THAT Man is formed for Society, is evident from the Constitution of his Nature, and the necessary Connections of human Life.—What a surprizing ELO­QUENCE has the GOD OF NATURE given to the Eyes, the Countenance, the Voice, the Air, and Gesture of Men! How expressive of inward Sentiment and Feeling! And how wisely calculated to raise corresponding Senti­ments and Feelings in the Breasts of others! And is it not conspicuous that all the Passions have an Aptitude to communicate strong Emotions to, and to raise similar Passions in one another? How readily (for Instance) do the Passions of Fear and Hope, Love and Hatred, Joy and Sorrow, vibrate from one Bosom to another; and awaken the very same Kind of Passions in many which were felt at first but in one!—Moreover, we ob­serve amongst Men a Variety of GENIUS—Some are framed with peculiar Talents for forming Plans, making Laws, inventing Arts, taking the Lead in Science and Government; and consequently to refine the Minds, and polish the Manners; and by that Means to civilize and felicitate human Life. Others, not so ready to contrive and plan Measures, may be more prompt to execute—and tho' not so eminent for Wisdom, may be as much distinguished by their Integrity, Love of Freedom, just Regard to Government and the Laws, and Benevolence of Heart.—Now, all this was most certainly intended by the gracious AUTHOR of our Being, to promote the common Safety and common Good of the human Kind. And as Men are thus formed for [Page 4] social Life, a State of Solitude must be a State of In­security and Misery, while Society affords the highest Advantages. Upon this Principle, the inspired SOLOMON says in our Text, that ‘Two are better than One, be­cause they have a good Reward for their Labour."’ —But, as where an End is proposed, there are certain Means to be used in Order to obtain that End; and as We can't reasonably expect to enjoy the Advantages of SOCIETY, unless We perform the Duties encumbent upon us as Members of SOCIETY, I shall

• First—Point out the DUTIES suited to our Station as Members of SOCIETY in general.
• Secondly—Recommend some Measures to the Regard of the PLANTER's SOCIETY in particular.

First. The DUTIES suited to our Station as Members of SOCIETY in general.

These Duties are a religious Regard to GOD, a hearty Love to our COUNTRY, a just Regard to the LAWS; and a Promptitude to preserve and defend the CONSTITUTION.

A religious Regard to GOD, is the Basis of all Order in civil Government, and the only secure Band of civil Society. Where the DEITY is not re­garded, there is no Conscience, and consequently no just Measure of Good and Evil. All good Laws are founded in REASON—GOD is the supreme REASON—If then there is no Regard to HIM, the Foundation is de­molished, and the Superstructure must tumble down; consequently remorseless Treason, Rebellion, Injustice, Fraud, and Rapine would disturb the public Tran­quillity, whenever private Passion or private Interest might please to throw off Restraint.

In a Country of Atheists, or of Men destitute of religious Principles, what Force could there be in OATHS for the Decision of Controversies? What Sincerity in an Appeal to GOD? And without Sincerity an OATH [Page 5] becomes, instead of a Means to promote Justice, and to establish Right, a Cloak for Villainy, an Engine of Mischief! Now it is justly implied in the Form of an OATH established by our Laws, that GOD is not only to be religiously regarded, but also that that Regard should be manifested by a becoming Respect to the GOSPEL of our SAVIOUR. CHRISTIANITY is thereby recommended to Us as the only System of Re­ligion that can make Us good Men and good Members of SOCIETY—And that with the highest Reason—be­cause it is the GENIUS of the GOSPEL, to recover Us from the Dominion of Sin; to rectify the Disorders of our Minds; to correct and even to eradicate our Vices; and to lead us on through all the Stages of Virtue, and every Class of Duties, to the highest Perfection. It is therefore essential to our being good Members of SOCIETY, that We cultivate in Ourselves, and promote in Others, such a religious Regard to the DEITY.

A hearty LOVE OF OUR COUNTRY is another Duty incumbent upon Us as Members of SOCIETY. This is a Duty of a very extensive Nature; and includes in it all those Duties which We owe to our Parents, our Children, Brothers, Friends, Neighbours, and Coun­trymen in general—Without an undissembled and active Benevolence to whom, the human Breast must be as a dark hideous Dungeon—a Habitation of the vilest Vermin!

