THE CONSTITUTION, THE MESSAGES OF THE GOVERNOR, CHANGES IN THE STATUTES, CHANGES OF PUBLISHED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH. PLACIDAM BOSTON: WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS, The end of the institution, maintenance, and administra- Objects of tion of government, is to secure the existence of the body government. politic, to protect it, and to furnish the individuals who compose it with the power of enjoying in safety and tranquillity their natural rights, and the blessings of life and whenever these great objects are not obtained, the people have a right to alter the government, and to take measures necessary for their safety, prosperity, and happiness. how formed. The body politic is formed by a voluntary association Body politic, of individuals: it is a social compact, by which the whole Its nature. people covenants with each citizen, and each citizen with the whole people, that all shall be governed by certain laws for the common good. It is the duty of the people, therefore, in framing a constitution of government, to provide for an equitable mode of making laws, as well as for an impartial interpretation and a faithful execution of them; that every man may, at all times, find his security in them. We, therefore, the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the goodness of the great Legislator of the universe, in affording us, in the course of His providence, an opportunity, deliberately and peace |