Which excerpt is a direct criticism of the british government? and, for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. a prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. we must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation; and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends. nor have we been wanting in our attentions to our british brethren.