mething terrible. The cardinal doctrine of our theology is obedience
to legitimate authority. The whole logic of the church is there. This
principle permeates every department of life, from the highest to the
lowest. It shines out through all our history. In the present instance,
its application is plain. The English are our masters. They are such by
the right of conquest--a sad right, but one which is thoroughly
recognized. They have been our masters for sixteen years. In that time,
they have not always treated us well. But there was ignorance rather
than ill-will. Of late they have guaranteed the rights of our people and
of the church. The Quebec Act is a standing proof of a desire of justice
on the part of the English Government. And how do these Boston people
regard the Quebec Act? Judge for yourself."

The Bishop here produced from among the papers on the table a
pictorial caricature of the Act.

"See," he continued. "This represents Boston in flames and Quebec
triumphant, and the print explains that thus popery and tyranny will
triumph over true religion, virtue and liberty. Among the other
personages, look at the kneeling figure of a Catholic priest, with cross
in one hand and gibbet in the other, assisting King George, as the print
again says, in enforcing his tyrannical system of civil and religious
liberty: What do you think of that? Does it look like the real
fellowship for us which they profess in their proclamations? Liberty and
independence are fine words, my friend. I love them. But they may be
catch-words as well, and we have to beware. Who assures us that the
revolted Colonies are sincere? After all, they are only Englishmen
rebelling against their country. Even if they are justified in
rebelling, does that fact justify us in joining them? And what good
reason have we to believe that they can better our lot? Will they
respect our religion, language, and laws more than do our present
masters? Reflect on these things. Do nothing imprudent. Remember your
family. Respect your reputation. You have a fortune but it is not yours
to waste by useless confiscation. It belongs to little Pauline. I
respect your sympathies, and believe that you will soon have occasion to
display them without premature action. This town will soon be attacked.
Either the besiegers will succeed or they will not. If they do not
succeed, you will be able to ease your heart attending to the sick and
wounded prisoners among them. If they