"Philanthrop may tell us of the hazard
“of disturbing and inflaming the minds of the multitude whose passions know no
bounds”: A traitor to the constitution alone can dread this:
The multitude I am speaking of, is the body of the
people – no contemptible multitude – for whose sake government is instituted;
or rather, who have themselves erected it, solely for their own good – to whom
even kings and all in subordination to them, are strictly speaking, servants
and not masters....
The
constitution and its laws are the basis of the public tranquility – the firmest
support of the public authority, and the pledge of the liberty of the citizens:
But the constitution is a vain Phantom, and the best laws are useless, if they are not religiously observed.
The nation ought then to watch, and the true patriot will watch very attentively, in order to render them equally respected, by those who govern, and the people destined to obey. ”
But the constitution is a vain Phantom, and the best laws are useless, if they are not religiously observed.
The nation ought then to watch, and the true patriot will watch very attentively, in order to render them equally respected, by those who govern, and the people destined to obey. ”
Samuel Adams
(aka. VINDEX)
Boston Gazette, January 21, 1771
“I am afraid there are little Jealousies among them
which prevent their uniting their Councils and Efforts against that Inundation
of Levity, Vanity, Luxury Dissipation
& indeed Vice of every kind which I am informed threatens that Country
which has heretofore stood with unexampled Firmness in the Cause of Liberty and
Virtue. This Torrent must be stemmed, and in order to do it effectually, there
must be Associations of Men of unshaken Fortitude.
A general Dissolution of Principles & Manners will more surely overthrow the Liberties of America than the whole
Force of the Common Enemy.
While the People are virtuous
they cannot be subdued;
but when once they lose their Virtue
they will be ready to surrender their Liberties
to the first external or internal Invader.
they cannot be subdued;
but when once they lose their Virtue
they will be ready to surrender their Liberties
to the first external or internal Invader.
…If Virtue ; Knowledge are diffused among the
People, they will never be enslaved. This will be their great Security.
Virtue & Knowledge will forever be an even Balance for Powers & Riches.
I hope our Countrymen will never depart from the
Principles
& Maxims which have been handed down to us from our
wise forefathers.
This greatly depends upon the Example of Men of Character
& Influence of the present Day.”
& Maxims which have been handed down to us from our
wise forefathers.
This greatly depends upon the Example of Men of Character
& Influence of the present Day.”
Samuel Adams,
Letter to James Warren (February 12, 1779)
Letter to James Warren (February 12, 1779)
No comments:
Post a Comment