American Political Writing During the Founding Era: 1760–1805: Two Volume Paperback Set

26. Anonymous, An English Patriot's Creed, Anno Domini, 1775

PolWritV1_301-350.indd 318 2/21/12 10:06 AM [26} [ ANONYMOUS ] An English Patriot's Creed, Anno Domini, I775 BOSTON, 1776 Newspapers contained almost every literary form imaginable, and in this instance a legalistic political statement is put in a form similar to the Apostles' Creed. It appeared in the Massachusetts Spy on January I9, rn6. Written the previous year when many colonists were still taking pains to show their continued loyalty as Englishmen , it enunciates a radical English Whig position that contains within the argument justification for what is to come in America. I believe the English Government, such as it appears to have been, from the most unquestioned annals of our country, to be a free constitution of a mixed and limited form; and that its origin is to be sought for, and lies, in the consent of the people. I believe a King of England has not a claim to absolute, uncontrouled dominion; that if the English government, in its administration, has, at some seasons, been despotic, yet its genius hath at times been free; and that the liberty of the subject, founded upon established laws, was essential to every form under which it appeared. I believe all political power to be derived originally from , and invested in the people; which power, I believe, they may dispose of, for their own use, in what hands, and under what conditions they please. PolWritV1_301-350.indd 319 2/21/12 10:06 AM [ 31 9} ANONYMOUS I believe a current of liberty has been gradually widening, as well as purifying, in proportion to the distance from its source, a feudal institution; that charters and laws have removed every scruple that might now arise about the reciprocal rights and privileges of the King and his subjects. I believe the feudal system and absolute dominion, two things perfecrly incompatible. I believe the claim of the Norman Invader to the crown was not conquest but testamentary succession; that he renounced his conquest by a coronation oath; and before he commenced tyrant, confirmed the use of the Saxon laws. I believe regal power to have no divine right, but to be of human or popular institution; and that the present reigning family's title to the crown, is derived only from parliamentary resolutions, to which revolutional principles alone gave birth. I believe passive obedience was not demanded even by Elizabeth or James; nor even acknowledged, by the people, as a matter of right. I believe legal resistance and rebellion essentially different, and that they originate from quite opposite principles. By the law of nature, every man has a right to defend himself against the abuse of power, and by the singular constitution of this kingdom, when Kings and Ministers, break through the bounds prescribed by the laws, the people's right of resistance is unquestionable. I believe what is called the English constitution to be that system ofgovernment which was first declared by the great charter of England; and after many struggles between the crown and its subjects, was established at the glorious revolution. I believe I am bound to maintain the Protestant succession as established by law, in the present reigning family, and also to support the Catholic Church of England, so long as it continues united with the state; and therefore I will use my utmost endeavors to oppose the designs of Papists, and every pretender to the throne, as inveterate enemies to both. I believe a Parliament to be a legislative body, instituted by the people at large with delegated power, intended as a balance between them and the Sovereign; and elected for the sole purposes of preserving their liberties, or defending their lives and estates. I believe it is my duty to yield an implicit obedience to the laws of my country; that these are a standard of right for both Prince and PolWritV1_301-350.indd 320 2/21/12 10:06 AM [ 320} BOSTON, 1776 subject; and that no Englishman ought to suffer in person or property, unless by the uncontrouled judgment of his Peers. I believe I am under an indispensable obligation to have an eye, in all my pursuits and actions, to peace, safety, and good government; I will, therefore, under God, endeavor to maintain, at all times, true loyalty to my King, and an unfeigned affection to the Magistrate; proportioned to the wisdom and integrity, with which they guard public freedom, and...