This LOVE OF OUR COUNTRY, is not therefore a mere partial Regard to any particular Soil or Province, where We first drew our Breath (tho' that natural Tie, in Conjunction with moral Ones may, in certain Situa­tions, strengthen our Attachment) —but it implies a strong Affection to the COMMUNITY in which Wedwell, as governed by just and equitable Laws, flowing from a wise and happy CONSTITUTION; and cemented in all it's Parts by the great Principle of a COMMON INTEREST.

[Page 6] Such a CONSTITUTION of GOVERNMENT We partake of, who are Members of the ROYAL-COMMONWEALTH of BRITAIN—A CONSTITUTION which (when well pre­served) gives Security against the Tyranny of Princes, and against the Licentiousness of the People—A Con­stitution which admits not of Injustice to any, and gives Freedom and Safety to all—A CONSTITUTION under which our Lives, our Liberty, our Property, can never be touch'd, but by the JUDGMENT OF OUR PEERS, and by the LAWS of our own enacting. What honest Bosom then does not glow with Love to the COMMUNITY, being founded in Principles so just and equitable? And what worthy Heart does not burn with Indignation against it's Enemies?—In this Case, In­difference must be highly criminal.

It is our Duty also to pay a due REGARD TO THE LAWS. By the Laws We are not to understand every Law that may possibly be enacted, (for it is possible that under Colour of Law, We may one Day be called upon to swear Allegiance to some PRETENDER) but by the Laws, We mean every Law that is regularly passed in Consistence with the fundamental Laws of the Realm— especially the GRAND CHARTER, the BILL OF RIGHTS, the ACT OF SETTLEMENT, and the ancient CUSTOMS —To such Laws, and their due Execution, We are in­debted for our common Safety and common Happiness. It is therefore the Duty of each Individual to obey the Laws, and to submit to the civil MAGISTRATES, as the Guardians and Executors of them. It is from THEM that We expect Protection, as the Conservators of the public Peace, and as the Guardians of our Freedom; and therefore We owe THEM the highest Defference in their several Departments, and the best Support in the Execution of their respective Offices. Without this Regard to the constitutional Laws, the Community can­not long exist; but must quickly sink into a lawless Rabble; Anarchy and Confusion would over-run our [Page 7] Country, while Justice, Mercy, Honour, Truth and Bliss, would forsake our Dwellings!

Another Duty, incumbent on Us all, as Members of Society in general, is a PROMPTITUDE to preserve and defend the happy CONSTITUTION of our Country—A Constitution perhaps the best, because the most equi­table, and the least liable to abuse, of any under the Sun—wisely balanced, and exactly calculated to answer all the desirable Ends of Government—SUCH A SYSTEM ought to be watched with the greatest Circumspection —for tho' it is an Object of Veneration amongst the wise and good; yet it is an Object of Dislike amongst the Sons of Avarice and Debauchery, who can never thrive but amidst their Country's Distresses. And if at any Time Corruption or Violence should attempt an Encroachment upon it, We ought to resist the Attack, so as to defeat, if possible, the traiterous In­tention—and this at the Risque of all that is dear to Us under the Heavens.—The unmanly, the iniquitous, Doctrine of passive Obedience and Non-Resistance, is I hope for ever exploded, and banished these Realms— so that, however it may lurk in the dark Bosoms of Malevolence, Selfishness, and Disloyalty, it will ever be ashamed to appear again in any Part of the British Dominion—For it is very certain that the PEOPLE are the natural, the original, FOUNTAIN of HONOUR, AU­THORITY, and LAWS. When therefore their funda­mental LAWS are corrupted; when their delegated AU­THORITY is prostituted to pernicious Purposes; when THEY see the CONSTITUTION of their Country over-turning;—are THEY to stand as passive Spectators of the Ruin?—Rather it is their Duty to stand forth as the AVENGERS of Injustice, the RESTORERS of public Virtue; and to bring Tyranny or Treason to condign Punishment.—This is a Doctrine (not of Licentious­ness, but) of the highest Loyalty, and the purest Regard to the public Good. For this Doctrine not admitted, [Page 8] this Duty not practised upon an Emergency, what Safety has our SOVEREIGN in his Throne? What Secu­rity the PEOPLE in their Rights?—An ignorant, or a debauched Mind, can't perhaps consider this Doctrine, without the Idea of a lawless Rabble in Arms against lawful Government—but I am persuaded that such an Idea is more abhorrent to the sober Advocates for this Principle, than to those who generally debase it by so gross a Conception.—It is a Principle on which was founded the GLORIOUS REVOLUTION; and to which the ILLUS­TRIOUS HOUSE OF HANOVER is indebted for its Right to the British Crown—which may GOD preserve to the latest Ages.

