The people have a saying, that God Almighty is himself a mechanic, the greatest in the universe; and he is respected and admired more for the variety, ingenuity, and utility of his handiworks, than for the antiquity of his family.
Franklin draws a parallel between God as a mechanic and the respect for craftsmanship in society.
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We are restrained in our trade with foreign nations; and where we could be supplied with any manufacture cheaper from them, but must buy the same dearer from Britain, the difference of price is a clear tax to Britain.
That it would be treating them as a conquered people, and not as true British subjects.
That compelling the colonies to pay money without their consent, would be rather like raising contributions in an enemy's country, than taxing of Englishmen for their own public benefit.
Believing therefore, that it is my duty, I shall honestly speak my mind in the following paper.
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