History tells of more than one instance in which a mere handful of enthusiasts, more or less honest in their professions, has fastened itsell on a great political party which entertained none of those enthusiastic dogmas which the others assumed to believe and maintain, and which, having thus fastened itself on the larger body, taking advantage of favorable opportunities, artfully adapting itself to existing tempers and circumstances, and persistently -- sometimes, impudently-- thrusting it self into every seat of influence and authority to which it could possibly gain access, has succeeded in re-moulding the policy of the party which it has invaded ; and mado it appear to be what, originally, it was not ; to maintain opinions which, originally, it disclaimed and opposed ; and to do, or permit to be done, in its name, what, originally, it would have honestly shrunk from, as improper and unjust. Such an instance, if wo do not mistake, occurred in this Colony, in 1775 and 1776 : we were personally acquainted with a similar instance, vastly more important in its consequences than the other, which occurred within the United States, at a comparatively recent date.

2 Vide page 176, ante.

3 Journal of the ProvincUd Congress, " Sunday morning, June 9, 1776."

been of a different tenor ; but John Morin Scott, who was present on both occasions, and whose master mind probably controlled, wisely halted, and evidently induced the Congress to halt, in the work of proposed persecution and devastation and ruin. The Committee of Salem was coldly dismissed, without even a word of sympathy ; and the Provincial Congress paid no further attention to the subject.