In like manner, independence, according to the meaning of their interpretation, is the explosive energy of conceit--making blind havoc with expediency.

It is a presumptuous spirit at war with all the passive worth of mankind.

The independence which they boast of despises habit, and time-honoured forms of subordination; it consists in breaking old ties upon new temptations; in casting off the modest garb of private obligation to strut about in the glittering armour of public virtue; in sacrificing, with jacobinical infatuation, the near to the remote, and preferring, to what has been known and tried, that which has no distinct existence, even in imagination; in renouncing, with voluble tongue and vain heart, every thing intricate in motive, and mixed in quality, in a downright passion of love for absolute, unapproachable patriotism! In short, the independence these Reformers bawl for is the worthy precursor of the liberty they adore;--making her first essay by starting out of the course for the pleasure of falling into the ditch; and asserting her heaven-born vigour by soaring _above_ the level of humanity in profession, that it may more conspicuously appear how far she can fall _below_ it in practice.
To this spurious independence the Friends of our present Representatives lay no claim.

They assert in the face of the world that those Representatives hold their seats by free election .-- _That_ has placed them there; and why should we wish to change what we do not disapprove of--that which could not have been without our approbation?
But this County has not for a long time been disturbed by electioneering contests .-- Is there no species of choice, then, but that which is accompanied with commotion and clamour?
Do silent acquiescence and deliberate consent pass for nothing?
Being contented, what could we seek for more?
Being satisfied, why should we stir for stirring's sake?
Uproar and disorder, even these we could tolerate on a justifying occasion; but it is no sign of prudence to court them unnecessarily, nor of temper to invite them wantonly.

He who resorts to substantial unruliness for the redress of imaginary grievances, provokes certain mischief; and often, in the end, produces calamity which would excite little compassion, could it be confined to its original author.
Let those who think that they are degraded proclaim their own dishonour.
_They_ choose to regard themselves as shackled Conscripts:--_we_ know that we are self-equipped Volunteers.