“There are others who aim at popularity under the disguise of patriotism.”
“Let us all learn to be free, and to be loyal.”
“Not to discontinue our allegiance, in this case, would be to join with the sovereign in promoting the slavery and misery of that society, the welfare of which, we ourselves, as well as our sovereign, are indispensably obliged to secure and promote, as far as in us lies.”
“But let us remember, at the same time, government is sacred, and not to be trifled with.”
“It becomes us, therefore, to be contented, and dutiful subjects.”
“Common tyrants, and public oppressors, are not intitled to obedience from their subjects, by virtue of any thing here laid down by the inspired apostle.”
“The apostle enters upon his subject thus - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers; for there is no power but of God: the powers that be, are ordained of God.”
“Till people find themselves greatly abused and oppressed by their governors, they are not apt to complain; and whenever they do, in fact, find themselves thus abused and oppressed, they must be stupid not to complain.”
“I now add, farther, that the apostle's argument is so far from proving it to be the duty of people to obey, and submit to, such rulers as act in contradiction to the public good, and so to the design of their office, that it proves the direct contrary.”
“The only reason of the institution of civil government; and the only rational ground of submission to it, is the common safety and utility.”