Friends and neighbors, the taxes are indeed very heavy, and if those laid on by the government were the only ones we had to pay, we might more easily discharge them; but we have many others, and much more grievous to some of us. We are taxed twice as much by our idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by our folly; and from these taxes the commissioners cannot ease or deliver us by allowing abatement.

Summary

This quote highlights the idea that while government taxes may be burdensome, they are not the only form of taxation we face. The speaker suggests that we are also taxed by our own flaws and shortcomings, such as idleness, pride, and folly. These taxes, unlike government taxes, cannot be reduced or eliminated by any external authority. It serves as a reminder that personal responsibility and self-improvement are just as important as fighting against excessive taxation from the government.

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