Having pointed out the Duties incumbent upon Us all, as Members of Society in general; I am now to recommend some Measures to THIS SOCIETY in parti­cular.

I am sensible that the PLANTER's SOCIETY was origi­nally formed, tho' on Principles of Public Virtue, yet, on a limited Plan—But on particular Occasions these Prin­ciples will certainly excite You to pursue Measures of more extensive Utility; and where your Country calls, for either Counsel or Action, You are ever prompt to obey the Call with Alacrity and Cheerfulness, to the ut­most of your Ability.—I need not inform You, GEN­TLEMEN, that at this very Time, Your Country calls for the Exertion of all your Talents—Not only is your OWN PROVINCE, but all NORTH-AMERICA, and even­tually the WHOLE BRITISH EMPIRE, in Hazard of being plunged into Disgrace and Ruin, by Measures subver­sive of Freedom—You know there have been two Questions lately agitated in the British Parliament, and resolved against the very first Principles of the Con­stitution! The first is, ‘Whether You are Freeholders and Men of Property, or only Tenants at Will, and the Money in your Purse at your Own, or at the Command of Others?’ Secondly—‘Whether you [Page 9] shall be subject to the Laws of the Land, and the Judgment of your Peers, in Matters of Debate, or to a Court of Admiralty, and absolute Dependants on the Crown?’—It has been alledged, that these Points are settled by the Parliament of Great-Britain, and that their Determinations should and must be decisive. The BRITISH PARLIAMENT is an august Body, and We should ever speak of it's Wisdom and Authority with the Reverence it deserves. But is the British Parlia­ment infallible? Should it, or can it legally, contradict itself? If LORD CHIEF-JUSTICE COKE was alive, HE would declare that such Determinations, as above hinted at, are void in themselves: And that for this plain Reason, because they are repugnant to the GREAT CHARTER of ENGLAND, to the BILL OF RIGHTS, and to many other ACTS OF PARLIAMENT, which stand unrepealed—To these capital Laws, British Subjects may safely appeal: These Laws are our Judges; by their express Determination We abide. If they should declare that the Law of the Land is as a Nose of Wax, and Trials by our Peers a dubious or precarious Right, then the Point would be settled, till We could make our imaginary Freedom real. But here, my COUNTRYMEN! We stand upon a stable Bottom—here's a Basis that can never be re­moved, but by the total Ruin of the whole Empire— Which may Heaven mercifully preserve. But after all— ‘Is it not Rebellion to oppose an Act of Parliament? Is it not Treason to fly in the Face of Government?’ To these Questions it may be safest to let the learned reply—Lord CAMBDEN declared such Acts of Parlia­ment to be contrary to the RIGHTS of AMERICANS — And such Opposition, MR. PITT told the House of Commons HE rejoiced in. However, the Opposition, at present, is rather IN, than AGAINST, Acts of Parlia­ment—One Act being contradictory to another. If any Opposition is now made by AMERICANS—it is argumen­tative [Page 10] only—not an Opposition by a Breach of the Peace; but by sober Remonstrance, and humble Pe­tition, founded upon the Laws, and our unalienable, and accustomed Rights.—But these Remonstrances are not heard—these Petitions are not answered: We are still plundered of our Property, and deprived of our Birth-rights. Then I earnestly recommend it to You, Gentlemen, as a Society of Freemen, a Band of Brothers, to give Us the Example in Signing the AGREEMENT. In that there is no Treason; no Dis­loyalty; nor any Thing that savours of Rebellion, even by the severest Implication of Law—Nothing in short, but Resolutions to avoid Extravagance, to pro­mote Oeconomy, and to encourage Industry. This is a Measure, that will answer both private and public good Purposes. First, it will enable you to pay your Debts. Secondly, it will operate so as to bring our MOTHER-COUNTRY to Right-Reason, and teach Her the Necessity of a maternal Regard to her virtuous Sons—which will be no Injury to HER, but of last­ing Benefit to BOTH.—By this sober, quiet, short, and easy Measure, We shall convince the World, that We are honest Men, and good Subjects, paying an equal Regard to the Peace, and to the Welfare of our Country—And, We may be confident, that our SO­VEREIGN (if rightly informed) will applaud our Virtue, while HE admires the Dignity of our Behaviour; and will not in future listen to the Calumnies of those Men who attempt to sacrifice the Royal Repose, the Constitution of their Country, and the Freedom of Millions, to their unbounded Avarice and Ambition. —I hope therefore, that no HONEST MAN in this Assem­bly, and I am persuaded, that no Member of the PLANTER's SOCIETY, will refuse to sign his Name to the AGREEMENT.

