The words you quoted reflect a strong sentiment for independence and self-governance that resonated deeply with many American colonists during the period leading up to the American Revolution. This idea that forming a government of their own is a "natural right" tapped into Enlightenment principles, emphasizing individual rights and the social contract.
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Empowerment and Motivation: The notion that the colonists had the right to establish their own government would have empowered them, instilling a sense of agency and motivation to pursue independence from British rule. It suggested that they were justified in seeking to create a political system that aligned with their values and needs.
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Awareness of Vulnerability: The statement about the "precariousness of human affairs" likely resonated with colonists who experienced the unpredictability of British policies and governance. It could have fostered a belief that they needed to take charge of their own destinies rather than leave such significant matters to fate or the whims of a distant monarch.
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Call for Deliberation and Unity: The emphasis on forming a constitution "in a cool, deliberate manner" suggests a call for measured action and thoughtful governance. This could rally colonists around the idea of coming together to create a united front and a cohesive plan for self-governance, rather than acting impulsively.
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Reinforcement of Revolutionary Sentiment: Such words would have contributed to the growing revolutionary sentiment by framing the desire for independence as a rational and necessary course of action. It underscored the importance of establishing a government that truly represented the will of the people, contrasting sharply with the perceived tyranny of British rule.
Overall, these ideas likely served to galvanize many colonists, encouraging them to view the quest for independence as not only a moral imperative but also as a pragmatic necessity for their future security and prosperity.
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