America and West Indies: November 1688

Page 1

Citation:

November 1688



[Nov. 14]	1. Speech of President Joseph to the Assembly of Maryland pointing out its fourfold duty. Its duty towards God consists in the making of laws for the suppression of crimes, especially drunkenness, adultery, swearing and Sabbath breaking. Its duty towards the King, 'the Lord's anointed', includes the passing of two Acts: (i) An Act (required by an Order in Council, 4 Nov. 1687, which should have arrived during the previous year), prohibiting the export of bulk tobacco; the advantage of this measure it is unbecoming subjects to question; it can only be passed with the cooperation of Virginia, which has not yet acted; this negligence is not to be regarded as a precedent; (ii) an Act establishing a day of thanksgiving for the birth of the Prince on 10 June. Its duty towards the Lord Proprietory includes the payment of his dues; his interests and the interests of his people are one; he has `buried a vast estate' in the development of the province. Its duty towards itself lies in suppressing public sins through wholesome laws, in devising and readily complying with all Acts for the people's good and in avoiding self-interest. Postscript: The Assembly is advised not to break laws before it begins to make them; every member is requested to take the oath of fidelity to the Lord Proprietory, as the law directs. 11 pp. Endorsed: `President's speech, 9th Article, Act for oath fidelity fol.15'. [C.O. 5/718ff.71–76]