We must prudently fall in with the measures recommended by the congress, that so we may not be reported to other colonies as disregarders of them, whereby first a jealousy may be produced, and then a disunion effected. We must promote unanimity among ourselves, peace and good order, that we may not be represented as desirous of confusion in hopes of making an advantage of it. We should let the laws of honor and honesty have their full weight with us, that we may fall under no reproach for abusing the present suspension of human laws. We should diligently provide for the worst, and be upon our guard, that we may not be suddenly stripped of those appurtenances,1 the loss of which will be severely felt should we be called upon, by a dire necessity, to make our appeal to Heaven.

I have been ready at times to infer, from the military spirit that hath spread through the continent, that though we are to be saved, it is not to be without the sword, or, at least, the strong appearance of it, unless Infinite Wisdom (which we shall heartily rejoice to find is the case) shouldbe in this way preparing the colonies for coöperating with the parent state, after that matters in dispute have been settled to satisfaction, in some important struggle with a common enemy; and therein, by giving her effectual assistance, for wiping away the reproaches that interested calumny and malice have thrown upon them, and for confirming an eternal friendship. But is it the awful determination of Heaven that we shall not retain our liberties without fighting, let no one despair. The continent, after

1 General Gage's seizure of the province powder, at Charlestown, September 1st, was the "first indication of hostile intention;" and in his attempt to destroy the magazines at Concord, in April, the British troops shed the first blood in the war of independence. - Frothingham's Siege of Boston, 13-17, 51-64.- ED.

having discovered consummate wisdom, can never conduct so absurdly as to leave a single colony alone in the dispute. Their own security will constrain them to support whichsoever is attacked. They will rather assist at a distance than have a war upon or within their own borders, and will be sensible that whoever fights on the side of American liberty hazards his life in their battles. Should it be allowed, for argument's sake, that some one province or other, through selfishness or timidity, should basely slink from the common danger, yet would the rest have greater probability of succeeding than had the Dutch when they began to emerge from slavery and to acquire their liberties. Let us be but brave, and we may promise our

a "The whole country of the seven United Provinces is not as large as one-half of Pennsylvania, and when they began their contest with Philip the Second for their liberty, contained about as many inhabitants as are now in the province of Massachusetts Bay.1 Philip's empire then comprehended, in Europe, all Spain and Portugal, the two Sicilies, and such provinces of the Low Countries as adhered to him; many islands of importance in the Mediterranean; the Milanese and many other valuable territories in Italy, and elsewhere; in Africa and Asia, all the dominions belonging to Spain and Portugal; in America, the immense countries subject to those two kingdoms, with all their treasures and yet unexhausted mines; and the Spanish West Indies. His armies were numerous and veteran, excellently officered, and commanded by the most renowned generals. So great was their force, that, during the wars in the Low Countries, his commander-in-chief, the Prince of Parma, marched twice into France, and obliged that great general and glorious king, Henry the Fourth, to raise at one time the siege of Paris, and at another that of Roan. So considerable was the naval power of Philip, that, in the midst of the same wars, he fitted out his dreadful armada to invade England. Yet seven little provinces, or counties, as we should call them (says that eminent Pennsylvanian), inspired by one general resolution 'to die free rather than live slaves,' not only baffled, but brought down into the dust, that enormous power that had contended for universal empire, and for half a century was the terror of the world. Such an amazing change indeed took place, that those provinces afterward actually protected Spain against the power of France."

1 The history of the name of "Massachusetts Bay," as it appears on the title-page, leads back to the beginning of the colony. "Massachusets, alias Mattachusets, alias Massatusets bay," as it is called in the charter 4th Charles I., originally designating only what is now Boston harbor, was, by force of the royal charters, applied to the colony and to the province, and by custom to the sea within the headlands of Cape Ann and Cape Cod.

selves success. Do we join piety to our prudence and fortitude; do we confess and repent of our sins, justify God in his so trying us, accept of our punishment at his hands without murmuring or complaining; do we humble ourselves, amend our ways and doings, give up ourselves to God, become a holy people, and make the Most High our confidence, we may hope that he will be on our side; and "if the Lord is for us, what can men do unto us?" Have we the God of hosts for our ally, we might bid adieu to fear, though the world was united against us.

Let us, then, be pious, brave, and prudent, and we shall -some of us, at least have room for thanksgivings, not merely for promising appearances, but for actual deliverance out of present difficulties, though it should not be. till we have been conversant with the din of arms and the horrors of war. But should the country be wasted for a few years, and a number of its inhabitants be destroyed, ere the wished-for salvation is granted, how soon, after having secured its liberties, will it regain its former prosperity; yea, become far more glorious, wealthy, and populous than ever, through the thousands and ten thousands that will flock to it, with riches, arts, and sciences, acquired by them in foreign countries! And how will the surviving inhabitants and their posterity, together with refugees who have fled from oppression and hardships, whether civil or sacred, to our American sanctuary, daily

It was the Indian name of the hill at Squantum, on the southern shore of Boston harbor.

"Thence Massachusetts took her honored name."1

The affix of "Bay was discontinued in the constitution of 1780. This was the origin of the popular names, "The Bay People," "The Bay State," "The Old Bay State."

1 From the beautiful poem, by Wm. P. Lunt, D.D., at the laying of the cornerstone of the "Sailors' Snug Harbor " at Quincy. — ED.

give thanks to the Sovereign of the universe that this general asylum was not consumed! How oft will they, with raptures, think upon that noble exertion of courage that prevented it, celebrate the praises of those that led and suffered in the common cause, and with glowing hearts bless that God who owned the goodness of it, and at length crowned it with success! Hallelujah. The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

The way to escape an attack is to be in readiness to receive it. While administration consists of those that have avowed their dislike to the principles of this continent, and the known friends of America are excluded, there should be no dependence upon the fair speeches or actual promises of any, but the colonies should pursue the means of safety as vigorously as ever, that they may not be surprised. "T is the most constant maxim of war, that a man ought never to be more upon his guard than while he is in treaty; for want of attending to it, King Edward the Fourth was suddenly attacked, defeated, and made prisoner, by the Earl of Warwick, in 1470.

Government corrupted by Vice, and recovered by Righteoufnefs.

A

SERMON

PREACHED

BEFORE THE HONORABLE

CONGRESS

Of the Colony

Of the Massachusetts-Bay

IN NEW-ENGLAND,

Affembled at WATERTOWN,

On Wednesday the 31ft Day of May, 1775. Being the Anniversary fixed by CHARTER For the Election of COUNSELLORS.

By SAMUEL LANGDON, D. D. Prefident of Harvard College in CAMBRIDGE.

As a roaring Lion and a ranging Bear, fo is a wicked Ruler over the poor People. Prov. 28. 15.

WATERTOWN:

Printed and Sold by BENJAMIN EDES, MDCCLXXV.