FREE THOUGHTS, &c. 
MY DEAR COUNTRYMEN, 
T atime in which you feel the diftreffes in common with, 
the reft of the nation, it behoves every one of you to be 
made acquainted with the laws, in order (as much as is poflible) 
to eafe yourfelves of the burdens under which you labor; and 
legally to refift every oppreffion which may be attempted againft 
you. 
poor’s rate) is that which arifes from the taxes to fupport the 
militia. The laws relating to it are the moft numerous, and 
the punifhments attending the breach of them are fo hard, that. 
for fear that any of you fhould offend, by reafon of ignorance, 
I fhall, in the briefeft manner, fet before you a few points 
which concern perfons in every ftation of life. If I fhould 
chance to fpeak of any piece of hiftory, or touch on any thing 
beyond the apprehenfions of any of you, your minifter is, I 
truft, refident among you, and ready to expound any diffi- 
culty. 
Tue militia has been of very long ftanding in this kingdom; 
feveral ftatutes were from very old times enacted for its regula- 
tion, which in the reign of Charles II. were revifed, and a new 
body of laws framed. Thefe were continued almoft to the 
reign of his prefent majefty ; for after they had undergone feve- 
ral alterations in the latter part of his grandfather’s time, they 
L were 
Tue moft grievous load which you now feel (next to the 
73 
13,14 Ch. Ils. 3. 
Stat. L. i. 219. 
Digett 1. 
30 G. II. c. 25. 
Stat. L, viii. 80. 
