"...to avoid a recurrence of the restrictions on this subject found in the English laws."

"5. A fifth right of every citizen, "is that of having arms for his defence." By the constitution of the United States, "the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed;" and by that of Pennsylvania, "the right of citizens to bear arms in defence of themselves and the state, shall not be questioned." These provisions also, were no doubt intended, to avoid a recurrence of the restrictions on this subject, found in the English laws. By the forest and game laws, in England, the right of keeping arms is effectually taken away from the great body of the people; and, in another place in the Commentaries, it is said, "that the prevention of popular insurrections and resistence to government, by disarming the bulk of the people, is a reason oftener meant, than avowed, by the makers of such laws."

[PENNSYLVANIA BLACKSTONE; A MODIFICATION COMMENTARIES OF SIR WILLIAM BLACKSTONE, WITH NUMEROUS ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS, DESIGNED TO PRESENT AN ELEMENTARY EXPOSITION OF THE ENTIRE LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. I. BY JOHN REED, President Judge of the Courts of Common Pleas of the ninth Judicial District of Pennsylvania. CARLISLE: PRINTED BY GEORGE FLEMING--FOR THE AUTHOR. 1831. "The Rights" Book I. Pg. 128]