originated here; and it may be very
doubtful, whether, without being constantly fed from the original
fountain, it can be at all perpetuated or preserved in its native purity
and perfection. Untried forms of government may, to unstable minds,
recommend themselves even by their novelty. But you will do well to
remember that England has been great and happy under the present limited
monarchy (subsisting in more or less vigor and purity) for several
hundred years. None but England can communicate to you the benefits of
such a constitution. We apprehend you are not now, nor for ages are
likely to be, capable of that form of constitution in an independent
state. Besides, let us suggest to you our apprehensions that your
present union (in which we rejoice, and which we wish long to subsist)
cannot always subsist without the authority and weight of this great and
long respected body, to equipoise, and to preserve you amongst
yourselves in a just and fair equality. It may not even be impossible
that a long course of war with the administration of this country may be
but a prelude to a series of wars and contentions among yourselves, to
end at length (as such scenes have too often ended) in a species of
humiliating repose, which nothing but the preceding calamities would
reconcile to the dispirited few who survived them. We allow that even
this evil is worth the risk to men of honor, when rational liberty is at
stake, as in the present case we confess and lament that it is. But if
ever a real security by Parliament is given against the terror or the
abuse of unlimited power, and after such security given you should
persevere in resistance, we leave you to consider whether the risk is
not incurred without an object, or incurred for an object infinitely
diminished by such concessions in its importance and value.

As to other points of discussion, when these grand fundamentals of your
grants and charters are once settled and ratified by clear Parliamentary
authority, as the ground for peace and forgiveness on our side, and for
a manly and liberal obedience on yours, treaty and a spirit of
reconciliation will easily and securely adjust whatever may remain. Of
this we give you our word, that, so far as we are at present concerned,
and if by any event we should become more concerned hereafter, you may
rest assured, upon the pledges of honor not forfeited, faith not
violated, and uniformity of character and profession not yet broken, we