The design of electing members to represent us in general
congress, was, that the wisdom of America might be collected in
devising the most proper and expedient means to repel this atro-
cious invasion of our rights. It has been accordingly done.
Their decrees are binding upon all, and demand a religious ob-
servance.

We did not, especially in this province, circumscribe them by
any fixed boundary, and therefore as they cannot be said to have
exceeded the limits of their authority, their act must be esteemed
the act of their constituents. If it should be objected, that they
have not answered the end of their election; but have fallen up-
on an improper and ruinous mode of proceeding: I reply, by
asking, Who shall be the judge? Shall any individual oppose
his private sentiment to the united counsels of men, in whom
America has reposed so high a confidence ? The attempt must
argue no small degree of arrogance and self-sufficiency.

Yet this attempt has been made, and it is become in some
measure necessary to vindicate the conduct of this venerable as-
sembly from the aspersions of men, who are their adversaries, on-
ly because they are foes to America.

When the political salavation of any community is depending,
it is incumbent upon those who are set up as its guardians, to
embrace such measures, as have justice, vigour, and a probability
of success to recommend them: If instead of this, they take those
methods which are in themselves feeble, and little likely to suc-
ceed; and may, through a defect in vigour, involve the com-
munity in still greater danger; they may be justly considered as
its betrayers. It is not enough in times of eminent peril to use
only possible means of preservation: Justice and sound policy
dictate the use of probable means.

The only scheme of opposition, suggested by those, who have
been, and are averse from a non-importation and non-exportation
agreement, is, by REMONSTRANCE and PETITION. The au-
thors and abettors of this scheme, have never been able to invent
a single argument to prove the likelihood of its succeeding. On
the other hand, there are many standing facts, and valid conside-
rations against it.

In the infancy of the present dispute, we had recourse to this
method only. We addressed the throne in the most loyal and
respectful manner, in a legislative capacity; but what was the