justly have deserved. Your
country shall pay her grateful tribute of applause. Even the children
of your most inveterate enemies, ashamed to tell from whom they
sprang, while they in secret, curse their stupid, cruel parents, shall
join the general voice of gratitude to those who broke the fetters
which their fathers forged."
We now have the same issue of tyrannical government trampling
our rights. But we also have those who have committed themselves and
their fortunes to the fight. We have those who have looked past the
struggles ahead to the freedom to be gained for us all.
"Having redeemed your country, and secured the blessing to
future generations, who, fired by your example, shall emulate your
virtues, and learn from you the heavenly art of making millions happy;
with heart felt joy, which transports all your own, you cry, the
glorious work is done. Then drop the mantle to some young Elisha, and
take your seats with kindred spirits in your native skies."
Will you join us?
"But, pardon me, my fellow citizens, I know you want
not zeal or fortitude. You will maintain your rights or perish in the
generous struggle. However, difficult the combat, you never will
decline it when freedom is the prize."
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