GENTLEMEN! You will permit me farther to ob­serve, that as your Society was at first formed upon a [Page 11] Design of Usefulness to this particular Part of your Country, there are two Objects highly worthy of your Attention. One is the ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE▪ the Other, a REFORMATION OF MANNERS.

As to the first, viz. The ADMINISTRATION OF JUS­TICE, the Law provides indeed for the easy Recovery of small Debts and Damages. But the Executors of this Law are not, all of them, (as it is said) Men of Ho­nour and Honesty, but the Promoters of Quarrels, and little litigious Suits, amongst their Neighbours: Plunderers of the Poor, instead of Guardians of Right. Whether so heavy a Charge is just or unjust, GENTLE­MEN, You know.—I am sure, that no worthy Ma­gistrate, can suppose it aimed at Him; and as to Others, I leave them to feel that Remorse which sooner or later will fasten as a Vulture on their Bosoms. —But if the Charge is just, should not Something be done to remedy this Evil? I would submit it to the Consideration of THIS SOCIETY, if it would not be proper to search out Men of this Character—to lodge Complaints against them, and to use Endeavours to pro­cure their being struck out of the Commission. I re­commend this Measure, because it is thought in itself a necessary Measure—And you will the more readily come into it, as by this Means you will crush Injustice, and save the honest Poor out of rapacious Hands.

You well know, GENTLEMEN! that it is essential to the due Admin [...]ration of Justice, that proper Courts be legally established for that Purpose. The Legislature now waits to hear and to redress your Grievances. Now is your Time, firmly to unite with your Fellow-Parishoners and Countrymen, in soliciting Relief. You know that You have a Friend in his HONOUR THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR, You have Friends in his MAJESTY's COUNCIL, and in the GENERAL AS­SEMBLY—but You have Enemies too, that will, if possible, (in Order to promote their own private [Page 12] Emolument) elude the just Designs of all the Friends of their Country.—But do You be steady in the Pro­secution of every necessary Means to obtain the de­sired End—be patient—be spirited—be united—and as your Cause is good, I doubt not but GOD will befriend, and the LEGISLATURE relieve You.

I mentioned REFORMATION OF MANNERS—This at the first View may seem, tho' necessary in itself, yet an Object that does not come within the Plan of your Institution—But as you extend your Views in some Cases, where You think it expedient, so with equal Propriety, You may in others, under the same Appre­hension. Now, You very well know, that the Pro­tection and Blessing of ALMIGHTY GOD is the best, yea the only, certain Security to our Rights and Privileges—If GOD should forsake Us, and resolve to punish Us for our Crimes, We fall a Prey to the Ambition and Avarice, the Pride and Luxury of Masters, who will set no Bounds to their Lust; and in Order to keep Us in abject Slavery, will rule Us with a Rod of Iron—And what can so directly tend to bring upon Us those Evils, as our Vices? It was Vice that pulled down the Vengeance of Heaven upon the Cities of SODOM and GOMORRAH—upon BABYLON and NINEVAH—upon the States of GREECE—the Em­pire of ROME—and every other People, who have lost their Liberty, their Glory, and Felicity. And as the same Causes produce the same Effects in the moral as well as the material World, our Vices will (unless repented of) bring upon us the like Ruin. Gentle­men! I address You upon this Subject, because, in this Part of our Province, most of You are elevated in your Circumstances—above the generality of your Neighbours—This, added to your being Members of the PLANTER's SOCIETY, sets You in a Point of Light, which attracts peculiar Notice——Your Example then, has considerable Influence, and which I hope will always [Page 13] be so expressive of a pious Regard to the GOSPEL of CHRIST, and to the LAWS of GOD, as that We may safely tread in your Steps. And if you will use your Endeavours to procure an effectual Law for the Suppression of Vagrants ^*; and to promote the Exe­cution of the Laws for the Regulation of public Houses, the due Observation of the Sabbath, the Pre­vention of prophane Swearing, and of other Vices, which are the Reproach and Ruin of our Country, You will deserve the Applause of every good Man, enjoy the sweet Sensations of a benevolent Heart, and in all probability see the KINGDOM of Our SAVIOUR flourish, and the Kingdom of Darkness and Sin gra­dually sink into Ruins—Which may GOD in Mercy grant for CHRIST's Sake. Amen.