The tyranny
that has worked among us so grievously and long now strikes at our all.
We must betake ourselves to defence, or this will be but a rotten realm,
fair for no man to live in henceforth. Do not be mistaken. In the way of
life out of which has come this menacing destruction upon us is much of
beauty, much of nobility, and the light of man's mind. These things it
will be for us in season to cherish and preserve. But where these have
been is no warrant for authority abused. And authority this day is an
abuse against us to the very pitch of wickedness. We are called to stand
for the charter of all men's faith, for the charter which is liberty,
which is God. Against us are arrayed the ranks of privilege. They are
mighty, well used in arms, fearless, and not easily to be turned aside.
But we go to battle in the name of God. Let every man consider it. Each
one of you is here and now called to service in that name, that
hereafter in England a man may call his hearth his own. And now may the
love of God inform you. In humble courage let us go forward, nourishing
our strength, sure always in our cause. May God bless us, and teach us
the true valiance, and may He spend us according to His will. Amen.
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