What must be the wealth that avarice, aided by power, cannot exhaust!

Now one of the most essential branches of English liberty, is the freedom of one's house. A man's house is his castle; and while he is quiet, he is as well guarded as a prince in his castle. This writ of assistance, if it should be declared legal, would totally annihilate this privilege.

No parts of his Majesty's dominions can be taxed without their consent.

Can there be any liberty where property is taken away without consent?

Every one with this writ may be a tyrant in a legal manner, also may control, imprison, or murder any one within the realm.

I will to my dying day oppose with all the powers and faculties God has given me, all such instruments of slavery on the one hand, and villainy on the other, as this writ of assistance is.

MAY it please your Honors: I was desired by one of the court to look into the books, and consider the question now before them concerning Writs of Assistance.