1. DEBATE OVER CONSTITUTION

thereof, and all the laws and ordinances thereof, to do them; study to
do all things whatsoever Christ commands; so shall you be his disciples
indeed-walk in love, even as Christ also loved you.15 Finally, brethren,
whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever
things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of
good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think
on these things.16
As members of civil society you have a right to examine for your-
selves, any political question submitted to you, and it is your duty to
take pains to understand it and give your sentiments like honest men
and lovers of your country-in this view, this new system of government
should be examined; but you ought to be careful not to be deluded
into an opinion, that it must be adopted, be it ever so imperfect, under
an idea, that it can easily be amended by the people, if it should prove,
on experiment defective.-This sentiment is suggested by the associa-
tion; it is an evidence they had not investigated the plan, for it is not
founded in truth: before any amendment can be proposed, two thirds
of both houses of the federal legislature, or two thirds of those of the
several states, must agree to it; and after any amendment is agreed to
by a convention of the states, three fourths of the legislatures of the
respective states must ratify them before they become valid: if this gov-
ernment is calculated to transfer power from the many to the few, it is
easy to foresee, that those in power will be able to influence one fourth
of the legislatures in such manner as to prevent any change in favor of
the people.
It is not my design to enter upon a discussion of this system of gov-
ernment, but as a freeman, and a citizen of America, I beg leave to
intreat you well to examine and thoroughly to understand it before you
give it your assent. And in your investigation enquire,
1st. Whether there is any security provided in it, for liberty of con-
science in matters of religion-for the liberty of the press-the tryal
by jury in matters of property, or a fair and impartial trial by a jury of
the vicinage, in matters of a criminal nature.
2d. Whether the representation in the legislature is not so small, as
to afford no reasonable ground for the confidence of the people, or
security to liberty? and whether there is any security that the people
shall retain in their hands, the right of a fair and impartial choice of
its members?
3d. Whether the general legislature can exercise the power to lay
and collect internal taxes and excises, to organize and govern the mi-
litia, and call them out to execute the laws of the union, and suppress

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