In 1773, the new year was rung in by the men of Marlborough, Massachusetts, with a unanimous declaration:
"Death is more eligible than slavery. A free-born people are not required by the religion of Jesus Christ to submit to tyranny, but may make use of such power as God has given them to recover and support their laws and liberties... [We] implore the Ruler above the skies, that He would make bare His arm in defense of His Church and people, and let Israel go."