On the Method of Plants

and Injuries, we are so impoverished we cannot; and for such works there is other provision made, by His Majesty and the Honorable Company; and therefore from such illegal and rigorous dealing, we cannot conclude otherwise, than that some interested particular persons of the Honorable Company, for their own private gain, value not the ruin of the whole Island. The "Honorable Company" refers to the Somers Isles Company, which managed the affairs of Bermuda.

Wherefore upon mature deliberation, and serious consideration, we do humbly present our Grievances, with our several Acts, for your approbation and consent, which we judge the only way, through Gods blessing, to secure the honor and interest of our dread Sovereign, original: "dread Soveraign" — a term of deep respect and awe for the King, not implying fear in the modern sense. and establish the welfare of these Islands; and we also desire to acknowledge the never-to-be-forgotten obligation from us, to the Right Honorable part of the Company, we mean the Nobility and Gentry, and also some worthy Persons of the Honorable Company, in their tender Respects towards our liberties, privileges, and welfare; who also have been abused by those, who in honor and duty were obliged to act at another rate; we mean some particular persons of the trading-party, whose names at present we shall keep in silence, hoping their amendment; to whom we particularly request, if they have any respect to the Glory and Justice of God, who beholds the oppressors and the oppressed, and heareth the cry of the poor and needy, and in his due time will deliver them: if the Interest and Honor of His most gracious Majesty our dread Sovereign may oblige you; if you have any bowels of love A 17th-century idiom meaning deep compassion or heartfelt mercy. to your Brethren, your fellow Subjects, and to the welfare of these Islands; we upon our bended knees, for Gods sake, His Majesties sake, the Islands, your own and our selves sakes, humbly and earnestly beseech you, That you will take what we have proposed, the fruit of this Session, into your serious consideration; and laying aside all by-respects and self-interest, confirm our Acts, and relieve our grievances, that Almighty God may be glorified, His Royal Majesties Honor and Interest maintained and preserved, and these Islands advantaged, and not in-thralled Enslaved or held in bondage. to any particular persons will and interest; and that you would comply with the truly honorable part of the Company, of the testimony of whose love and good will, we are often made sensible.