RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES, AND POLITICAL UNITY.

It gives me the most sensible pleasure to find, that, in our nation, however different are the sentiments of citizens, on religious doctrines, they generally concur in one thing; for their political professions and practice are almost universally friendly to the order and happiness of our civil institutions.

1790.

RIGHTS OF CONSCIENCE.

As the contempt of the religion of a country, by ridiculing any of its ceremonies, or affronting its Ministers or Votaries, has ever been deeply resented, you are to be particularly careful, to restrain every officer and soldier from such imprudence and folly, and to punish every instance of it.

On the other hand, as far as lies in your power, you are to protect and support the free exercise of the religion of the country, and the undisturbed enjoyment of the rights of conscience in religious matters, with your utmost influence and authority.

1775.

Avoid all disrespect of the religion of the country and its ceremonies. Prudence, policy, and a true

* Col. Arnold, in his expedition to Quebec.

Christian spirit, will lead us to look with compassion upon their errors, without insulting them.

While we are contending for our own liberty, we should be very cautious, not to violate the rights of conscience in others, ever considering, that God alone is the judge of the hearts of men, and to Him only, in this case, they are answerable.

UNIVERSAL RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.

I have often expressed my sentiments, that every man, conducting himself as a good citizen, and being accountable to God alone for his religious opinions, ought to be protected, in worshipping the Deity according to the dictates of his own conscience. 1789.

Although no man's sentiments are more opposed to any kind of restraint upon religious principles than mine are, yet I must confess, that I am not amongst the number of those, who are so much alarmed at the thought of making people pay, towards the support of that which they profess, if of the denomination of Christians, Jews, Mahometans, or otherwise, and thereby obtain proper relief.

1785.

(2.) THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY.

He encouraged and strengthened the hands of the clergy.

DAVID RAMSAY, M. D.

I have often been told by Colonel Ben Temple, (of King William county, Virgi nia,) who was one of his aids in the French and Indian war, that he has frequently known Washington, on the Sabbath, read the Scriptures, and pray with his regiment, in the absence of the Chaplain. Rev. M. L. WEEMS, 1808.

The want of a Chaplain, I humbly conceive, reflects dishonor on the regiment, as all other officers are allowed.

1756.

The gentlemen of the corps are sensible of the want of a Chaplain, and proposed to support one, at their private expense. But I think it would have a more graceful appearance, were he appointed as oth

ers are.

1756.

The last Assembly, in their Supply Bill, provided for a Chaplain to our regiment.

On this subject I had often, without any success, applied to Governor Dinwiddie. I now flatter myself that your Honor will be pleased to appoint a sober, serious man, for this duty.

Common decency, sir, in a camp, calls for the services of a divine, which ought not to be dispensed with, although the world should be so uncharitable as to think us void of religion, and incapable of good instructions.

1757.

The honorable Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a Chaplain to each regiment, with the pay of thirty-three dollars and one-third per month, the Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure Chaplains accordingly; persons of good characters and exemplary lives; and to see, that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect.

The blessing and protection of Heaven are, at all times, necessary; but, especially so, in times of public distress and danger.

1776.

*The President of the Council.

Having heard that it is doubtful, whether the Reverend Mr. Leonard, from your colony, will have it in his power to continue as Chaplain, I cannot but express some concern, as I think his departure will be a loss.

His general conduct has been exemplary and praiseworthy; in discharging the duties of his office, active and industrious. He has discovered himself to be a warm and steady friend to his country, and taken great pains to animate the soldiers, and impress them with a knowledge of the important rights they are contending for. Upon the late desertion of the troops, he gave a sensible and judicious discourse, holding forth the necessity of courage and bravery, and, at the same time, of obedience and subordination to those in command.

In justice to the merits of this gentleman, I thought it only right, to give you this testimonial of my opinion of him, and to mention him to you, as a person worthy of your esteem and that of the public.

1775.

The Reverend Mr. Kirkland,† having been introduced to the honorable Congress, can need no particular recommendation from me. But as he now

*Governor Trumbull.

The Rev. Samuel Kirkland, for more than forty years the spiritual friend and teacher of the Oneida Indians. He was the father of the Rev. Dr. Kirkland, President of Harvard University. He died in the year 1808.