d where
the law equally protects the virtuous citizen of every description
and persuasion.

On this occasion we cannot but observe, that we once esteemed
ourselves happy in the relation that subsisted between us and the
Government of Great Britain--But the multiplied oppressions which
characterized that Government, excite in us the most painful
sensations, and exhibit a spectacle as disgusting in itself, as
dishonourable to the British name.

The governments of the old world present to us one huge mass of
intrigue, corruption and despotism--most of them are now basely
combined, to prevent the establishment of liberty in France, and
to affect the total destruction of the rights of man. Under these
afflicting circumstances we rejoice that America opens her arms to
receive, with fraternal affection, the friend of liberty and human
happiness, and that here he may enjoy the best blessings of
civilized society.

We sincerely sympathize with you in all that you have suffered,
and we consider the persecution with which you have been pursued
by a venal Court and an imperious and uncharitable priesthood, as
an illustrious proof of your personal merit, and a lasting
reproach to that Government from the grasp of whose tyranny you
are so happily removed.

Accept, Sir, of the sincere and best wishes of the Society whom we
represent, for the continuance of your health, and the increase of
your individual and domestic happiness.

To which Priestley graciously replied:

Gentlemen,

VIEWING with the deepest concern, as you do, the prospect that is
now exhibited in Europe, those troubles which are the natural
offspring of their forms of government originating, indeed, in the
spirit of liberty, but gradually degenerating in tyrannies,
equally degrading to the rulers and the ruled, I rejoice in
finding an asylum from persecution in a country in which these
abuses have come to a natural termination, and have produced
another system of liberty founded on such wise principles, as, I
trust, will guard it against all future abuses; those artificial
distinctions in society, from which they sprung, being completely
eradicated, that protection from violence which laws and
government promise in all countries, but which I have not