•^ TTTE the subscribers being desirous to convince mankind that • * "we are firmly attached to our most bappy constitution, " and are disposed to Bupport and maintain peace and good order under " his Majesty's government, do therefore declare, that our sovereign lord " king George the third, is the only sovereign to whom British Ameiica " may, can, or ought to owe and bear true and faithful allegiance, and "that there is no legal power or authority therein but what is duly " derived from him ; that our representatives in General Assembly con- "vened, are the only guardians of our rights and liberties ; that without " them no laws can here be made to bind us, and that they only are the "channel through which our grievances can properly be represented for " redress, and that to support their right and authority, we do hereby " associate and mutually covenant and engage to and with each other " as follows, namely :
" First. That we will upon all occasions stand by and assist each other " in the defence of his life, liberty and property, when ever the same " shall be attacked or endangered by any bodies of men riotously assem- " bled, upon any pretence or any authority whatsoever, not warranted " by the laws of the land.
" Second. That we will upon all occasions mutually support each "other in the free exercise and enjoyment of our undoubted right to " liberty, in eating, drinking, buying, selling, communing and acting " what, with whom, and as we please, consistent with the laws of God, " and the laws of the land, notwithstanding the association entered into " by the Continental Congress to the contrary.