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自从本小册子第一版问世以来,或者说,就在它出版的同一天,国王的演讲在这个城市出现了。如果预言的精神引导了这个作品的诞生,那么它就不可能选择一个更合适的时间或更必要的时机问世了。前者残忍的本质展示了遵循后者学说的必要性。人们阅读是为了报复。而这篇演讲,并没有造成恐慌,反而为独立的男子气概原则铺平了道路。Ceremony,andeven,silence,fromwhatevermotivetheymayarise,haveahurtfultendency,whentheygivetheleastdegreeofcountenancetobaseandwickedperformances;wherefore,ifthismaximbeadmitted,itnaturallyfollows,thattheKing’sSpeech,asbeingapieceoffinishedvillainy,deserved,andstilldeserves,ageneralexecrationbothbytheCongressandthepeople.Yet,asthedomestictranquillityofanation,dependsgreatly,onthechastityofwhatmayproperlybecallednationalmanners,itisoftenbetter,topasssomethingsoverinsilentdisdain,thantomakeuseofsuchnewmethodsofdislike,asmightintroducetheleastinnovation,onthatguardianofourpeaceandsafety.And,perhaps,itischieflyowingtothisprudentdelicacy,thattheKing’sSpeech,hathnot,beforenow,sufferedapublicexecution.TheSpeechifitmaybecalledone,isnothingbetterthanawilfulaudaciouslibelagainstthetruth,thecommongood,andtheexistenceofmankind;andisaformalandpompousmethodofofferinguphumansacrificestotheprideoftyrants.Butthisgeneralmassacreofmankind,isoneoftheprivileges,andthecertainconsequenceofKings;forasnatureknowsthemnot,theyknownother,andalthoughtheyarebeingsofourowncreating,theyknownotus,andarebecomethegodsoftheircreators.TheSpeechhathonegoodquality,whichis,thatitisnotcalculatedtodeceive,neithercanwe,evenifwewould,bedeceivedbyit.Brutalityandtyrannyappearonthefaceofit.Itleavesusatnoloss:Andeverylineconvinces,eveninthemomentofreading,thatHe,whohuntsthewoodsforprey,thenakedanduntutoredIndian,islessaSavagethantheKingofBritain.仪式,甚至沉默,无论出于何种动机,只要它们给予卑劣和邪恶的行为丝毫的支持,就会产生有害的影响;因此,如果这一准则被承认,自然会得出结论,国王的演讲,作为一种精心设计的恶行,理应受到国会和人民的普遍诅咒。然而,由于一个国家的国内安宁在很大程度上依赖于所谓民族风俗的纯洁性,往往更好是以无声的轻蔑来对待某些事情,而不是使用可能引起最小变革的新方法来表达厌恶,这种变革可能会破坏我们和平与安全的守护者。也许正是出于这种审慎的敏感,国王的演讲直到现在才没有受到公开的谴责。这篇演讲,如果可以称之为演讲的话,不过是公然无耻地诽谤真理、公共利益和人类存在的文字;它是一种正式而浮夸的方法,用来向暴君的傲慢献上人类的祭品。但这种对人类的大规模屠杀,是国王特权之一,也是国王制度的必然结果;因为自然不知道他们,他们也不了解自然,尽管他们是我们的创造物,但他们不认识我们,反而成了创造者的神灵。这篇演讲有一个优点,那就是它无法欺骗,即使我们愿意,也无法被它欺骗。它的粗暴和专横表露无遗。它让我们毫不困惑:每读一行,都会立刻确信,那个在森林中猎捕猎物的赤裸未教化的印第安人,比起英国国王来说,还算不上野蛮。SirJohnDalrymple,theputativefatherofawhiningjesuiticalpiece,fallaciouslycalled,“TheAddressofthepeopleofEnglandtotheinhabitantsofAmerica,”hath,perhaps,fromavainsupposition,thatthepeoplehereweretobefrightenedatthepompanddescriptionofaking,given,(thoughveryunwiselyonhispart)therealcharacterofthepresentone:“But”saysthiswriter,“ifyouareinclinedtopaycomplimentstoanadministration,whichwedonotcomplainof,”(meaningtheMarquisofRockingham’sattherepealoftheStampAct)“itisveryunfairinyoutowithholdthemfromthatprince,bywhosenodalonetheywerepermittedtodoanything.”Thisistoryismwithawitness!Hereisidolatryevenwithoutamask:Andhewhocancalmlyhear,anddigestsuchdoctrine,hathforfeitedhisclaimtorationality—anapostatefromtheorderofmanhood;andoughttobeconsidered—asone,whohathnotonlygivenuptheproperdignityofman,butsunkhimselfbeneaththerankofanimals,andcontemptiblycrawlsthroughtheworldlikeaworm.约翰·达尔林普爵士,一个自诩为哀诉耶稣会主义小册子作者的人,以虚假的方式被称为《英格兰人民致美洲居民的呼吁》,也许由于一种虚妄的假设,认为这里的人民会被国王的威严和描述所吓倒,给出了(尽管对他来说非常不明智)现任君主的真实性格:“但是”,这位作家说,“如果你愿意向一个我们不抱怨的政府献媚的话”(指的是罗金汉侯爵在废除印花税法案时的政府),“那么你们不向那个仅凭点头之恩才允许他们有所作为的王子献媚就是不公平的。”这是见证级别的托利党主义!这里甚至没有面具的偶像崇拜:而能够冷静地听闻并消化这种学说的人,已经丧失了理性诉求——背叛了人类秩序;应该被视为不仅放弃了人性尊严,而且堕落到了低于动物的地位,像一条蠕虫一样可鄙地爬行于世。However,itmattersverylittlenow,whatthekingofEnglandeithersaysordoes;hehathwickedlybrokenthrougheverymoralandhumanobligation,tramplednatureandconsciencebeneathhisfeet;andbyasteadyandconstitutionalspiritofinsolenceandcruelty,procuredforhimselfanuniversalhatred.ItisnowtheinterestofAmericatoprovideforherself.Shehathalreadyalargeandyoungfamily,whomitismoreherdutytotakecareof,thantobegrantingawayherproperty,tosupportapowerwhoisbecomeareproachtothenamesofmenandchristians—Ye,whoseofficeitistowatchoverthemoralsofanation,ofwhatsoeversectordenominationyeareof,aswellasye,whoaremoreimmediatelytheguardiansofthepublicliberty,ifyewishtopreserveyournativecountryuncontaminatedbyEuropeancorruption,yemustinsecretwishaseparation—Butleavingthemoralparttoprivatereflection,Ishallchieflyconfinemyfartherremarkstothefollowingheads.然而,现在英国国王说什么或做什么已经无关紧要了;他肆意践踏道德和人道义务,将自然和良知踩在脚下,以一贯的傲慢和残酷态度赢得了普遍的憎恨。如今,美国的利益在于照顾好自己。她已经有了一个庞大的年轻家庭,比起将财产赠予他人以支持这样一个已成为男子和基督徒之名耻辱的力量,她更有责任去照顾他们——你们这些负责监督国民道德的人,不论属于哪个教派或派别,以及你们这些更直接守护公共自由的人,如果希望自己的祖国不被欧洲腐败所污染,就必须私下希望实现分离——但撇开道德层面的考量,我将进一步主要围绕以下几点展开讨论。First.ThatitistheinterestofAmericatobeseparatedfromBritain.首先,美国从英国分离符合其利益。Secondly.Whichistheeasiestandmostpracticableplan,reconciliationorindependance?withsomeoccasionalremarks.第二,最容易且最可行的计划是和解还是独立?并附带一些偶尔的评论。Insupportofthefirst,Icould,ifIjudgeditproper,producetheopinionofsomeoftheablestandmostexperiencedmenonthiscontinent;andwhosesentiments,onthathead,arenotyetpubliclyknown.Itisinrealityaself-evidentposition:Fornonationinastateofforeigndependance,limitedinitscommerce,andcrampedandfetteredinitslegislativepowers,caneverarriveatanymaterialeminence.Americadothnotyetknowwhatopulenceis;andalthoughtheprogresswhichshehathmadestandsunparalleledinthehistoryofothernations,itisbutchildhood,comparedwithwhatshewouldbecapableofarrivingat,hadshe,assheoughttohave,thelegislativepowersinherownhands.Englandis,atthistime,proudlycovetingwhatwoulddohernogood,wereshetoaccomplishit;andtheContinenthesitatingonamatter,whichwillbeherfinalruinifneglected.ItisthecommerceandnottheconquestofAmerica,bywhichEnglandistobebenefited,andthatwouldinagreatmeasurecontinue,werethecountriesasindependantofeachotherasFranceandSpain;becauseinmanyarticles,neithercangotoabettermarket.ButitistheindependanceofthiscountryofBritainoranyother,whichisnowthemainandonlyobjectworthyofcontention,andwhich,likeallothertruthsdiscoveredbynecessity,willappearclearerandstrongereveryday.为了支持第一条,我可以,如果我认为合适的话,提出这片大陆上一些最聪明且最有经验的人的意见;而且他们的观点,在这方面还没有公开为人所知。这实际上是一个不言自明的观点:因为任何一个处于外国依赖状态、商业受限、立法权力受到限制的国家,永远无法达到任何实质性的繁荣。美国还不知道财富是什么;尽管她所取得的进步在其他民族的历史上是无与伦比的,但与她应该有的立法权掌握在自己手中时所能达到的成就相比,这只是个开端。英国目前正热切地追求着一种对她毫无益处的东西,即使她实现了这一目标;而大陆却在犹豫一个将会因忽视它而招致最终毁灭的问题。英国从美洲的贸易而非征服中获益,并且即便两国像法国和西班牙一样独立自主,这种贸易在很大程度上也会继续下去,因为在许多商品方面,他们都不能找到更好的市场。但现在主要也是唯一值得争取的目标就是这个国家对英国或其他任何国家的独立性,就像所有通过必要性发现的真理一样,这一点会随着时间的推移变得越来越清晰和明确。First.Becauseitwillcometothatonetimeorother.首先,因为这种事迟早会发生。Secondly.Because,thelongeritisdelayedtheharderitwillbetoaccomplish.其次,拖延的时间越长,就越难完成。Ihavefrequentlyamusedmyselfbothinpublicandprivatecompanies,withsilentlyremarking,thespeciouserrorsofthosewhospeakwithoutreflecting.AndamongthemanywhichIhaveheard,thefollowingseemsthemostgeneral,viz.thathadthisrupturehappenedfortyorfiftyyearshence,insteadofnow,theContinentwouldhavebeenmoreabletohaveshakenoffthedependance.TowhichIreply,thatourmilitaryability,atthistime,arisesfromtheexperiencegainedinthelastwar,andwhichinfortyorfiftyyearstime,wouldhavebeentotallyextinct.TheContinent,wouldnot,bythattime,havehadaGeneral,orevenamilitaryofficerleft;andwe,orthosewhomaysucceedus,wouldhavebeenasignorantofmartialmattersastheancientIndians:Andthissingleposition,closelyattendedto,willunanswerablyprove,thatthepresenttimeispreferabletoallothers.Theargumentturnsthus—attheconclusionofthelastwar,wehadexperience,butwantednumbers;andfortyorfiftyyearshence,weshouldhavenumbers,withoutexperience;wherefore,theproperpointoftime,mustbesomeparticularpointbetweenthetwoextremes,inwhichasufficiencyoftheformerremains,andaproperincreaseofthelatterisobtained:Andthatpointoftimeisthepresenttime.我经常在公共场合和私人聚会中独自思考,默默观察那些不假思索就发言的人所犯的表面看似合理的错误。在众多错误中,有一种似乎最为普遍,即认为如果这次分裂发生在四十年或五十年之后,而不是现在,大陆会更有能力摆脱依赖。对此我的回答是,我们当前的军事能力来源于上一次战争的经验,而这种经验在四十年或五十年后将会完全消失。到那时,大陆上甚至不会剩下一位将军或者任何一名军事军官;我们或者我们的继任者将会像古代印第安人一样对军事事务一无所知。只要仔细考虑这一点,就可以毫不费力地证明,现在的时间比其他任何时候都更合适。这个论点是这样的——上一次战争结束时,我们有经验但缺乏人数;而四十年或五十年后,我们将有人数却失去经验;因此,合适的时机必须介于这两个极端之间,在其中保留足够的前者,并适当增加后者;这个时机就是现在。Thereaderwillpardonthisdigression,asitdoesnotproperlycomeundertheheadIfirstsetoutwith,andtowhichIagainreturnbythefollowingposition,viz.读者将会原谅这段离题的话,因为它并不真正属于我最初开始讨论的主题,但我又将在下面的命题中回到该主题。ShouldaffairsbepatchedupwithBritain,andshetoremainthegoverningandsovereignpowerofAmerica,(which,asmattersarenowcircumstanced,isgivingupthepointintirely)weshalldepriveourselvesoftheverymeansofsinkingthedebtwehave,ormaycontract.Thevalueofthebacklandswhichsomeoftheprovincesareclandestinelydeprivedof,bytheunjustextentionofthelimitsofCanada,valuedonlyatfivepoundssterlingperhundredacres,amounttoupwardsoftwenty-fivemillions,Pennsylvaniacurrency;andthequit-rentsatonepennysterlingperacre,totwomillionsyearly.如果英美之间的事务能够得到修补,并且英国继续作为美洲的统治和主权国家(按照目前的情况来看,这几乎意味着完全放弃这一问题),我们将剥夺自己偿还现有或未来债务的手段。一些省份被秘密剥夺了后方土地的价值,仅按每百英亩五英镑的低价计算,就超过了两千五百万英镑的宾夕法尼亚货币;而按每英亩一便士的租金计算,每年可达两百万英镑。Itisbythesaleofthoselandsthatthedebtmaybesunk,withoutburthentoany,andthequit-rentreservedthereon,willalwayslessen,andintime,willwhollysupporttheyearlyexpenceofgovernment.Itmattersnothowlongthedebtisinpaying,sothatthelandswhensoldbeappliedtothedischargeofit,andfortheexecutionofwhich,theCongressforthetimebeing,willbethecontinentaltrustees.通过出售这些土地,债务可以被偿还,而不给任何人带来负担,而保留在这片土地上的代役租将永远减少,并最终完全支持政府的年度开支。只要所售土地用于偿还债务,偿还债务的时间长短并不重要,为此,当时的大陆会议将是大陆受托人。Iproceednowtothesecondhead,viz.Whichistheeasiestandmostpracticableplan,reconciliationorindependance;withsomeoccasionalremarks.现在我开始讲第二个问题,即:和解还是独立,哪个计划更简单易行;并附带一些评论。Hewhotakesnatureforhisguideisnoteasilybeatenoutofhisargument,andonthatground,Ianswergenerally—Thatindependancebeingasinglesimpleline,containedwithinourselves;andreconciliation,amatterexceedinglyperplexedandcomplicated,andinwhich,atreacherouscapriciouscourtistointerfere,givestheanswerwithoutadoubt.以自然为师的人不容易被说服而放弃自己的观点,基于这一点,我总体回答——独立作为一个单一简单的概念,存在于我们自身;而复辟则是一个极其复杂的问题,并且在这个问题中,一个反复无常的宫廷将介入,这无疑给出了答案。ThepresentstateofAmericaistrulyalarmingtoeverymanwhoiscapableofreflexion.Withoutlaw,withoutgovernment,withoutanyothermodeofpowerthanwhatisfoundedon,andgrantedbycourtesy.Heldtogetherbyanunexampledconcurrenceofsentiment,which,isneverthelesssubjecttochange,andwhicheverysecretenemyisendeavouringtodissolve.Ourpresentcondition,is,Legislationwithoutlaw;wisdomwithoutaplan;constitutionwithoutaname;and,whatisstrangelyastonishing,perfectIndependancecontendingfordependance.Theinstanceiswithoutaprecedent;thecaseneverexistedbefore;andwhocantellwhatmaybetheevent?Thepropertyofnomanissecureinthepresentunbracedsystemofthings.Themindofthemultitudeisleftatrandom,andseeingnofixedobjectbeforethem,theypursuesuchasfancyoropinionstarts.Nothingiscriminal;thereisnosuchthingastreason;wherefore,everyonethinkshimselfatlibertytoactashepleases.TheToriesdarednothaveassembledoffensively,hadtheyknownthattheirlives,bythatact,wereforfeitedtothelawsofthestate.Alineofdistinctionshouldbedrawn,between,Englishsoldierstakeninbattle,andinhabitantsofAmericatakeninarms.Thefirstareprisoners,butthelattertraitors.Theoneforfeitshisliberty,theotherhishead.现今美国的状况,确实令每一个能够深思的人都感到震惊。没有法律,没有政府,没有任何其他形式的力量,只能依赖于礼节和恩惠所赋予的权力。这种局面是由一种前所未有的共识维系在一起的,然而这种共识却可能发生变化,而且每个秘密的敌人正努力破坏它。我们目前的状况是:立法而无法律;有智慧却无计划;有宪法却无名称;更令人惊讶的是,完全独立的国家却在争取依赖。这种情况前所未有;以前从未发生过这样的事情;谁能预知结果如何呢?在这个松散的体制下,没有人的财产是安全的。民众的思想处于混乱状态,他们看不到明确的目标,只会追随随心所欲的想法或意见。没有什么是犯罪的;不存在叛国的概念;因此,每个人都认为自己可以随心所欲地行事。如果保皇党人知道他们的生命因那次行动而被州法律判处死刑,他们是不敢以挑衅的方式集会的。应该划清一条界限,区别对待在战斗中被俘的英国士兵和拿起武器反抗的美洲居民。前者是战俘,后者则是叛徒。一个失去自由,另一个失去生命。Notwithstandingourwisdom,thereisavisiblefeeblenessinsomeofourproceedingswhichgivesencouragementtodissensions.TheContinentalBeltistoolooselybuckled.Andifsomethingisnotdoneintime,itwillbetoolatetodoanything,andweshallfallintoastate,inwhich,neitherReconciliationnorIndependancewillbepracticable.ThekingandhisworthlessadherentsaregotattheiroldgameofdividingtheContinent,andtherearenotwantingamongus,Printers,whowillbebusyinspreadingspeciousfalsehoods.TheartfulandhypocriticalletterwhichappearedafewmonthsagointwooftheNew-Yorkpapers,andlikewiseintwoothers,isanevidencethattherearemenwhowanteitherjudgmentorhonesty.即使我们自认为有智慧,我们的某些行为也显露出明显的软弱,这给了分歧以鼓励。大陆联盟的纽带绑得还不够紧。如果及时不做些什么,到那时再做任何事都将为时已晚,我们将陷入一种状态,在这种状态下,无论是和解还是独立都将变得不可行。国王和他的无能追随者又回到了他们旧有的分裂大陆的游戏,而我们之中也不乏印刷工人,他们会忙于传播诱人的谎言。几个月前出现在两家纽约报纸上,后来又出现在另外两家报纸上的狡猾且伪善的信件就是证据,证明有些人要么缺乏判断力,要么缺乏诚实。Itiseasygettingintoholesandcornersandtalkingofreconciliation:Butdosuchmenseriouslyconsider,howdifficultthetaskis,andhowdangerousitmayprove,shouldtheContinentdividethereon.Dotheytakewithintheirview,allthevariousordersofmenwhosesituationandcircumstances,aswellastheirown,aretobeconsideredtherein.Dotheyputthemselvesintheplaceofthesuffererwhoseallisalreadygone,andofthesoldier,whohathquittedallforthedefenceofhiscountry.Iftheirilljudgedmoderationbesuitedtotheirownprivatesituationsonly,regardlessofothers,theeventwillconvincethem,that“theyarereckoningwithouttheirHost.”容易陷入某些角落谈论和解:但是,这样的男人们是否认真考虑过,这项任务有多么困难,并且如果大陆在此问题上分裂,它可能变得多么危险。他们是否考虑到所有各种不同阶层的人,他们的处境和情况,以及他们自己的,都应在其中被考虑。他们是否把自己放在受害者的立场上,他已经失去了一切,也放在士兵的立场上,他已放弃一切来保卫他的国家。如果他们判断错误的温和态度只适合于他们自己的私人情况,而不管他人,结果将会让他们明白,“他们在自欺欺人。”Putus,saysome,onthefootingwewereoninsixty-three:TowhichIanswer,therequestisnotnowinthepowerofBritaintocomplywith,neitherwillsheproposeit;butifitwere,andevenshouldbegranted,Iask,asareasonablequestion,Bywhatmeansissuchacorruptandfaithlesscourttobekepttoitsengagements?Anotherparliament,nay,eventhepresent,mayhereafterrepealtheobligation,onthepretence,ofitsbeingviolentlyobtained,orunwiselygranted;andinthatcase,Whereisourredress?—Nogoingtolawwithnations;cannonarethebarristersofCrowns;andthesword,notofjustice,butofwar,decidesthesuit.Tobeonthefootingofsixty-three,itisnotsufficient,thatthelawsonlybeputonthesamestate,but,thatourcircumstances,likewise,beputonthesamestate;Ourburntanddestroyedtownsrepairedorbuiltup,ourprivatelossesmadegood,ourpublicdebts(contractedfordefence)discharged;otherwise,weshallbemillionsworsethanwewereatthatenviableperiod.Sucharequest,haditbeencompliedwithayearago,wouldhavewontheheartandsouloftheContinent—butnowitistoolate,“TheRubiconispassed.”把我们置于一六六三年那样的地位——有些人这样说道。对此我的回答是:这一要求现在英国已无法做到,她也不会提出这样的建议;即使能够做到,并且真的给予我们,我也要合理地问一句:这样一个腐败而背信弃义的政府如何能被约束履行其承诺?另一个议会,甚至现在的议会,以后可能会以暴力获得或愚蠢授予为借口,废除这一义务;在这种情况下,我们的申诉在哪里?——不能与国家打官司;大炮是君主们的律师;决定胜负的不是正义之剑,而是战争之剑。要恢复到一六六三年的状态,仅仅使法律处于相同状态是不够的,我们的处境也必须恢复到相同状态才行;被烧毁和摧毁的城镇需要修复或重建,私人损失需要弥补,因防御而产生的公共债务需要偿还;否则,我们将比那个令人羡慕的时期还要糟糕几百万。如果一年前这个要求得到满足,它将会赢得大陆人民的心和灵魂——但现在太晚了,“高卢河已经渡过。”Besides,thetakinguparms,merelytoenforcetherepealofapecuniarylaw,seemsasunwarrantablebythedivinelaw,andasrepugnanttohumanfeelings,asthetakinguparmstoenforceobediencethereto.Theobject,oneitherside,dothnotjustifythemeans;forthelivesofmenaretoovaluabletobecastawayonsuchtrifles.Itistheviolencewhichisdoneandthreatenedtoourpersons;thedestructionofourpropertybyanarmedforce;theinvasionofourcountrybyfireandsword,whichconscientiouslyqualifiestheuseofarms:Andtheinstant,inwhichsuchamodeofdefencebecamenecessary,allsubjectiontoBritainoughttohaveceased;andtheindependancyofAmerica,shouldhavebeenconsidered,asdatingitsærafrom,andpublishedby,thefirstmusketthatwasfiredagainsther.Thislineisalineofconsistency;neitherdrawnbycaprice,norextendedbyambition;butproducedbyachainofevents,ofwhichthecolonieswerenottheauthors.此外,仅仅为了强制废除一项金钱法律而拿起武器,似乎既违背了神法,也与人类的情感相悖,就如同为了强制执行该法律而拿起武器一样。双方的目的都不足以正当化这种手段;因为人的生命太过宝贵,不应被浪费在如此琐碎的事情上。我们的人身受到的暴力伤害以及威胁、我们的财产因武装力量被摧毁、我们的国家被火烧剑劈入侵,这些才是正当使用武力的原因所在:一旦这种防御模式成为必要,我们对英国的所有臣属关系就应该停止;美国的独立应当被视为从打响第一枪开始,并由那第一颗子弹所宣告。Ishallconcludetheseremarks,withthefollowingtimelyandwellintendedhints.Weoughttoreflect,thattherearethreedifferentways,bywhichanindependancymayhereafterbeeffected;andthatoneofthosethree,willonedayorother,bethefateofAmerica,viz.BythelegalvoiceofthepeopleinCongress;byamilitarypower;orbyamob:Itmaynotalwayshappenthatoursoldiersarecitizens,andthemultitudeabodyofreasonablemen;virtue,asIhavealreadyremarked,isnothereditary,neitherisitperpetual.Shouldanindependancybebroughtaboutbythefirstofthosemeans,wehaveeveryopportunityandeveryencouragementbeforeus,toformthenoblestpurestconstitutiononthefaceoftheearth.Wehaveitinourpowertobegintheworldoveragain.Asituation,similartothepresent,hathnothappenedsincethedaysofNoahuntilnow.Thebirthdayofanewworldisathand,andaraceofmen,perhapsasnumerousasallEuropecontains,aretoreceivetheirportionoffreedomfromtheeventofafewmonths.TheReflexionisawful—andinthispointofview,Howtrifling,howridiculous,dothelittle,paltrycavellings,ofafewweakorinterestedmenappear,whenweighedagainstthebusinessofaworld.我将用以下及时且善意的提示来结束这些话。我们应该反思,将来有三种不同的方式可以让独立性得以实现;而其中一种的三种总有一天会成为美国的命运,即通过国会人民的合法声音;通过军事力量;或者通过暴民。我们的士兵未必总是公民,而群众也不一定是一群理性的人;美德,正如我已经提到的,不是遗传的,也不是永恒的。如果通过第一种方式实现了独立性,我们面前就有每一个机会和每一个鼓励,去制定地球上最崇高、最纯净的宪法。我们有能力重新开始这个世界。自诺亚时代以来,这种情况还没有发生过。一个新世界的时代即将来临,也许会有像整个欧洲那样多的人们从接下来的几个月的事件中获得他们的自由份额。这种反思是令人敬畏的——从这个角度来看,那些微不足道、可笑的少数软弱或有私心的人的小争论,在与世界事务相比时显得多么微不足道。Shouldweneglectthepresentfavorableandinvitingperiod,andanIndependancebehereaftereffectedbyanyothermeans,wemustchargetheconsequencetoourselves,ortothoserather,whosenarrowandprejudicedsouls,arehabituallyopposingthemeasure,withouteitherinquiringorreflecting.TherearereasonstobegiveninsupportofIndependance,whichmenshouldratherprivatelythinkof,thanbepubliclytoldof.Weoughtnotnowtobedebatingwhetherweshallbeindependantornot,but,anxioustoaccomplishitonafirm,secure,andhonorablebasis,anduneasyratherthatitisnotyetbeganupon.Everydayconvincesusofitsnecessity.EventheTories(ifsuchbeingsyetremainamongus)should,ofallmen,bethemostsolicitoustopromoteit;for,astheappointmentofcommitteesatfirst,protectedthemfrompopularrage,so,awiseandwellestablishedformofgovernment,willbetheonlycertainmeansofcontinuingitsecurelytothem.Wherefore,iftheyhavenotvirtueenoughtobeWhigs,theyoughttohaveprudenceenoughtowishforIndependance.我们是否应该忽视当前这个有利且诱人的时期,而以后再通过其他方式实现独立,我们必须将后果归咎于自己,或者更确切地说,归咎于那些狭隘且偏见深重的灵魂,他们习惯性地反对这一措施,既不询问也不反思。有理由支持独立,这些理由人们应该私下思考,而不是公开讲述。我们不应该现在还在争论我们是否要独立,而是应该急切地以稳固、安全且体面的方式去实现它,更担心的是还没有开始行动。每一天都在向我们证明其必要性。即使是托利党人(如果还有这样的存在的话),也应该是所有人中最迫切希望促进独立的人;因为,正如最初成立委员会保护了他们免受民众愤怒一样,一个明智且妥善确立的政府形式将是唯一能够持续保障他们的可靠手段。因此,如果他们没有足够的美德成为辉格党人,那么他们也应该有足够的智慧希望独立。Inshort,IndependanceistheonlyBondthatcantyeandkeepustogether.Weshallthenseeourobject,andourearswillbelegallyshutagainsttheschemesofanintriguing,aswell,asacruelenemy.Weshallthentoo,beonaproperfooting,totreatwithBritain;forthereisreasontoconclude,thattheprideofthatcourt,willbelesshurtbytreatingwiththeAmericanstatesfortermsofpeace,thanwiththose,whomshedenominates,“rebellioussubjects,”fortermsofaccommodation.Itisourdelayingitthatencourageshertohopeforconquest,andourbackwardnesstendsonlytoprolongthewar.Aswehave,withoutanygoodeffecttherefrom,withheldourtradetoobtainaredressofourgrievances,letusnowtrythealternative,byindependantlyredressingthemourselves,andthenofferingtoopenthetrade.ThemercantileandreasonablepartinEngland,willbestillwithus;because,peacewithtrade,ispreferabletowarwithoutit.Andifthisofferbenotaccepted,othercourtsmaybeappliedto.简而言之,独立是我们能够团结在一起的唯一纽带。到那时,我们将清楚地看到我们的目标,而我们的耳朵也将依法关闭对一个既狡猾又残忍的敌人的诡计。我们也将处于合适的立场,与英国谈判;因为有理由认为,那个宫廷的骄傲,在与美利坚各州就和平条款进行谈判时,会比与那些她称之为“反叛臣民”的人就妥协条款进行谈判受到的伤害更小。正是我们的拖延鼓励了她希望征服我们,而我们的迟疑只会延长战争。既然我们之前通过停止贸易以期纠正我们的冤屈没有取得任何效果,那么现在让我们尝试另一种方法,即自行纠正冤屈,然后重新开放贸易。英国有商业头脑和理性的人仍会支持我们,因为和平伴随着贸易,比没有贸易的战争更可取。如果这个提议不被接受,我们可以向其他宫廷求助。OnthesegroundsIrestthematter.Andasnoofferhathyetbeenmadetorefutethedoctrinecontainedintheformereditionsofthispamphlet,itisanegativeproof,thateitherthedoctrinecannotberefuted,or,thatthepartyinfavourofitaretoonumeroustobeopposed.Wherefore,insteadofgazingateachotherwithsuspiciousordoubtfulcuriosity;leteachofus,holdouttohisneighbourtheheartyhandoffriendship,anduniteindrawingaline,which,likeanactofoblivionshallburyinforgetfulnesseveryformerdissension.LetthenamesofWhigandTorybeextinct;andletnoneotherbeheardamongus,thanthoseofagoodcitizen,anopenandresolutefriend,andavirtuoussupporteroftherightsofmankindandoftheFREEANDINDEPENDANTSTATESOFAMERICA.基于上述理由,我把这件事放下了。由于尚未有人提出反驳前几版小册子中所包含的学说,这可以被视为一种消极的证明,表明要么该学说无法被反驳,要么支持它的党派人数太多,无法被反对。因此,与其彼此以怀疑或疑虑的目光互相打量,不如我们每个人都向邻居伸出友好的手,团结起来划一条线,这条线就像遗忘法案一样,将所有过去的分歧埋葬在遗忘之中。让我们忘掉“辉格党和托利党”的称呼,除了“一位好公民、一位坦率且坚定的朋友、一位美德的支持者,以及人类权利和自由独立的美利坚合众国的权利的捍卫者”之外,我们不应再听到其他称号。TotheRepresentativesoftheReligiousSocietyofthePeoplecalledQuakers,ortosomanyofthemaswereconcernedinpublishingthelatepiece,entitled“TheAncientTestimonyandPrinciplesofthePeoplecalledQuakersrenewed,withRespecttotheKingandGovernment,andtouchingtheCommotionsnowprevailingintheseandotherpartsofAmericaaddressedtothePeopleinGeneral.”致基督教教友派信徒代表,或参与发表近期题为“所谓基督教教友派信徒的古代信仰和原则重申,关于国王和政府,以及关于目前在美国及其他美洲地区普遍发生的骚乱,致所有人。”TheWriterofthis,isoneofthosefew,whoneverdishonoursreligioneitherbyridiculing,orcavillingatanydenominationwhatsoever.ToGod,andnottoman,areallmenaccountableonthescoreofreligion.Wherefore,thisepistleisnotsoproperlyaddressedtoyouasareligious,butasapoliticalbody,dabblinginmatters,whichtheprofessedQuietudeofyourPrinciplesinstructyounottomeddlewith.写这篇文章的人是极少数人之一,他从不通过嘲笑或挑剔任何宗教派别来玷污宗教。在宗教问题上,所有人只对上帝负责,而不是对人负责。因此,这封信与其说是写给你们这个宗教团体,不如说是写给你们这个政治团体,因为它涉及到了你们所宣称的安静原则所教导你们不应插手的事情。Asyouhave,withoutaproperauthorityforsodoing,putyourselvesintheplaceofthewholebodyoftheQuakers,so,thewriterofthis,inordertobeonanequalrankwithyourselves,isunderthenecessity,ofputtinghimselfintheplaceofallthose,who,approvetheverywritingsandprinciples,againstwhichyourtestimonyisdirected:Andhehathchosenthissingularsituation,inorder,thatyoumightdiscoverinhimthatpresumptionofcharacterwhichyoucannotseeinyourselves.ForneitherhenoryoucanhaveanyclaimortitletoPoliticalRepresentation.既然你们未经适当的授权,便自视为全体教友派信徒的代表,那么,本文作者为了与你们平起平坐,也必须把自己置于所有那些认可你们所反对的著作和原则的人的位置上:他选择了这一独特的位置,以便你们在他身上发现那种你们无法在自己身上看到的性格上的妄自尊大。因为他和你们一样,都不能有任何关于政治代表权的要求或权利。Whenmenhavedepartedfromtherightway,itisnowonderthattheystumbleandfall.Anditisevidentfromthemannerinwhichyehavemanagedyourtestimony,thatpolitics,(asareligiousbodyofmen)isnotyourproperWalk;forhoweverwelladapteditmightappeartoyou,itis,nevertheless,ajumbleofgoodandbadputunwiselytogether,andtheconclusiondrawntherefrom,bothunnaturalandunjust.当人们偏离了正确的道路,跌倒就不足为奇了。从你们处理证词的方式来看,显然政治(作为一个宗教团体)并不是你们的正道;无论它看起来多么适合你们,它终究是一堆好坏混杂且不恰当地组合在一起的东西,由此得出的结论既不自然也不公正。Thetwofirstpages,(andthewholedothnotmakefour)wegiveyoucreditfor,andexpectthesamecivilityfromyou,becausetheloveanddesireofpeaceisnotconfinedtoQuakerism,itisthenatural,aswellthereligiouswishofalldenominationsofmen.Andonthisground,asmenlabouringtoestablishanIndependantConstitutionofourown,doweexceedallothersinourhope,end,andaim.Ourplanispeaceforever.WearetiredofcontentionwithBritain,andcanseenorealendtoitbutinafinalseparation.Weactconsistently,becauseforthesakeofintroducinganendlessanduninterruptedpeace,dowebeartheevilsandburthensofthepresentday.Weareendeavoring,andwillsteadilycontinuetoendeavour,toseparateanddissolveaconnexionwhichhathalreadyfilledourlandwithblood;andwhich,whilethenameofitremains,willbethefatalcauseoffuturemischiefstobothcountries.我们认可前两页(整篇文章也不到四页)的内容,并期望您也能以同样的礼貌对待我们,因为热爱和平的愿望并非局限于贵格会主义,它既是自然的,也是所有信仰群体的宗教愿望。基于这一点,作为致力于建立独立宪法的人,我们在希望、目标和意图上超越了其他所有人。我们的计划是永远的和平。我们厌倦了与英国的争斗,看不到除了最终分离之外的任何真正解决办法。我们行事一致,因为为了引入无尽且不间断的和平,我们忍受着当下的苦难和负担。我们正在努力,并且将坚定地继续努力,去切断和消除已经使我们的土地充满鲜血的联系;只要这种联系的名称存在,它就会成为两个国家未来诸多不幸的根本原因。Wefightneitherforrevengenorconquest;neitherfrompridenorpassion;wearenotinsultingtheworldwithourfleetsandarmies,norravagingtheglobeforplunder.Beneaththeshadeofourownvinesareweattacked;inourownhouses,andonourownlands,istheviolencecommittedagainstus.WeviewourenemiesinthecharacterofHighwaymenandHousebreakers,andhavingnodefenceforourselvesinthecivillaw,areobligedtopunishthembythemilitaryone,andapplythesword,intheverycase,whereyouhavebeforenow,appliedthehalter—Perhapswefeelfortheruinedandinsultedsufferersinallandeverypartofthecontinent,withadegreeoftendernesswhichhathnotyetmadeitswayintosomeofyourbosoms.ButbeyesurethatyemistakenotthecauseandgroundofyourTestimony.Callnotcoldnessofsoul,religion;norputtheBigotintheplaceoftheChristian.我们战斗既不是为了复仇也不是为了征服;既不是出于骄傲也不是出于激情;我们并未用我们的舰队和军队侮辱世界,也未掠夺全球以获取战利品。我们在自己葡萄藤的荫庇下遭到攻击;在我们自己的房屋和土地上,暴力被施加于我们身上。我们将敌人视为拦路强盗和破门而入的小偷,由于我们在民法中没有自我保护的手段,因此被迫用军事手段惩罚他们,并在你们曾经使用绞索的情况下使用剑——也许我们对整个大陆上所有受到破坏和侮辱的受害者的同情程度,还没有进入你们某些人的心胸。但请务必确保你们不要误解了证词的原因和依据。不要将冷漠的灵魂称为宗教;也不要将偏执狂放在基督徒的位置上。Oyepartialministersofyourownacknowledgedprinciples.Ifthebearingarmsbesinful,thefirstgoingtowarmustbemoreso,byallthedifferencebetweenwilfulattackandunavoidabledefence.Wherefore,ifyereallypreachfromconscience,andmeannottomakeapoliticalhobby-horseofyourreligion,convincetheworldthereof,byproclaimingyourdoctrinetoourenemies,fortheylikewisebeararms.GiveusproofofyoursinceritybypublishingitatSt.James’s,tothecommandersinchiefatBoston,totheAdmiralsandCaptainswhoarepiraticallyravagingourcoasts,andtoallthemurderingmiscreantswhoareactinginauthorityunderhimwhomyeprofesstoserve.HadyethehonestsoulofBarclay¹yewouldpreachrepentancetoyourking;YewouldtelltheRoyalWretchhissins,andwarnhimofeternalruin.Yewouldnotspendyourpartialinvectivesagainsttheinjuredandtheinsultedonly,but,likefaithfulministers,wouldcryaloudandsparenone.Saynotthatyearepersecuted,neitherendeavourtomakeustheauthorsofthatreproach,which,yearebringinguponyourselves;forwetestifyuntoallmen,thatwedonotcomplainagainstyoubecauseyeareQuakers,butbecauseyepretendtobeandarenotQuakers.啊,你们这些只顾自己承认的原则的偏颇牧师们!如果携带武器是罪恶的,那么首先发动战争的罪过必定更大,其间的区别在于蓄意攻击和不可避免的防御之间。因此,如果你们真的出于良心布道,并且不是想把宗教当作政治上的爱好来玩弄的话,就用实际行动向世人证明这一点,向我们的敌人宣扬你们的教义吧,因为他们同样携带武器。通过在圣詹姆斯宫发表宣言,向波士顿的总司令们,向那些正在我们海岸上进行海盗式掠夺的海军将领和船长们,以及向所有在他的名下行使权力的杀人不眨眼的败类们公开你们的主张,以此向我们证明你们的真诚。如果你们有巴克莱(Barclay)先生那样的诚实灵魂,你们就会向你们的国王传讲悔改的信息;你们会告诉那位皇家恶棍他的罪行,并警告他永远的毁灭。你们不会仅仅把片面的谴责倾泻在受伤和受侮辱的人身上,而是要像忠实的牧师一样,大声疾呼,不偏袒任何人。不要说你们被迫害了,也不要试图让我们成为你们给自己带来这种指责的始作俑者;因为我们向所有人作证,我们并不因为你们是贵格会信徒而抱怨你们,而是因为你们自称是贵格会信徒却并非如此。¹“Thouhasttastedofprosperityandadversity;thouknowestwhatitistobebanishedthynativecountry,tobeover-ruledaswellastorule,andsetuponthethrone;andbeingoppressedthouhastreasontoknowhowhatefultheoppressorisbothtoGodandman:Ifafterallthesewarningsandadvertisements,thoudostnotturnuntotheLordwithallthyheart,butforgethimwhorememberedtheeinthydistress,andgiveupthyselftofollowlustandvanity,surelygreatwillbethycondemnation.—Againstwhichsnare,aswellasthetemptationofthosewhomayordofeedthee,andprompttheetoevil,themostexcellentandprevalentremedywillbe,toapplythyselftothatlightofChristwhichshinethinthyconscience,andwhichneithercan,norwillflatterthee,norsuffertheetobeateaseinthysins.”¹“你已经尝过繁荣与逆境;你知道被放逐故土、被统治以及统治他人并坐在王座上的滋味;并且当你被压迫时,你有理由知道压迫者对神和人是多么可憎:如果你在所有这些警告和告诫之后,仍未全心转向主,却忘记了在你困苦时记念你的那位,并且放纵自己去追随欲望和虚荣,那么你的责罚必定是严重的——针对这个陷阱,以及那些可能或确实喂养你并诱使你作恶的人的诱惑,最优秀且有效的解药将是,将你自己应用于基督之光,这光闪耀在你的良知中,它既不能也不会奉承你,也不会让你安于罪中。”—Barclay’saddresstoCharlesII.—巴克莱对查理二世的致辞。Alas!itseemsbytheparticulartendencyofsomepartofyourtestimony,andotherpartsofyourconduct,asif,allsinwasreducedto,andcomprehendedin,theactofbearingarms,andthatbythepeopleonly.Yeappeartous,tohavemistakenpartyforconscience;because,thegeneraltenorofyouractionswantsuniformity:Anditisexceedinglydifficulttoustogivecredittomanyofyourpretendedscruples;because,weseethemmadebythesamemen,who,intheveryinstantthattheyareexclaimingagainstthemammonofthisworld,arenevertheless,huntingafteritwithastepassteadyasTime,andanappetiteaskeenasDeath.唉!从你证词的某些倾向以及其他行为来看,似乎一切罪恶都被归结为并且包含在携带武器的行为中,并且只是由人民所为。在我们看来,你们似乎把党派之争误认为是良心问题;因为,你们的行为总体上缺乏一致性。而且,我们很难相信你们许多所谓的顾虑,因为,我们看到这些顾虑是由同一批人提出的——就在他们大声疾呼反对这个世界的财富之时,却仍在坚定不移地追逐它,其渴望之强烈犹如死亡。ThequotationwhichyehavemadefromProverbs,inthethirdpageofyourtestimony,that,“whenaman’swayspleasetheLord,hemakethevenhisenemiestobeatpeacewithhim”;isveryunwiselychosenonyourpart;because,itamountstoaproof,thattheking’sways(whomyearedesirousofsupporting)donotpleasetheLord,otherwise,hisreignwouldbeinpeace.您在见证书第三页引用的《箴言》中的话,“当一个人的行为使主喜悦时,他甚至会使他的敌人与他和平相处”,在您的选择中是非常不明智的;因为这相当于证明了国王的方式(这是你们希望支持的)并没有使主喜悦,否则,他的统治就会是和平的。Inowproceedtothelatterpartofyourtestimony,andthat,forwhichalltheforegoingseemsonlyanintroduction,viz.我现在开始论述你证词的后半部分,以及所有前述内容似乎只是为其做铺垫的部分,即“Ithatheverbeenourjudgmentandprinciple,sincewewerecalledtoprofessthelightofChristJesus,manifestedinourconsciencesuntothisday,thatthesettingupandputtingdownkingsandgovernments,isGod’speculiarprerogative;forcausesbestknowntohimself:Andthatitisnotourbusinesstohaveanyhandorcontrivancetherein;nortobebusybodiesaboveourstation,muchlesstoplotandcontrivetheruin,oroverturnofanyofthem,buttoprayfortheking,andsafetyofournation,andgoodofallmen:Thatwemayliveapeaceableandquietlife,inallgodlinessandhonesty;underthegovernmentwhichGodispleasedtosetoverus.”—Ifthesearereallyyourprincipleswhydoyenotabidebythem?Whydoyenotleavethat,whichyecallGod’sWork,tobemanagedbyhimself?Theseveryprinciplesinstructyoutowaitwithpatienceandhumility,fortheeventofallpublicmeasures,andtoreceivethateventasthedivinewilltowardsyou.Wherefore,whatoccasionisthereforyourpoliticaltestimonyifyoufullybelievewhatitcontains:Andtheverypublishingitproves,thateither,yedonotbelievewhatyeprofess,orhavenotvirtueenoughtopractisewhatyebelieve.“自从我们被召唤去承认基督·耶稣之光以来,这光一直照耀着我们的良心直至今日,我们始终认为设立和推翻君王与政府是上帝独有的特权;这些事情的原因只有他自己最清楚。我们不应插手此事,也不应超越自身地位多管闲事,更不应密谋破坏或推翻任何政权,而应为国王祈祷,祈求国家的安全与全人类的福祉,以便我们能够过上和平宁静的生活,在敬虔和诚实中生活;在上帝愿意为我们设置的政权之下。”—如果这些真的是你们的原则,为什么你们不坚持它们呢?为什么你们不把你们所谓的上帝的工作交给他自己来管理呢?这些原则明确地教导你们耐心谦卑地等待所有公共措施的结果,并接受这个结果作为上帝对你们的旨意。因此,如果你们完全相信你们所宣扬的内容,那么你们的政治宣言有什么必要呢?而且,发布这一宣言本身就证明了要么你们不相信自己的主张,要么没有足够的美德去实践你们所相信的。TheprinciplesofQuakerismhaveadirecttendencytomakeamanthequietandinoffensivesubjectofany,andeverygovernmentwhichissetoverhim.AndifthesettingupandputtingdownofkingsandgovernmentsisGod’speculiarprerogative,hemostcertainlywillnotberobbedthereofbyus;wherefore,theprincipleitselfleadsyoutoapproveofeverything,whicheverhappened,ormayhappentokingsasbeinghiswork.OliverCromwellthanksyou.Charles,then,diednotbythehandsofman;andshouldthepresentProudImitatorofhim,cometothesameuntimelyend,thewritersandpublishersoftheTestimony,arebound,bythedoctrineitcontains,toapplaudthefact.Kingsarenottakenawaybymiracles,neitherarechangesingovernmentsbroughtaboutbyanyothermeansthansuchasarecommonandhuman;andsuchaswearenowusing.EventhedispersionoftheJews,thoughforetoldbyourSaviour,waseffectedbyarms.Wherefore,asyerefusetobethemeansononeside,yeoughtnottobemeddlersontheother;buttowaittheissueinsilence;andunlessyecanproducedivineauthority,toprove,thattheAlmightywhohathcreatedandplacedthisnewworld,atthegreatestdistanceitcouldpossiblystand,eastandwest,fromeverypartoftheold,doth,nevertheless,disapproveofitsbeingindependantofthecorruptandabandonedcourtofBritain,unlessIsay,yecanshewthis,howcanyeonthegroundofyourprinciples,justifytheexcitingandstirringupthepeople“firmlytouniteintheabhorrenceofallsuchwritings,andmeasures,asevidenceadesireanddesigntobreakoffthehappyconnexionwehavehithertoenjoyed,withthekingdomofGreat-Britain,andourjustandnecessarysubordinationtotheking,andthosewhoarelawfullyplacedinauthorityunderhim.”Whataslapofthefaceishere!themen,whointheveryparagraphbefore,havequietlyandpassivelyresigneduptheordering,altering,anddisposalofkingsandgovernments,intothehandsofGod,arenow,recallingtheirprinciples,andputtinginforashareofthebusiness.Isitpossible,thattheconclusion,whichisherejustlyquoted,cananywaysfollowfromthedoctrinelaiddown?Theinconsistencyistooglaringnottobeseen;theabsurditytoogreatnottobelaughedat;andsuchascouldonlyhavebeenmadebythose,whoseunderstandingsweredarkenedbythenarrowandcrabbyspiritofadespairingpoliticalparty;foryearenottobeconsideredasthewholebodyoftheQuakersbutonlyasafactionalandfractionalpartthereof.贵格会的原则直接倾向于使一个人成为任何政府安静且无害的臣民统治他的政府。而且,如果设立和推翻国王及政府是上帝的特殊权力,我们绝不会剥夺他这种权力;因此,这个原则本身引导你认可所有发生在国王身上或可能发生在国王身上的事情,因为这是他的作为。奥利弗·克伦威尔感谢你。那么,查理一世不是死于人类之手;如果这位目前自夸模仿他的骄傲者也遭遇同样的不幸结局,那么《见证书》的作者和出版商根据其内容所包含的教义,有义务赞赏这一事实。国王并非通过奇迹被废除,政府的变化也不是通过任何超自然的方式实现的,而是通过通常的人类手段和我们现在正在使用的手段。甚至犹太人的流散,虽然被我们的救世主预言过,也是通过武力实现的。因此,既然你们拒绝在一方面采取行动,就不应该在另一方面干预;而应该以沉默等待结果;除非你们能出示神的权威来证明,全能的上帝尽管创造了这个世界并将它置于距离旧世界最远的地方(东西方向),却仍不赞成它独立于腐败堕落的英国宫廷,否则,根据你们的原则,你们怎能合理地激发和煽动人民“坚定地团结起来,憎恨所有那些文件和措施,这些都表明了一种想要脱离与大不列颠王国的友好联系,并脱离对国王及其合法授权者的正当和必要的服从的愿望和设计)。”多么打脸啊!就在前一段,这些人还平静而被动地将国王和政府的安排、调整和处置交给了上帝,现在他们又收回了自己的原则,开始参与这项事务。难道有可能,这里正确引用的结论能从所阐述的教义中得出吗?这种不一致性太明显了,不可能看不到;这种荒谬性太大了,不能不让人发笑;只有那些被绝望的政治派系狭隘和偏狭的精神所蒙蔽的人才能做出这样的事情;因为你们不应被视为整个贵格会,而只是其中的一个派系和小部分。Hereendstheexaminationofyourtestimony;(whichIcalluponnomantoabhor,asyehavedone,butonlytoreadandjudgeoffairly;)towhichIsubjointhefollowingremark;“Thatthesettingupandputtingdownofkings,”mostcertainlymean,themakinghimaking,whoisyetnotso,andthemakinghimnokingwhoisalreadyone.Andpraywhathaththistodointhepresentcase?Weneithermeantosetupnortoputdown,neithertomakenortounmake,buttohavenothingtodowiththem.Wherefore,yourtestimonyinwhateverlightitisviewedservesonlytodishonoryourjudgement,andformanyotherreasonshadbetterhavebeenletalonethanpublished.这里结束了对你证词的审查;(我不呼吁任何人像你们那样厌恶它,而只是希望人们阅读并公平判断;)对此,我附上以下评论:“立王废王”的意思肯定是指使一个还不是国王的人成为国王,并使一个已经是国王的人不再是国王。那么,这与目前的情况有什么关系呢?我们既不打算立也不打算废,既不打算做也不打算撤销,而是完全不想与他们有任何关系。因此,无论从哪个角度看,你的证词只会损害你的判断力,而且出于许多其他原因,还是让它未被发表为好。First,Becauseittendstothedecreaseandreproachofallreligionwhatever,andisoftheutmostdangertosociety,tomakeitapartyinpoliticaldisputes.首先,因为它倾向于一切宗教的衰落和轻蔑,而且使宗教卷入政治纷争之中,这对社会来说是极其危险的。Secondly,Becauseitexhibitsabodyofmen,numbersofwhomdisavowthepublishingpoliticaltestimonies,asbeingconcernedthereinandapproversthereof.其次,因为它展现了一群人,其中很多人都不承认发表政治宣言,并且他们也参与其中并予以批准。Thirdly,Becauseithathatendencytoundothatcontinentalharmonyandfriendshipwhichyourselvesbyyourlateliberalandcharitabledonationshathlentahandtoestablish;andthepreservationofwhich,isoftheutmostconsequencetousall.第三,因为它有破坏你们通过最近慷慨捐赠所建立起来的大陆和谐与友谊的趋势;而其维护对我们大家来说至关重要。AndherewithoutangerorresentmentIbidyoufarewell.Sincerelywishing,thatasmenandchristians,yemayalwaysfullyanduninterruptedlyenjoyeverycivilandreligiousright;andbe,inyourturn,themeansofsecuringittoothers;butthattheexamplewhichyehaveunwiselyset,ofminglingreligionwithpolitics,maybedisavowedandreprobatedbyeveryinhabitantofAmerica.在此,我毫无愤怒和怨恨地向你们告别。衷心希望你们作为人和基督徒,始终能够充分且不间断地享有每一种公民和宗教权利,并成为保障他人享有这些权利的工具;但愿你们所不明智地树立的将宗教与政治混为一谈的例子,能被美国的每一位居民否认并谴责。F I N I S.终 端.