Series 1 > Loyall dissuasive

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THE LOYALL DISSUASIVE
These things at first sight seem fair and plausible to vulgar
understandings; But to a considering person whose Judgement
is not vitiated or byassed by his Interest, all immediately
appear to be but trick and Hocus. The generall good so
much insisted on is nothing but their own particular advantage
without any benefit on our pairt, but constant and perpetuall
trouble with Reproach and Infamy to the Bargain.
No man wishes more than I, that all true Clanchattan and
their friends may be united; But that your neighbours the
MTntoshes (who preach up this doctrine of late) are neither
Clanchattan, nor your friends, I hope may be made clear and
evident by the sequell of this Discourse.
Their sheaff of Arrows compacted close together, if all of a
peice and of one kind, I shall grant them fairly Represents the
benefits of united friendship; but if you mix your sheaff with
difFerent sorts of wood, with shafts made of oak (for instance)
or the false hearted aldern, you are like to spoil the embleme;
the first is too hard and stubborn for the gentle birds, and
likelier to squeeze your Arrows, than to strengthen and
support them; while the other (upon the meanest pressure)
treacherouslie gives way, slacking the ligaments of your sheaff',
and leaves your Arrows, louse and scattered, and shift singlie
for themselves.
Almighty God has blessed you with a queever of your own,
a Clan and family—that for several ages (without the help of
mixture, or the assistance of your enemies) have been able to
stand it out, and maintain your ground against the insults of
any neighbour family, whom now to disperse were folly and to
gift were madness. Its your Interest theirfor and the interest
of your friends, to look before you leap, and doe nothing
rashly. Consider the Craft and Cunning of those you have
to deale with ; that if you had at stake, but a stock of cowes,
or a good possession; the matter were the less; these or some
such other might be in time recovered; but if you are over¬
reached in this, there’s an end of you for ever; your family is
sunk, and your name and memory extinguished.
But, thanks to Heavens for it, you are wise enough your
self, and have many a capable kinsman, who (on this occasion)
may not faill to serve you, and least (in such a juncture) I may