America’s First Celebrity: The Life of John Dickinson

The sacred cause of liberty ought to be espoused by every man on every occasion to the utmost of his power.

as a charitable but poor person does not withhold his might because he cannot relieve all the distress of the miserable.

So let not any honest man suppress his sentiments concerning freedom, however small their influence is likely to be.

Perhaps he may touch some wheel that will have an effect greater than he expects.

What concerns all should be considered by all and individuals may injure a whole society by not declaring their sentiments.

It is therefore not only their right, but their duty to declare them.

Before this tribunal, let everyone freely speak what he really thinks, but with so sincere a reverence for the cause, he ventures to discuss as to the utmost caution, lest he should lead into errors upon a point of such sacred concern as the public happiness.

The sacred cause of liberty ought to be espoused by every man on every occasion to the utmost of his power.

as a charitable but poor person does not withhold his might because he cannot relieve all the distress of the miserable.

So let not any honest man suppress his sentiments concerning freedom, however small their influence is likely to be.

Perhaps he may touch some wheel that will have an effect greater than he expects.

What concerns all should be considered by all and individuals may injure a whole society by not declaring their sentiments.

It is therefore not only their right, but their duty to declare them.

Before this tribunal, let everyone freely speak what he really thinks, but with so sincere a reverence for the cause, he ventures to discuss as to the utmost caution, lest he should lead into errors upon a point of such sacred concern as the public happiness.