Jn as much as I am a minister of Christ, & my Work principally to preach the Gospel to the lower rank of people: I have not used my self much to the company, & converse of Gent" of the Civil & Military order especially in the pleasure and practice of drinking Healths, Loyal Toasts &c wherfore I may easily offend in this respect, with no ill meaning--And in as much as in drinking the Kings health yesterday, I used such terms, as to offend Col Johnson Mr Chief Justice, & it may be some others, In saying I drink the King of New Engé Health, the Health of the King, that hears our Prayers, &c I do hereby honestly, and before him that knoweth all things, protest, I had no other meaning then, or now, but what is express'd or imply'd in these words--I drink the Health of King George iii. of Great Britain &e--comprehending New Eng4 & all the. British Colonies & provinces in North America. And I mean to drink such a Health to his British Majesty, when occasion serves, so long as his Royal Majesty shall govern his British, & American subjects according to Magna Charta, or the great charter of English Liberties, and hears the prayers of his American Subjeets, when properly laid before Him--But in case his Bitish Majesty (which God in great mercy prevent) should superseed & proceed contrary to charter rights & privileges, & Govern us with a Rod of Tron, & the mouth of Canons and, make his Little Finger thicker than his Fathers loyns, and utterly refuse to hear or consider our Humble prayers; then, & in that ease I should think it my: