The Massachusetts spy, or, Thomas's Boston journal (Boston [Mass.]), 1773-09-23 00:00:00

THE Massachusetts Spy
Or, Thomas's Boston Journal.
MAY 2 1908
A Weekly, Political, and Commercial PAPER:--Open to ALL Parties, but Influenced by None.
'DO THOU Great LIBERTY INSPIRE our Souls,--And make our Lives in THY Possession happy, Or, our Deaths glorious in THY JUST Defence.'
VOL. III.]
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1773.
[NUMB. 138.
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY.
Mr. THOMAS. Boston, Sept. 7. 1773.
Please to insert the following in your Paper, when you can spare sufficient Room for it.
To my dear Friend, Mr. Z.
I believe with a late Reverend Episcopalian, that "a Clergyman is an Advocate, Mediator, Negotiator, Representative, Vicar-gerent, 'mandatory Interpellant between God and Man, in their spiritual Addresses to, and Negotiations one with another; and that he stands and acts as Mediator between both Parties, as it were in the middle Line of Conversation, and in the very Centre of Communication between them." I say, did I believe all this pious Rant of his Reverence, I should never call in Question the Right of such a spiritual Man, to exercise any Powers he might think fit to claim, as appertinent to his Office; and Mr. Adams's Piece in particular should have passed unnoticed. But as I have a very different Apprehension of the Nature of the ministerial Office from either him, or the reverend Dreamer from whom I made the above Quotation, and should be glad that "some among us, who are in Danger of paying a superstitious Regard to the Expounders of our Religion," as prejudicial to it, perhaps as an indiscriminate Contempt of the Order, might be convinced that the Claims of some of them are extravagant, I was induced, first to publish the Columns, and afterwards to answer your Publication in the SPY of the 5th of August last. From this Declaration you will see that I had "something of more Importance in View, than merely to figure on the Stage, or amuse my Readers with a Flourish of Words."
If any of infidel Principles, who "disregard the Institutions of the Gospel," are unfriendly to the Clergy, and are really desirous "to render them despicable," mistaking my Intention, took an ill-natured Pleasure in "reading" what I published, imagining I was possessed of the same Principles and Disposition with themselves, I know not that I am answerable for their Faults; my "Design," as you charitably "suppose," having been "good."
If your Apprehensions are well founded with respect to the religious State of the People, which, as I should choose to be thought "serious," I will not "deny," it is certainly greatly to be lamented. An Opponent of less liberal Sentiments would, perhaps, have construed my honest Design a latent Attempt to discredit Religion itself; because I have doubted whether a Minister is to be considered by his Parishioners as the Plenipotentiary of Heaven. But you have intimated Nothing like it; and have generously acquitted me of an Intention to injure "that Order of Men," though you strangely think "when the Frailties or Imprudencies of Individuals are held up to the View of the World in the strongest Colours, the whole Body must expect in some Measure to suffer."
I am, my dear Sir, of a quite different Opinion; nor can I ever believe that I affront the Order by despising him whose Conduct and Manners disgrace and vilify it--On the contrary, I have ever held clearly that he greatly honours the Office, who exposes those who are its Reproach and Blemish.
I say not this with Reference to Mr. Adams, nor have I Occasion thus to vindicate myself. I have not found Fault with any Body but one, "who, for aught I know," and for aught I have said, in either (not in any) of my "Pieces," however justly, may be "a very good Man." I have not attacked his moral Character, nor called him any harder "Name" than SPIRITUAL RULER, at which, I trust, he is not offended.
From a thorough Consideration of your three first Paragraphs, I am constrained, in Addition to what is said above, to make these general Observations.--It is next to impossible for a Clergyman, who conducts himself agreeable to his Function, to miss of the Reverence due to his Character--If a Minister, in Defiance of all the Humanity and Condescension taught him by his Divine Master, will preposterously assume an Air of Arrogance, and aspire to spiritual Domination, he deserves the universal Contempt of all sober and intelligent Persons. But that Religion must naturally suffer by such Contempt, is perfectly unintelligible. It might as justly be said, that the regular Practice of Physic is endangered, in Proportion as Quacks and Mountebanks become the Objects of Derision and Ridicule.
I can with great Sincerity declare, that I believe no Man on Earth has a greater Regard for the worthy Part of the Clergy than myself. I am persuaded that a general Contempt of the Office would be destructive of Religion, and a Disrespect for the Order itself, attended with the most pernicious Effect; could it be supposed possible to take place, while the Ministers of Religion are so highly deserving of Esteem as they, in general, are in New England, which I can by no Means admit.
But you imagine that I am, at least, unkindly disposed towards Mr. Adams; and ask what Method I "could have taken to render him more odious to the Public." Truly I know of none to have rendered his Principles more odious. To render them so, was the Point I aimed at; and I most sincerely hope, with some Degree of Success. For after all your softening and soothing, and representing as if none but "faithful Ministers," and they "on some Occasions" only, might exercise such a Kind of Rule, I cannot see Reason to alter my Sentiments. The Power either is, or is not annexed to the Office. If it is not, he that claims it is an arrogant, presumptuous Man--If it is, then any little airy Coxcomb, without Learning or Virtue, whose highest Motive is a Living, that by Means of some popular Talents, and putting on a Shew of Piety for a Time, can get into the Office, has as full and clear a Right to exercise this Power, as the venerable Mr. Towgood himself.
You ask again, whether we "have any Reason to suppose" the worthy Gentleman last mentioned "would have expressed himself in the Manner he did, if the Pastors he referred to, had been serious and godly Men, of the People's own chusing." I answer, without the least Hesitation, that I believe he introduced the Nobleman's Huntsman merely to make the Absurdity of Mr. White's Assertion, that Pastors were Governors, &c. appear the more glaring; and though he would not have spoken with such Contempt of a better Man, yet I have no Doubt he utterly renounced such Powers, as unreasonable and unscriptural, never desiring them, even for himself, than whom no Man in Christendom is more worthy to possess them.
Your artful Supposition of a "New-Market Horse Jockey's" being ordained, and "sent to exercise spiritual Authority over" such as "are called Differents in Boston," you very well know does not come up to the Point. But though we should not "suppose ourselves under any Kind of Obligation to submit to him as our Guide, or our Governor," yet if he was sent to be Minister of King's Chapel, and to a People, who claim not the Right of choosing their own Minister, in that Case, those of his Church, who are of such Principles as Mr. White was, and Mr. Adams and yourself are, ought in Conscience to submit to him as their Guide and Governor--And on the same Grounds, the Nobleman's Huntsman ought to have
been regarded as the spiritual Director even of his Lordship himself, if he had lived in the same Parish. I am amazed, my dear Sir, to find you asserting the contrary, while you are vindicating the Right of New England Horse Jockies, (for several of that Employment are Ministers) to the Exercise of the Powers and Prerogatives which Mr. Adams contends for, and Mr. Towgood "disclaims with Abhorrence." It is true you seem to speak of faithful and godly Ministers only; but a Gentleman of your Discernment must know that it is their Office, and not their Goodness of Heart, that gives them the Right if they have it at all. This Kennel-Keeper was regularly, and according to the Usage of the Church of which he was a Member, introduced into Office, received episcopal Ordination, the Validity of which you will not deny; and if he had not Authority, to direct, rule and govern the People under his Care, the most godly and Pious Minister in New England has no such Power. I would even leave this to be determined by the Convention.
I heartily join with you in praying "we never may be troubled with such Pastors as are imposed upon the People without their Consent." But though ours are of our own choosing, you must nevertheless acknowledge it barely possible that as great a Genius as Mr. Locke, may, in some future Time, be of the Minority at the Election of as graceless a Blockhead as ever got inducted into a Benefice, after the Manner of the Church of England, to be the Minister of the Society to which the Gentleman may belong. He will, notwithstanding, upon your own Principles, be bound to respect him as his ghostly COMMANDER, and to submit to the Creature, as having the Rule over him.
"I will not deny but that "our venerable Fathers", who compiled the Platform, "considered Pastors and Teachers as Rulers in the Churches"--nor that in the New Testament the Publishers of the Religion of Christ in that Day, are spoken of as Rulers in Matters pertaining thereto. But if you were to assert, that before the sacred Canon was completed, and during the Preaching of the Men whom our blessed Saviour commissioned to be his Ambassadors, to instruct a benighted World in the great Truths of his Gospel, those who dispensed his Oracles to the Nations, that before had sat in Darkness, and in the Region of the Shadow of Death, were some of them Fatalists, and others Freewillers--that while some of them held their MASTER and LORD was in the highest Sense a Divine Person, others, though they taught that He was the first of the Creation of God, yet maintained that He was inferior to the Deity--and others still affirmed that He was no more than a mere Man, and consequently lower than the Angels--that while a few believed that without his Righteousness imputed to Sinners they could not obtain Salvation, more spoke only of an Atonement he had made by his Death, and declared that this vicarious Suffering would be accepted without any such Imputation--and some even informed their Hearers that the whole Design of his Advent was to teach a more perfect System of Morality, and set an Example of Obedience for the Imitation of others.--Should you affirm further, that there were as many Instances in that Day as there are now, in Proportion to the Number of public Teachers, who engaged in the Employment merely from secular Views, destitute of proper Qualifications for their Work, without a heartfelt Desire to advance the Interests of Christ's Kingdom in the World, and a sincere Disposition to do Good to the Souls of Men--and that in the apostolic Age, those who were denominated Pastors and Teach-
ers had no higher Degrees of Influence from the blessed Spirit of God, to lead them to the Knowledge of Truth and Duty, in special Cases, than Ministers have in the present Day--And if you were to proceed to shew which, consistently with your own Principles, you might attempt, that the same Kind and Degree of Authority with which those Messengers of Christ spake and acted in the Church, resided, while he sustained the Office of a Pastor, in THE AUTHOR OF THE ORATION ON THE BEAUTIES OF LIBERTY; I should most certainly "differ" as "widely" from you as I do from Mr. Adams; though I should be careful not to treat a Gentleman of your Politeness, with an unbecoming "Severity."
However "difficult" you may conceive it to be for me "to point out exactly how much of that Power which belonged to the Presbytery, is now buried in the Grave of the Ruling Elders," yet I will venture to attempt it, if you will first point out, with exactness, how much Power one of the Corporation of Harvard College would have remaining in him, considered in that Character, if the other Six where this Instant to be taken out of the World. If the only surviving Gentleman should take upon him to exercise all the Powers of the Corporation, there would be a Way found out to replace the other Members. And in the present Case, I will venture to predict, though I'd like Lay-Elders, that if Ministers shall take upon them to exercise all the Powers of the Presbytery, and there shall be no other Way to prevent it, here will soon be a Resurrection of as much Power as is now buried in the Grave of the Ruling Elders. I know you are prepared to tell me, that the whole Power was originally in the Minister, and that Lay Elders, were only appointed as Assistants to him--or, in other Words, the Power of the former was from Heaven, that of the latter from Men. The Truth is, that the mighty Hustle that is made to preserve the Power of Negating, is owing to the Clergy's supposing themselves possessed of a Power from Heaven, to ratify or disannul whatever the Church does. He that can receive it let him receive it.
After all, I can conceive of a sober Sense in which Ministers of modern Times may be said to be RULERS; but if I were to explain myself it would not be satisfactory to such spiritual Men as claim an Authority and Jurisdiction beyond the Bounds of Reason and Revelation. There is a Sense too in which they may be called PRIESTS, a Title much used in the Church of England, though in these Gospel Days, it belongs, properly, no more to the Minister than to the Choirster, and to neither unless he is a really pious and good Christian.
If I had not, by a Declaration in my last, in a Manner precluded myself from entering seriously into the Argument to disprove the Right of Clergymen to the Exercise of the Powers Mr. Adams has claimed for them, you have given me no opening for it, by producing any Proofs from your "Bible," though you are pleased to acquaint me you have consulted it for your own Information. It was a Right founded on Scripture that I had then in Contemplation.
I still think those detached Sentences, and broken Paragraphs, which you produced to shew that Mr. Adams was not singular in his Opinion, that Ministers have a Power of negating, were insufficient for your Purpose. It was not to be expected that I should "give myself the Trouble to read" the other Parts of the Platform, or "the Tracts from which the Sentences" and Parts of Paragraphs in "the Writings of Dr. Mather were taken." They were laid before the Public in that detached State, as a Proof of

your Point. The Extract from that Rev. Gentleman, now produced, proves that he held that Ministers have such a Power : But even his Authority will not reconcile the Minds of “ the good People among us,” who are Friends to religious Liberty, and understand what is meant by the Expression, to the Exercise of it.
But how, my dear Sir, you can “evince” that Mr. Adams is not singular in supposing that a Pastor would not be guilty of violating the Rules of the Platform, should he, “ on some Occasions, dissent from the Votes of the Church, and so render them void and of no Effect ”—(thus you chuse to express yourself) “by referring to the Practice of Ministers ” in former Times, is to me extremely Enigmatical indeed. How can you possibly know, Sir, that those “ godly Ministers ” did not intentionally violate the Rules of the Platform? there having been godly Men , having “adorned those Churches,” and their Names being venerated by the present Generation, (a Proof, by the Way, that good Clergymen are not become despicable ) will not certainly prove the contrary, for even Ministers of such a Character have sometimes acted, in particular Instances, much too arbitrarily. It moreover appears very strange to me that you should assign as Reasons for not mentioning their Names, that they have rested from their Labours , and that their Memory is had in Veneration, when you think it right to follow their Example, and are a professed Advocate for the same Practices.
 I would just mention, en passant , that Ministers not sitting "in Councils as Church Officers," but merely "as Church Messengers," is a Thought entirely new to me. I ever conceived very differently of the Matter before. Hence I concluded arose their Precedency to Lay Messengers; which I most sincerely thought, when assembled on spiritual Affairs they had an undoubted Right to—Hence the Duty of Lay Messengers to hold the Stirrup, and perform other menial Services—and hence I deduced the Propriety of young Ministers Names appearing at the Foot of the Result, in FAIR ROMAN CAPITALS, on the Right, and the Names of aged Lay Messengers on the Left, in little scurvy Italic's; and the Duty of the Reverend SCRIBE to order it so accordingly. 
You will allow me to be pleasant, my dear Sir, for the Relief of my own Mind, in this important Controversy.
But to return to the Subject of the nega- tiving Power——Could it have been said with Truth that Mr. Adams was singular in his Sentiments, when I published the Columns, it cannot now be affirmed, since you have adopted his Opinions, and, with them, his Method of reasoning, where you make it a Matter of Conscience, on some Occasions, for a Minister to put a Negative on the Votes of a Church. I say, put a Negative——for your Talk of his withhold- ing his Consent only, is a mere Cobweb Co- vering, and every Man of the least Penetra- tion must know, that a Gentleman of your good Sense would look upon yourself as poor- ly employed in proving, what is evident to every Reader, that “Mr. Adams is right,” (according to his own and your Conception of the Nature of the ministerial Office) in asserting that the Ministers not consenting to the Vote of the Church puts a Negative upon it;” for this plain Reason, because he will refuse to execute it, when he may be, according to the general Opinion, (from which 'tis probable, however, some may dissent) “the only” Person “in the Church that can” do it.
But where, Sir, is the mighty Difficulty, in the Minister's being obliged to carry into Execution, as the proper Officer, every Vote which the Church may pass, at Meetings regularly called, and in which he himself presides? I profess to be so dull as not to be able to conceive of a Case where, if I was a Minister, it would be against my Conscience to do it, after I had taken all proper Pains in the Way of Reasoning and Persuasion, to prevent a Vote's passing. 'Tis indeed barely "possible" the Church might assemble, without my Knowledge, in an irregular Way, and the major Part vote that I should set Fire to the Meeting House, or shoot the Sexton; but with such a Vote, passed at such a Meeting, I should have Nothing to do. As to Matters of Discipline, where the Minister calls the Meeting, and is Moderator of it, an Instance can scarcely be produced of a Vote's passing contrary to his Mind. But supposing the Vote should be to suspend or excommunicate a Member, whom the Minister judges not deserving of such hard treatment, why should he scruple to declare or pronounce the Sentence of the Church, after he has, by speaking his Mind freely in the Church Meeting, delivered his own Soul? Not but just to mention that the most wise
and knowing among the Clergy ought to entertain a Degree of Diffidence of their own Judgment, where great Numbers of the Laity are of a different Opinion.
 As this Plea of Conscience is the Sheet-Anchor of the Advocates for the negating Power, you will allow me to write a little more about it, and about it, without entering fully into the Dispute; and if I should confound this Point with that of the Power of the Keys, to which it is so near of Kin, I hope you will excuse me. A Minister propounds a Person for Admission into the Church before, or at the Time for which, Objections are made; which being of little or no Weight, in the Judgment of the Church, when the Question is put, they vote to receive him. The Minister being of a different Judgment, what is to be done? Why, says Mr. Adams, "The Pastor is so the Doorkeeper as to prevent the Admission of Persons whom he deems unworthy , even though there is a Vote of the Church" for it. He will then publickly declare, that he diffents from the Vote they have passed . This he has a Right to do, on all Occasions, in common with every other Member, and in the supposed Case, he may think himself bound in Conscience to do it. But will the Church thereupon consider their Vote as a Nulity, and the Person as no Member? No, surely, unless they are the most servile of the Creation of God. On the next Communion Day the Person will be present, to comply with a Gospel Institution. If the Minister should desire, or, which is more consonant to such Pretensions, order him to withdraw, will he, on his Non-compliance violate his Obligations as a Gospel Minister, by refusing to administer the Lord's Supper? Let him answer it to his GREAT MASTER if he should. A Plea of Conscience will not avail, while he, without any Reluctance, has constantly administered to some others whom he had no Reason in the World to think have the smallest Degree of Goodness in their Hearts; for such there are in almost every Church; some who cannot, for want of Proof of overt Acts, be dealt with in the Way of godly Discipline, and others who on Account of their Eminence, by Reason of Riches, or Office, or their Liberality to the Minister, or to the Church, or merely through spiritual Indolence, are suffered to go on quietly in an evil Way . In the former Case the Minister has done his Duty, by endeavouring to prevent the Person's Admission; he has done all that Reason and the New-Testament will warrant him in doing, and he may have a peaceful Conscience; in the latter Case, neither he nor the Church can be blameless, till both have done as much as Reason and Scripture require of them respectively, to have the Discipline of the Church duly administered. Here again, if the Church, in his Opinion, should be too tender, or too severe, he has Nothing to do, in order to keep a good Conscience, but by fair Argument to endeavour to shew to them their Duty. But, says Mr Adams, "he is so the Door keeper as to prevent the Exclusion of Persons ," when he thinks they ought not to be excluded, notwithstanding the Vote of the Church. "He is bound" in such a Case, "in Faithfulness to his Master to negative" the Vote, it being "contrary to the Laws and Interest of CHRIST" to excommunicate a Member for a Fault that does not deserve Excommunication. Accordingly the Minister, if he is in Mr. Adams's Sentiments, will refuse to pronounce the Sentence of the Church. But by such Refusal, I humbly conceive, as the Duty of his Office is violated, so he discovers his own Obstinacy , more than his Tenderness of Conscience ; a Case which happens oftner than most People are aware of. This is all he could do towards multiplying the Vote; and a Church which acknowledges Ministers possessed of such a Power, would sit down quietly under the Oppression; but where a different Opinion prevails, the Members would interpose, and, in a peaceable Way, prevent the excommunicated Person from partaking with them, if he were to be present on a Communion Day for that Purpose. In this as the Body of the Church they might be justified, although the Minister, in the aforementioned Case, being but a single Member could not be vindicated in refusing to administer. The Claim I am contending against, utterly destroys the best Rule that ever was established for the Government of Societies, namely the Voice of the Majority; and the Practice of the Sandemanian Church , where perfect Unanimity is required, in Order to the Validity of a Vote, is a thousand Times more rational and eligible. 
 One Conjecture I will hazard by the Way, without desiring it should be applied to any Case that has ever happened, namely, that whatever may be said in justification of 
a Minister's refusing to administer either Baptism or the Lord's Supper, contrary to the Mind of the Church, if a Deacon should refuse to carry the Bread and Wine to any particular Communicant whom he judged unworthy, or if a Sexton should neglect to provide Water for Baptism, for Fear of its being profaned by a wrong Application in any particular Instance, (though the Dictates of their Consciences would be as sacred as those of any Clergyman's under Heaven) no Men would despise them more for their Squeamishness than some Gentlemen of the Cloth.
 But not to make too many Excursions— You seem to be aware, my dear Sir, that the Power of Negativizing, like absolute kingly Power in the State, cannot be safely intrusted in the Hands of the Clergy, without Distinction; and therefore these Expressions— godly Ministers, faithful Ministers, aged and venerable Ministers, &c. But if it cannot safely be lodged with a raw, inexperienced Boy, or a haughty, imperious, overbearing man, if such should happen to be in holy Orders, it ought not to exist in the Church. If it is a Remnant of Popery, unless we are willing to return back into spiritual Egypt, we ought to protest against it. Your Acquaintance with ecclesiastical History will inform you, that on the same Principle on which your Doctrine, namely the Need there is, on some Occasions , for the Interposition of a wiser and better Head than any to be found among those usually denominated by Way of Distinction, the Brotherhood , (though our Saviour says all ye are Brethren. I say, on this same Principle on which your Doctrine is founded, it was judged proper that one Man should be invested with a Power of deciding in all difficult Cases, and from thence HIS HOLINESS derived his Authority. 
 I know not who I am addressing, whether "an old Man, or a young one," whether a Clergyman, or a Layman ; but from the mild, generous and Christian Temper you discover, if you are a Minister, I take you to be as proper a Person to exercise the Power of negating as any among us ; and perhaps you might do it with Advantage, not only to the Church to which you stand particularly related, but to others also, if your Power was extended ; but it does not follow that because some godly, faithful, aged and venerable Ministers have, with Advantage to the Churches in some Instances, exercised the Power in dispute, that it is safe it would be a Part of our ecclesiastical Constitution ; and I can by no Means admit that it is. Your Principle seems to be this, that although all cannot safely be entrusted with it, as it should never be wantonly exercised (very good Talk) yet it ought always to rest in Petto , with every very good and worthy Minister, to be used on extraordinary Occasions only. Consider of this more thorough'ly, my dear Sir, and you will certainly give it up as indefensible. 
 You appear, Sir, to be, and I make no doubt you are, friendly to the Rights of the Churches, upon your own Principles; and I think you would come a little nearer to mine, if you were not unreasonably afraid that Ministers will become mere Cyphers. He that would be so without a negative Voice, would certainly be unfit to have it; and such an one as I think you would deem fit to exercise the Power, could preserve his Dignity and Importance full as well without it. A prudent, sensible, pious Minister a mere Cypher! You know, Sir, that it is almost impossible but such a Minister must have as much Influence as it is proper he should have. But you do not seem to have had this impressed upon your Mind, when you say, “ we may easily suppose Cases where an aged and venerable Pastor, together with the most serious and judicious Part of his Church, could not agree with a Majority in some very important Matters of Discipline ”—and add, “ in such Cases I am sure you could not desire a godly Minister, in the Name of his Great Master, to execute such Votes as are contrary to his Conscience. ” I cannot so easily suppose such Cases as you may imagine, as I believe such a Minister, joined with such other serious and judicious Men of the Church, would forever secure a Majority, at least, on the same Side of the Question with themselves. But I must beg Leave to repeat, as often as Occasion shall require, what you will not gainsay, that if one Minister has the Right all have—and it is much easier to suppose a Case , now Mr. Adams has published a Doctrine, which so many before were unacquainted with, where a young, unfledged, conceited Pig, who before he fancied himself commissioned to utter his Nonsense for the Word of God, was not fit to be admitted into Gentlemen’s Company, would exercise this Right of negating, or (if you choose rather) of withholding his Consent, and refusing to execute Votes, contrary to the Judgment of seven- 
eighths of the Church; a great Part of whom perhaps much more knowing and respectable than himself; and for this his Obstinacy he would plead Conscience; for such I "suppose have Consciences of their own."
In Churches organized according to the Platform, Ministers were sometimes, it is probable, in the Minority, when Matters were determined in the Presbytery. Had they a negative Voice there? Or was unanimity essential to every Vote? If neither was the Case, how did they then carry Votes into Execution, contrary to their Judgment, without Trouble to their Consciences?
 You think we are not in Danger of ecclesiastical Tyranny, because “the Constitution,” (so you are pleased to express yourself) “makes Provision for General Councils, or Synods , where Matters” in dispute “are to be determined.” How much Sir, might particular Members, and even whole Churches suffer, notwithstanding such Provision! 
You give an extraordinary Reason against a People's complaining "of Laws as cruel and oppressive," namely that their own Legislature made them. What other Way is there for a People to obtain Redress? I have not however, complained of any ecclesiastical Laws; but of those who act contrary to them, if it is proper to call the Rules of the Platform by that Name.
Though I have written in great haste, yet I acknowledge I have been very tedious and prolix ; and I have to apologize for the Want of due Regularity and Order. " In this Day of Inquiry " I have your Allowance to " deliver " my " Sentiments " freely. I know my Doom however, if I greatly offend the Clergy ; and I should, in such a Case, be happy to change Coats with Mr. Adams, notwithstanding a Degree of Indignation has been raised against him among the Laity. But to save my Bacon I promise not to scribble any more, without very great Provocation.
It is high time, Sir, to take my Leave of you, and I should be glad to part in Friendship; therefore as I have before said that I have the greatest Regard for worthy Clergymen, so I would further declare, that I ever aim to exercise the same Candor towards them, that I could with might, on all Occasions, be exercised towards myself. I consider them as Men of like Passions with others, and do not look for a Perfection of Conduct and Character, which is beyond the Tether of Humanity. It is from
the hearty good Will I bear to the Order, as well as to prevent too great a Degree of spiritual Predominancy, that I would have their Power under proper Bounds and Limits. If my Intentions should be misunderstood and misrepresented, I must submit; but that I may not appear “ singular in ” my “Sentiments,” to any of my Readers, a Matter of about as much Consequence as that Mr. Adams should not in his, I will finish with the Words of one “ now resting from his Labours ,” who, in his Day, I suppose, “adorned” the Church of England in as high a Degree as any you refer to did the Churches on this Side the Atlantic; and whose Name is, perhaps, as much “venerated by the present Generation.”
“ It is highly incumbent (says he) on “ the Laity to be jealous of every Claim of “ spiritual Power. Let the Clergy have “ the freest Indulgence to do Good, and “ spread the Knowledge and Practice of “ true Religion, and promote Peace and “ good Will amongst Mankind. Let them “ be applauded, encouraged and rewarded, “ when they are Patterns of Virtue, and “ Examples of real Piety to their Hearers. “ Such Powers as these God and Man “ would readily allow them; and as to any “ other, I apprehend, they have little Right “ to them, and am sure they have seldom “ made a wise and rational Use of them.”
Y.
MONDAY, September 20. BOSTON.
By Capt. Symmes advice is received that Governor Pownal has had the offer of this government ; but that he declined accepting it, only on consideration that he would not be subjected to the instruction of the minister in the manner that the present commander in chief is. (HUM.)
In Captain Symmes came passengers Thomas Danforth, Esq; and Capt Johnson.
 A letter from London, of the 21st of July, mentions, that Mr. Harrison, the ingenious mathematician, has received the other moiety of the sum granted by parliament, making in the whole 20,000l. for his discovery of a method of finding the longitude at sea. 
MARRIED.] Rev. M. Elijah Parsons of East-Haddam, in Connecticut, to Miss Elizabeth Rogers, daughter of Mr. Gamaliel Rogers, of this town.

From the PUBLIC ADVERTISER, LONDON July 29th, 1773.
To the Earl of DARTMOUTH.
MY LORD,
IT is my wish to kindle every spark of virtue wherever it may be found. Though your conduct has given me reason to doubt, I do not yet despair. I address you now, not as a flatterer at your Levee, but as a public Monitor.
The indecisive hand with which you have held the reins of the American Department as little becomes your character, as the terms on which you received them. It is not now a time for hesitation. The man who sees the storm gathering to a fatal head, without providing against it, is either unmoved by fear, or destitute of wisdom. A little more delay, my Lord, and you will compel the Americans to that state, in which to act on your part with lenity, will be disgrace; with spirit, destruction. The bonds of amity, which are now loosened, will be cut asunder for ever.
We have seen your predecessor unwisely listening to and criminally conducting his measures upon the private information of anonymous spies, or of men whose characters were impeached, and whose interests and enmities made them decided partisans against the people. It is not wonderful that the intelligence derived from such a source was false, fraudulent and fatal. Beware my Lord, how you drink of the same poisoned cup. It will, no doubt, be offered you. The private letters of Governor Bernard and the Commissioners to the Earl of Hillsborough, which were published some time since, and the intelligence they conveyed, which time has proved to have been artfully forged for the wicked purpose of exciting this country to unwarrantable violence, should be a warning to your Lordship, as well against trusting such men as against admitting such a mode of information. The unfairness and the folly of it are equally evident. To condemn a whole people not only unheard, but unapprized of the accusation, upon the private representations of a few interested individuals notoriously their enemies is a degree of injustice which nothing can exceed. But to form the measures of a great government upon the little interests, piques and prejudices of such secret informants, is folly and wickedness in the extreme: Yet such I may venture to affirm has been the source of the opinions and the guide of the conduct of his Majesty's ministers, some few only excepted, ever since the commencement of the late foolish contention with our colonies. The actions of the people, and the motives of them have been constantly misrepresented under the cover of secret and confidential correspondence. A spirit of proscription has been raised against all those, whom these interested individuals are pleased to denominate leaders of faction and enemies to government. Thus the free and many Government of England is reduced to the dark assassinating system of eastern despotism.
The elegant correspondence between Lord Hillsborough, Governor Bernard, and the Commissioners of customs in America, are in proof of what I have advanced, and the last accounts from Boston have given it additional authority.
The sudden death of a late active enemy to America, left some letters from Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Oliver, and others, in the hands of a member of parliament, where they had been placed to seduce him from the interests of the colonies. By this accident they reached Boston, and copies of them have been sent to this country. Your Lordship I presume has seen them. It is unnecessary to say more of them, than that they abound with a malignant censure against the proceeding of the people, and invectives against individuals, calling for a military force, and exemplary punishment. Mr. Hutchinson knowing there was an injunction against making these letters public, ventured in a message to the house to affirm, that they contained nothing that was intended to respect the constitution of the province. To shew how strictly he attends to truth, your Lordship will read, in one of his own letters, that "there must be an abridgement of what are called English liberties." It remains with Mr. Hutchinson to shew how their liberties can be abridged, and the constitution untouched. Nor will it escape your Lordship how happily these good men harmonize in sounding their own merit, and begging for reward. They all expect favour and encouragement, pay and promotion. I hope, my Lord, you will not forget the moral rectitude of their services, and the very great advantages which have flowed from them to both countries.
The seal of secrecy and confidence which these men fixed upon their letters, was adopted by that wise and worthy minister, the Earl of Hillsborough. He assumed it, because he knew the orders contained in his letters were illegal; they used it, because they were equally conscious that the intelligence conveyed in theirs was wickedly false. The principle of their letters is, that whoever they thus secretly accuse, shall be doomed to punishment without knowing his accusers or his crime. What an excellent dispensation of justice is here laid down. Governor Hutchinson was then Chief Justice of the province. It is only to be lamented that his great talents were confined to so narrow a circle. In principle he is fit to have been a Mussulman, or a Jesuit, or a James.
Could your Lordship have been surprised, if upon the detection of these letters, which are sufficient to confirm the most wavering, and inflame the most lukewarm, the just indignation of the people had put the authors of them to instant
DEATH. The stations they fill, and a sacred sense of justice, have repressed their rage. But, my Lord, should these men be suffered to continue in those stations, what must the people think of the justice of his Majesty's ministers, or the wisdom of his councils? Will they retain any confidence in the one, or reverence for the other? Can it appear less than a personal indignity to the King, and a disgrace to all government that he should be represented by men who stand convicted of intentions the most atrocious of treachery and falsehood.
You owe it, my Lord, to your own honour, to the honour of the national councils, to the honour of his Majesty, to make examples of those who have thus offended. Deprive them of the confidence they have abused—dismiss them for ever from the places of which they are manifestly unworthy; insist upon a parliamentary revision of all the American acts; urge an abolition of those late institutions which are incompatible with the fundamental principles of English liberty, and parental only of oppression; be severe in the plan of reconciliation, which you are convinced is right, whatever opposition you may experience from the prejudices of the royal breath, or the practices of the work of his Majesty's ministers.
If you cannot succeed, the path is plain: Atoned for an incautious assumption of power, by an honourable resignation.
JUNIUS AMERICANUS
WEDNESDAY, September 22. BOSTON.
Last Friday Capt. Symmes arrived here from London, by whom we have the London News Papers to the 29th of July; from them we have selected the following
EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.
LONDON. July 15.
A LADY of fortune, who intends after her decease to be dissected and anatomized, had lately made an elegant mahogany case, adorned with emblems of death, in which her skeleton is to be kept. It cost upwards of 60l.
Major General Carlton succeeds General Gage, as Commander in Chief of the Forces in North America.
Letters from Scotland advise that vessels are engaged to carry 1100 people from their western coast to America in the month of August next.
A merchant of Charlestown, in the province of Massachusetts Bay, has invented a method to save the great expence distillers of all kinds of spirits are at to condense the vapour or steam arising in the worm, tube, or steam vessel of any form, and, by a simple method, to keep cold water for that purpose constantly applied to the worm, in strait tube or vessel of any shape that any one shall prefer.
July 24. It is said that a considerable number of French Refugees, well skilled in the management of silk-worms, and making of wines, have within these few days engaged themselves on very advantageous terms to go to New-York and South Carolina, where the cultivation of their two lucrative branches of business is carrying on with great spirit.
We are assured, that a Lady of Pleasure at the West end of the town has realized 1500l. per annum, from the profits of her occasional service at the altar of Venus.
A Scotch Penwuke-maker was employed to make a Great Personage's Spanish flageolet that now both the out, as well as the inside of his head, is entirely furnished by Scotchmen.
ST. JAMES, July 13. The King has been pleased to appoint Sir Hugh Palliser, Bart. Sir John Williams, Knt. George Marsh, Timothy Brett, James Gambier, and William Temple, Esqrs. Sir Richard Temple, Barr. Frederick Rogers, Esq; Sir Richard Hughes, Bart. and Charles Proby, Esq; to be principal officers and commissioners of the navy.
LONDON. JULY 27.
It is whispered that Lord Stormont is ordered to repair to Paris immediately, on account of some particular advices received from the English charge des affaires.
Tuesday night some interesting dispatches arrived at St. James's from Lord Grantham at Madrid, which were immediately transmitted to his Majesty at Kew.
JULY 28.
A correspondent from South-Audley-street informs us, that Lady Augusta Stuart, fourth daughter of Lord Bute, was privately married a few days since to Capt. Corbet of the Horse guards. As soon as the ceremony was over the new married couple set out for Paris.
JULY 29.
They write from Paris, that some very important affairs are on the carpet between that Court and the Emperor, and that the Court Stolberg, the Imperial Ambassador,
is very frequently closeted with his Majesty and the minister.
It is the opinion of some men skilled in politics, that England, before Christmas, will be under the necessity of engaging in a war, or submitting to many pilferings and insults. To know which of these will happen it is impossible; but we may guess: Our ministers have been so much accustomed to ease and idleness, as well as to the making apologies and submissions to other nations, and so little to war and honour, that peace and disgrace may be the fate of this nation a year longer.
It was confidently said, that the Viceroy of a neighbouring kingdom is expected here in a short time, on some affairs of much importance.
THURSDAY, September 23. BOSTON.
From the Bay of Honduras we learn that some of the rebellious negroes were taken and five of them executed.
The celebrated Dr. Benjamin Franklin is expected in Philadelphia from England, some time this fall.
It is now said there will be two new Governors appointed in the New-England governments.
Yesterday being the anniversary of his Majesty's Coronation, the same was observed here, with the usual demonstrations of joy. The several companies of the militia in this town had their fourth and last training for the year. Their improvements in the military art is really surprising. We have not room to mention the companies respectively, and their various performances, suffice it to say, they were ALL on general satisfaction.
*** Many articles of intelligence, some advertisements, &c. must be omitted for want of room.
Isaiah Thomas,
INFORMS the public that he has REMOVED his PRINTING OFFICE from the Corner of Marshall's Lane, near the Mill-Brigade, to the Foot of Royal Exchange-Lane, the room improved for sixteen ears past, by M. Hunter, and others, for an Auction Room.
HORSEMANSHIP. By Mr. BATES,
The Original Performer.
WHO has had the honour of performing before the Emperor of Germany, the Empress of Russia, and the King of Great Britain, the French King, the Kings of Prussia, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark and Poland, and the Prince of Orange;—Afo at the Courts of Saxony, Bavaria, Brunswick, Mecklenburgh, Saxe Gotha, Hildburghausen, Anspach, and every other Court in Germany: At all which he received the greatest APPLAUSE, as can be made manifest by the Certificates from several Courts now in his possession.
TOMORROW,
If good weather, if not, on Tuesday next, he will perform on One, Two, Three and Four Horses, at the bottom of the Mall in Boston, when there will be added to his other performances,
A Burlesque on HORSEMANSHIP, or the TAYLOR riding to BRENTFORD.
The doors will be open at three o'clock, and he will mount precisely at four.
He will take it as a particular favour if gentlemen will not suffer any dogs to come with them.
*** Tickets at three shillings each, to be had at Col. Ingersoll's in King street, Mr. Brackett's in School-street, and at the place of performance. No money will be taken at the door nor admittance without a ticket.
N. B. As he has made New Tickets, no old ones will be taken.
Excellent Cheshire CHEESE.
Imported in the last ship from LONDON, And to be sold by
CHARLES LOWE,
At his shop opposite the BOSTON STONE, in Marshall's lane, leading into Union street.
Excellent Cheshire Cheese, the best that has been imported into this country for some time, by the 100 lb. single or half Cheese.
To be SOLD, At PETER HUGHES's Store,
In King street, ENGLISH, Russia and Ravens DUCK, loaf Sugar, and boxes of choice Lisbon LEMMONS.
For LONDON, The ship LONDON,
ROBERT CALEF, master,
Lyving at the Long Wharf,
Will absolutely sail by the first day of November, having part of her cargo engaged.
For freight or passage apply to King street, to PETER HUGHES.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of JAMES MORTIMER, late of Boston, Tallow Chandler, deceased, either on book, bond or note, are desired to pay their respective debts to JOSEPH RICHARDSON, Executor to said estate; and if any persons have any demands on said estate, they are desired to apply to said Executor and receive their respective ballances, as he is determined to settle said estate as soon as possible. Sept 24, 1773.
Imported in Capt. Calef from LONDON, by JONATHAN WILLIAMS, jun.
A General Assortment of FALL GOODS,
Which, with those he has by him, he proposes to run off by Wholesale and Retail as soon as possible, he does not say at the Sterling cost, nor at what advance, but requests his kind friends to favour him with a visit, that he may have an opportunity of shewing how reasonable his prices are according to the qualities of his Goods, and if they should think it advantageous to buy of him, he will be much obliged to them for their custom; if not, he cannot expect it.
HAIR Grogams, grizetts, misinets, silk crapes, Demark lusters, Irish camblets, worsted grograms poplins, camblets, calamancoes, taberets, tamies, durans, drawboys, Irish linens, diaper table cloths, cotton checks, laced facings, plain ditto, brown and yellow holland, toed and brocaded clogs, superfine Bath beavers, lambkins, frizes, rateens, duffels, blaiks, baizes, German serges, embossed ditto, whitine, kerseys, cotton velvets, flannels, evriliating, cotton denims, serge ditto, shaloon, worsted mts. and gloves, breeches patterns, London and Lynn made women's shoes, a few best superfine 10-4s. rose blankets, ermlings, Capuchin silks of all colours, snail trimmings.
With a variety of other Articles.
Note, he has by him a quantity of second, third and low priced Broad Cloths, which he will sell to great advantage by Wholesale, as he intends to deal principally in Superfines, of which he now has an elegant assortment, with every kind of trimming, particularly new fashioned buttons, just imported.
SALES by AUCTION.
Auction-Room, CORNHILL, On TUESDAY next, at TEN o'clock Will be sold by PUBLIC VENDUE, At the Auction-Room in Cornhill,
A LARGE assortment of English GOODS suitable for the season. The particulars will be in the Monday's papers W. GREENLEAF, Auctioneer.
For the Benefit of the Insurers. On THURSDAY, the 30th of September, At Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon, Will be sold by PUBLIC VENDUE, On HANCOCK's Wharf,
THE Remains of the Britannia STORE SHIP, which was burnt on the 29th day of May last, now lying at said wharf, with the stores which were saved, consisting of three anchors from 14 to 16 100 lb. each; two small kedges iron lurked; the iron work of a patent windlass; an iron fire hearth; a mooring swivel; about two tons of iron work consisting of chain plates, bolts, and two mooring cables about thirteen inches; two buoy ropes and buoys; one long boat and one yawl. All which may be viewed at any time before the sale by applying to Capt. MATCHETT on Colonel HANCOCK's wharf. J. RUSSELL, Auctioneer.
Public Vendue of House Furniture. On FRIDAY, the 1st of October, At Nine o'clock in the morning, Will be Sold by PUBLIC VENDUE, At the dwelling house in Cornhill,
Of the late Mr. Benjamin Bagnall, deceased, ALL the house furniture of said deceased, consisting of parlour, chamber and kitchen furniture, such as looking glasses, desks, tables, chairs, suits of curtains, a number of feather beds, bedsteads, blankets, coverleads, chest of drawers, berseaus, some glass and China ware, a great variety of kitchen furniture, as pewter, brass and copper utensils and too many articles to be enumerated, the whole to be seen the day before the sale. W. GREENLEAF, Auctioneer.
N. B. An excellent clock for a church. The sale to be on Friday the 1st of October, at nine o'clock in the morning, at the house in Cornhill, of the late Mr. Benjamin Bagnall deceased.
Auction-Room near the Conduit. On THURSDAY next, At ELEVEN o'clock, Will be Sold by PUBLIC VENDUE, At BICKER's Auction-Room, Near the Conduit,
A GREAT variety of GOODS, as usual. M. BICKER, Auctioneer.

ALEXANDER EDWARDS, takes this method to inform his friends and the public, that his business is now carried on as usual in Back-Street, where may be had all sorts of cabinet ware, made in the neatest and best manner;—Mahogany and Black Walnut in legs, planks and boards:—All which he will sell as cheap for the cash, as can be pur- chased in town.
Just imported in Capt. Cales from LONDON, And to be sold by
ROBERT RUGGLES, In Cornhill, near the Town pump, Boston, A large assortment of  ENGLISH and India GOODS, suitable for the season, which will be sold on the lowest terms.
He has also for Sale, An assortment of Looking Glasses.
Mr. THOMAS.  AS professions of selling Goods cheap have been so long made, as to have lost all force.
SAMUEL ELIOT, Would request the attention of your readers no longer, than barely to inform them, that he has imported from the manufacturers, in the Capt. Cales and Callahan, a large assortment of  English, and Hard Ware GOODS,
Which will be sold by wholesale and retail, at his shop near the head of Dock Square, and at his store in Wilson's Lane.
JOSHUA GARDNER, Acquaints his customers, and the public, that he has just imported from LONDON, in Capt. Cales, a General
Assortment of English GOODS, Suitable for the approaching season; among which are the following articles, viz
PLAIN and knapt Bath beaver coatings, lambkins, bearkins, scarlet Whit- ney, rose and duffel blankets, blue and red duf- fel; scarlet, green, crimson, blue and white drapey baize; green and crimson, Colchester baize, white flannel, scarlet and crimson broad cloths, low priced, middling and superfine broad cloths, German serge, forest cloths; plain, mix- ed and striped cambleteens, cloak camblets, yar- wide crapes, poplins, Denmark lustres, fur trim- mings, grey muffs and tippets, common muffs and tippets, shalloons, tammies, durants, cal- mances, plain black russel, flowered russels, black and coloured drawboys, black everlasting velveteens, 3 4ths and 7 8ths dowlas, Irish linens sheeting, cambricks and lawns, plain and flower- ed gauze, cargats, Paris and spiders net, black and white blond lace, scarlet and white ditto, black bone lace, white thread lace and footings Manchester checks, buckrams, wax threads, coat a d shoe bindings, sewing silks, worsted and silk knee garters, dersh head and covered buttons, gold and silver thread buttons, scarf twill, com- mon sewing needles, milliners and chapel ditto, No. 4 pins, brass and pound pins, crewels, wor- sted, qualities, garterings, linen and silk hand- kerchiefs, Women's satin gloves and mitts, white glazed lamb gloves, worsted mitts and gloves, women's silk mitts and gloves, men's black silk gloves, white silk hose, men's and women's thread cotton and worsted hose, breeches patterns, mock velvet caps, striped and plain worsted caps, horn and ivory combs, writing and bonnet pa- per, ink-powder; pink, blue, white and black packets, black cassia, coloured ditto, plain and flowered black satins, white and crimson sprig- ed satin, black figured mode, ribbons, silk ser- ges, Scotch threads, bed-ticks and bunts, ravens cuck, pepper and nutmegs.
With many other articles, All which will be sold at a very reasonable price at his shop in Cornhill, Boston.
SAMUEL PARKMAN, informs his friends and customers, that he has received by Capt. Cales from LONDON, a large and complete assortment of  ENGLISH and India GOODS, consisting of almost every article that can be used for; which he will sell at his shop in Union-street, as cheap as can be bought in town, wholesale or retail.
N. B. A few firkins of excellent Butter, if applied for soon.
WHEREAS the Copartnership of JAMES and ROBERT SELKRIG is mutually agreed upon to be dissolved the first of September next. This is to desire all persons to whom they are indebted, to bring in their accounts, at their Store on the Town Dock, for settlement—And all persons indebted to said company, are hereby desired to pay their respective balances at said Store, where business will be carried on as usual, by JAMES and ALEXANDER SELKRIG, un- der the Firm of JAMES SELKRIG and COM- PANY. JAMES SELKRIG. ROBERT SELKRIG.
Extreme Cheap for Cash. Just arrived in Capt. Cales from LONDON, and now ready for sale at the shop of  DUNCAN INGRAHAM, jun. In Union Street, Boston. A compleat Assortment of  EUROPEAN GOODS, That are well bought, Wholesale and Retail, Constant attendance is given, and every favour duly acknowledged.
Among his Goods are the following, viz  SUPERFINE, middling and low priced broad cloths, with suitable trimmings, German serge, kerseys, bearkins, coating, bath beaver, lambkins, duffels, satteens, Yorkshire plains, flannels, Colchester and drapery baizes, halfhicks imbossed serge, 6 4, 7 4, 8 4, 9 4, and 10-4 blankets, striped ditto, whitneys, a compleat assortment of mens womens and child- rens hose, milled gloves and caps 3 4 and half ell plain and figured satins, capuchin silks, English and India cassies, persians, sarfets, crapes, poplins, Denmark lustres, messineus, grezers, broiles, burdets, jubilees do seteens, camblets, cambleteens, figured stuffs, shalloons, tammies, durants, calamances, figured and plain drawboys, twill velvets, velveteens, black russel, quilted petticoats, white loom quilting, checks, Irish linens all widths, dowlasses, bed- ticks, diaper and damask table linen, wornens and childrens pomp dour, blue and purple satin leather gloves worked backs, mms best buck gloves, gauze handkerchiefs satin borders, furniture checks. Russia and ravens cuck, tick lenburgh, osnaburgs, Russia drabs, diaper, bon- dano and small handkerchiefs, carpets and carpeting, callicoes, gauzes, catguts, nettings, silk mitts and gloves, muslins, fustanets, fust- ians, jeans, cambricks, lawns, ivory and horn combs, penknives, razors, scissors, thimbles, worsted and cruels, childrens red and green morocco shoes and pumps; bone, blond and trolly laces, chevau de frise lace, snails pins, needles, writing and Royal board paper, bind- ings, sewing silks and all other goods usually im- ported from Europe.
N. B. Bibles, testament, spelling books, psalters and primers, cinnamon, nutmegs, cloves, mace, China ware, best Hyson tea, clogs, goloshes, English and Lynn shoes, very genteel muffs and fur trimmings, boys white and black leather caps, plumes for ladies riding hats, merry Andrew and Highlander playing cards, pound beads, &c. &c. &c.
Drugs and Medicines.
A fresh and large assortment of Drugs and Me- dicines, are just arrived in Captain Lyde, and to be sold in large or small quantities, by
M. B. GOLDTHWAIT, At his shop near the Mill-Bridge, Boston, Among which are the following, viz
Dr. James's fe- ver powder. s. Keyser's justly famous Pills. Lockyer's ditto. Anderson's ditto. Hooper's family ditto, Turlington's balsam of life. anteman's drops. Eau de Luce. Dr. Cook's worm pow- der  Godfrey's Cor- dial. Hemet's much approv- ed Dentifrice for the Teeth. Grenough's Tincture for the Teeth. Duto for the Tooth- Ach. Balsam of Honey. Essence of Pepper- Mint.
And almost every kind of PATENTED MEDICINES. Also, Phials, Gallipots, Mortars, &c. &c.
All kinds of SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS. Hungary and Levander Water, Court plaster, a variety of Smelling-bottles, Sago, Salop, Bar- ley, Cephalic Snuff for the Head ach, Can- died Ginger, Citron—Choice Velvet Corks, by the large or small quantity.—Best Almonds, Turkey Figs, Raisins, Prunes, Tamarinds.— Vermacelli, Otter, Ground Madder, and other dye stuff.—Spices of all kinds.—Carolina Pink- root.—Rappe and other Snuffs by the pound or less quantity.—Florence and other OIL.
The above assortment consisting of a great variety, will be sold on reasonable terms.— Constant attendance will be given, and every favour gratefully acknowledged. Doctor's BOXES with proper directions.
Imported by Captain LYDE from London, And to be Sold by
STEPHEN WHITING, Opposite the Corn-Field, in Union street, and By STEPHEN WHITING, jun. At the BOSTON-STONE, in Marshall's-lane, near the Mill Bridge, Boston;
A VARIETY of large and small plain and coloured Humorous Engrav- ings, and Mezzotinto Prints; large and small ordinary Pictures by the dozen.—At the same places may be had, Looking-Glasses of diffe- rent sorts and sizes, at a much lower rate than any ought to be sold for, either in town or country.
N. B. Those who have left Glasses to be new silvered or framed, are desired to send for them.
To be SOLD. By PUBLIC VENDUE, On TUESDAY next, If not sold before at private Sale,
A LARGE commo- dious Dwelling House and Barn, with about one Acre and an half of land, situate in Watertown, on the south side of the great bridge, and is one of the best ac- customed taverns in the country: And whereas said estate belongs to Capt Nathaniel Coolidge, who is in such a poor state of health as to be utterly unable to do any business or take the care of a tavern. It may be purchased at a reasonable rate if sold at private sale and enter- ed upon immediately.
For further particulars enquire of Mr. Ezekiel Hall, or Mr. Josiah Capen, or Mr. Sam. Sanger. The sale to be on the premises at two o'clock, P. M.
N. B. The tavern is kept as usual.
At the Irish Linen Warehouse, In King-street,
Is just imported, from the North of Ireland,
H Large and general assortment of linens, from one to seven shillings tieri per yard. These goods come from 15 to 20 per cent cheaper than last year, and will be sold in the like proportion cheaper at the Ware- house: A great variety of the most fashionable printed mullins, calicoes, cottons, linens, &c. A complete assortment of Manchester, cotton, and linen checks, damask and diaper table cloths of all sizes, napkins and toweling, huck- abuck, Irish and Russia sheetings of all prices fifty pieces superfine linens from 3s. 6d. to 5s. 9d. per yard, will be sold at prime cost.
S I L K S.
And Superfine BROAD CLOTHS.
A Prime assortment of Padufoys, Ducapes, Luellings; plain and figured Satins, Damasks, Sarsnets, &c.—Superfine, fashionable coloured Broad Cloths, with suitable Linings and Trimmings.
To be sold at an exceeding low rate, by  JOHN BARRETT & SONS, At their Shop near the Mill-Bridge, Boston.
Where may be had, all kinds of English, Scotch, India, Hard-Ware and Cutlery GOODS. By Wholesale or Retail, Extremely cheap for cash or short credit.
S T A R C H.
BEST Poland and common STARCH and Hair Powder, made and sold by wholesale and retail by  ROBERT HEWES and Son, Near LIBERTY TREE, BOSTON.
ALSO—Crown, Hard and Soft Soap, good old Glue, and Neets Feet Oil.
N. B. Any of the above articles will be carried gratis to any part of the town.
Just imported and to be Sold at  Mr. WILLIAM MAXWELL's In King-street,
A FEW Pipes of excellent Fyal WINE. Cheap for Cash.
This Day is published, [The sixth Edition.] And sold by COX and BERRY, in King-street, and MILLS and HICKS, in School-street,
D E A T H;
A POETICAL ESSAY. By BEILBY PORTEUS, M. A. Fellow of Christ-College.
One Murder made a villain, Millions a hero.—Princes were priviledg'd To kill, and numbers sanctified the crime. Oh! why will Kings forget that they are men? And men that they are brethren? Wh. delight In human sacrifice? Why burst the ties Of Nature, that should knit their souls together In one soft bond of amity and love?
PORTEUS.
This Poem obtained the prize left by the last Will of Mr. Seaton, as determined by the Vice Chancellor of Cambridge, Master of Clare-Hall, and Greek Professor.
To be SOLD,  A NEW and very elegant Cham- ber ORGAN, with three barrels and five stops, London made. Enquire of ISAIAH THOMAS.
ALL persons indebted to the PRINTER hereof, would greatly ob- lige him, if they would discharge their small accounts, in order to enable him to pay some large debts, necessarily contracted to carry on his business.
Boston, September 7th, 1773.
STOLEN out of a house in this Town about six weeks ago, a Trunk con- taining two notes of hand, two deeds of houses, one pair of large white stone sleeve buttons set in silver, a gold and coral child's necklace, and a pair of silver shoe buckles marked R. C. one of the buckles was broke in two. If said buckles should be offered to any silversmith, either to be mended or sold, in this or the neighbouring towns, it is desired they may be stopped and notice given to the Printer of this paper; or if any silversmith has already mend- ed or bought said buckles, and will inform the Printer hereof, they shall be handsomely re- warded for their trouble.
To be SOLD by  JOHN ODIN, At his shop in CHARLESTOWN, Fronting the east end of the Town house,  BEST double, single and lump refined loaf and brown sugar and Molasses, choice new Flour and bar Iron. Groceries of all sorts, &c. &c. by Wholesale and Retail. Cheap for Cash.
To be SOLD,  BRAZZALETTO of a superior quality to any ever yet imported—a likely  NEGRO GIRL , about sixteen years old.—Enquire of I. EWIS GRAY at his house, New-Boston. Coffee in barrels, &c.
CREAM coloured, and cream coloured enamelled and penciled WARE, to be sold by the Crate at five per cent. less than the neat sterling cost, and delivered gratis at any part of the town. Each Crate contains a very pretty assortment. Enquire of  ENOCH BROWN, Who has a prime assortment of the above ware opened at his store on the neck. He has also, A quantity of choice Pitch, for which any kind of Merchandize will be taken as pay.
Just Imported and to be Sold, by  PETER SIGOURNEY, At his Shop a little northward of the Draw- Bridge, adjoining the Insurance-Office  IRONMONGERS, Founders, Braziers, and all sort of Ship Chandlers stores. Also, a compleat assortment of  CLOCK-MAKERS Materials.
This day published, And sold by JOHN BOYLE, in Marlboro' street.  OBSERVATIONS upon the Congregational Plan of Church Govern- ment, particularly as it respects the Choice and Removal of Church Officers, supported by the Testimony of the Fathers of New-England, and unanimously offered to the Consideration of the Churches by the Convention of Ministers of the Province of Massachusetts-Bay, at their annual Meeting in Boston, May 26, 1773, and contin- ed by Adjournment to the 23d, July following.
To be SOLD at the Shop of  CHARLES LOWE, In Marshall's-Lane, facing the Boston- STONE,
Loaf and brown Melasses, Sugars, Cotton Wool, Rice, Indigo, Flour, Raisins, Pepper, Currants, Allspice, Figs, Nutmegs, Spermaceti Oil, Coffee, Dumb Fith, Tea, Indian and Rye Meal, Chocolate, &c. &c. &c.
Choice C H E S H I R E  C H E E S E.
To be SOLD, by  NATHANIEL RUSSELL, In Common-street, a little to the north- ward of Dr. Byles's Meeting-House,  BOSTON,
A Compleat Assortment of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, con- sisting of Clocks, Tables, Chairs, Bedheads dumb Waiters, &c. &c. Cheap for Cash.
BOSTON: Printed by ISAIAH THOMAS,
At the South Corner of MARSHALL'S LANE, leading from the MILL-BRIDGE into UNION-STREET, where all Persons may be supplied with this Paper at Six Shillings and Eight Pence Lawful Money, per Annum, unsealed, and Eight Shillings sealed and directed; and where Articles of Intelligence, &c. are thankfully received;— ADVERTISEMENTS taken in—PRINTING in its various Branches, performed in a neat Manner, with the greatest Care and Dispatch, on the most reasonable Terms. Small HAND-BILLS at an Hour's Notice. SUBSCRIPTIONS for the SPY are also taken in by J. Larkin, Chairmaker, and Mr. W. Calder, Painter, in Charlestown; Mr. J. Hiller, Watchmaker, in Salem Mr. B. Emerson, Bookseller, in Newbury-Port; Mr. M. Becher, in Bridgewater; and by Dr. Elijah Hewins, in Scituate.