The Massachusetts Spy, Or, Thomas's Boston Journal

For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY.

Mr. THOMAS,

We hear from Berkshire that vast numbers of the people assembled to attend the last session of the county court in Great-Barrington, and unarmed filled the court-house and avenues to the seat of justice so full that no passage could be found for the justices to their places. The sheriff commanded them to make way for the court; but they gave him to understand that they knew no court on other establishment than the ancient laws and usages of their country, and to none other would submit or give way on any terms.

Here is now an example for you inhabitants of Suffolk! an infant county hardly organized has prevented the session of a court on the new system of despotism. Is there not wisdom and fortitude among you to prevent the subversion of a constitution you have held by right and law much above a century? Forbid it Heaven that the metropolis of the province should ignominiously surrender the best security of our lives and fortunes after the youngest county in the province has made such a generous stand for its preservation.

I am wrapt in confusion in reflection on the compliances of some officers, who it is said, have without hesitation proceeded to do business in this new way, not at all (it seems) regarding their oath of office, which bound them to their duty according to the laws of the province, of which, they must confess this innovation is a most flagrant violation.

Blood will too probably be spilt in this contest, and it may be worth some people's consideration where the Almighty will make inquisition for it. No man can pretend himself bound in conscience to violate the laws and constitution of his country: Millions feel themselves bound, at the risque of life and fortune to maintain them; to suffer these novel courts to go on and establish themselves is treasonably to give up our constitution; to spill our dearest blood in its defence is consistent with our allegiance to our temporal and eternal Sovereign, and a duty for the neglect of which we demerit Eternal Damnation.

A P.