cams_benton_b028_f012_002_002

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if it be their duty to obey a law repugnant to their
feelings, & contrary, as they allege, to the law of human-
ity & God.

In another part of the land they are main-
-taining that the course of legislation & government
may be so oppressive to States, & so subversive of their
rights & institutions, as to justify the bursting
of the ties of allegiance, – the dismemberment of the
confederacy – & the secession of States from the
federal union.

In California these questions are for the time, forgotten. assumes still
another shape. We are engaged in discussing & settling
the question, whether or not, circumstances may arise
which shall justify the uprising of the people to
forestall, the judgment of courts, & supercede [supersede] the
action of the regularly constituted authorities.

It is a question of vast import. It involves
the most serious consequences. It concerns every
member of society. It touches the most vital in-
-terests. Next to such matters as pertain to things of God & Eternity – it enters
the sphere of things most dear & sacred. No
thoughtful man can be indifferent about the result.
No friend of his country will fail to give it some
serious consideration. No man will be able to
excuse himself, if he thoughtlessly goes wrong ~