The Massachusetts Spy, Or, Thomas's Boston Journal

FRIDAY, May 20.
BOSTON.

On Monday last the Town of Braintree, made choice of EBENEZER THAYER, Esq; for their Representative, and the following is said to be a copy of the INSTRUCTIONS, then voted him.

Braintree, May 16th 1774.

To Ebenezer Thayer, Esq;

SIR,

THIS Town having this day made choice of you, to represent them in the ensuing general court, expect your utmost exertions, for the preservation of such of our rights and privileges as yet remain, and the recovery of such as have been by the strong hand of power wrested from us.

As on one hand, we expect that you firmly oppose the rapid progress of despotism, and in no one instance give up even the least right or privilege; so, on the other, effectually to guard against all licentiousness; being persuaded, that true liberty does not consist in a right to break, but in an orderly walking agreeable to known good and wholesome laws of our own making.

The firm and well constituted union of the Colonies, is a matter of the greatest importance that ever, perhaps, came under the consideration of our senate, and must engage your utmost abilities: This union, well established, together with a friendly, brotherly union of the several towns in this Province, and a proper discouragement of foreign luxuries, and as proper encouragement of industry, frugality and manufactures, will, by God's blessing, preserve us from the ruin threatened by the enemies of our constitution.

And finally we expect, as you will answer it to God the judge of all, that you in all things use your utmost endeavors to recover and preserve entire, our civil and religious rights and liberties; so that our venerable ancestors may not rise up in judgment against us at the last day, nor future generations execrate our memory: And in order that we may be directed to the best means, in this day of thick darkness, we desire that you will recommend, that a day be set apart throughout the province, for fasting and prayer, so that the whole people may, at the same time, with one heart and one voice, humble themselves before the God of our fathers, and implore his direction.

That the blessing of him who is only wise and good, may be with you in your private, as well as public concerns, is the sincere prayer of your friends and fellow townsmen.