Wesley Corpus

Then let them acknowledge their benefactors. “They rejoice particu larly in the last restraining Act: This will furnish them with a reason for confiscating the estates of all the friends of our Government among them.” (Page 97.) A reason / All the friends of our Government are infinitely obliged to you for suggesting this to them, who are full ready to improve any hint of the kind; and it will be no wonder if they soon use these enemies of their country as the Irish did the Protestants in 1641. 52. “One consideration more. From one end of America to the other, they are fasting and praying: But what are we doing? Ridiculing them as fanatics, and scoffing at religion.” This certainly is the case with many; but God forbid it should be the case with all ! There are thousands in England (I believe full as many, if not many more than in America) who are daily wrestling with God in prayer for a blessing upon their King and country; and many join fasting therewith; which, if it were publicly enjoined, would be no scandal to our nation. Are they “animated by piety?” So are we; although “not unto us be the praise.” “But can we declare, in the face of the sun, that we are not aggressors in this war?” We can. “And that we mean not, by it, to acquire dominion or empire, or to gratify resentment?” (Page 99.) I humbly believe, both the King and his Ministers can declare this before God: “But solely to gain reparation for injury,” from men who have already plundered very many of His Majesty’s loyal subjects, and killed no small number of them. 53. You now proceed to answer objections; and mention, as the First, “Are they not our subjects?” You answer: “They are not your subjects; they are your fellow-subjects.” Are they indeed? Do you affirm this? Then you give up the whole question; then their independency, which you have so vehemently maintained, falls to the ground at once. A Second objection, you say, is this: “But we are taxed; why should not they?” You answer: “You are taxed by yourselves; they insist on the same privilege.” I reply, They are now taxed by themselves, in the very same sense that nine-tenths of us are.