The Virginia Gazette

From a late London paper.

To the PRINTER,

THE love of liberty is the only crime which the brave Americans have been guilty of; and is this worthy or deserving such severe punishment as the tyrannizing rulers of the earth would inflict upon those people, whose character will ever be remembered by their posterity, and grace the annals of history, for nobly and bravely supporting and defending their country from slavery, and their posterity from bondage? Despotic government is seeking to overthrow the American colonies, to bind our fellow brethren with chains of slavery, and to destroy the most precious remains of civil liberty; they are not content nor satisfied with the spoils of the East, but have let loose the devouring lion upon the West also. Do not their actions and proceedings loudly call to Heaven for vengeance to be poured down upon their sinful heads, who glory and take a pleasure in spilling human blood? But what says the God of mercy and peace to this? "If ye smite with the sword, ye shall perish by the sword also."

The appearance of the national affairs is amazingly dreadful and awful, to reflect upon popery, the grand enemy of peace, and of true vital christianity, is greatly encouraged in this kingdom; and it is the general opinion of the protestants in this christian land, that fire and faggot is preparing, and if not timely opposed, will be too powerful to conquer. Arise, my fellow countrymen, before it is too late, and rescue your privileges and religion from the devourers jaws! Arise, and crush this mighty monster of popery, before he gathers too much power and strength in this protestant kingdom. Delay not, but exert yourselves like the sons of Britain, and drive the accursed tribe of Papists, the cruel torturers of the Christians, from this city, where they are secretly concealed waiting for an opportunity to crush the Protestants, and to fill our land once more with gross Idolatry.

I am, Sir,

A well-wisher to our King, Old England, and her Colonies.