Page:An address to the thinking independent part of the community.djvu/11

( 11 ) may become a question of nice and subtle casuistry. When the moral feelings are at variance on this important question, men of honest hearts will come to different conclusions, according to their particular habits or natural temperament. Treason ought never to be equivocal in its nature. Its enormity ought to be clear to every understanding. Frightful,p surely must he the state of a country, when it becomes doubtful whether to consider it a virtue or a crime!

Having thus endeavoured to ascertain who the parties are, by the violence of whose contention this island is Shaken to its foundation, and what is the real cause and {late of the contest; I look around to try, if at this perilous moment, some hope of safety may not present itself, in the wife, firm and dignified conduct of the rest of the nation. How much now depends on the timely exertions of the great and respectable body of the Irish people! Why come you not forward, all you virtuous and independent citizens, who feel for the honour, peace and liberty of your country?

All persons of property, of whatsoever description, proprietors of land, rich merchants, honest and industrious men in every profession and walk of life, will you remain silent and inactive, when your dearest interests are at flake? Will you be the thoughtless, patient, unresisting victims of two enraged parties, who