laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations, (especially such as have shown kindness to us,) and to bless them with good governments, peace and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science, among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity, as He alone knows to be best.

1789.

THE FATE OF NATIONS, SUSPENDED ON GOD'S WILL.

I humbly implore that Being, on whose will the fate of nations depends, to crown with success our endeavors for the general happiness.

1793.

THE GOD OF ARMIES.

The vicissitudes of war are in the hands of the Supreme Director, where is no control.

NATIONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THE DIVINE FAVOR.

The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected, on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.

1789.

REMARKABLE INSTANCES OF THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD.

In no instance, since the commencement of the war, has the interposition of Providence appeared more remarkably conspicuous, than in the rescue of the post and garrison of West Point from Arnold's villainous perfidy.

1780.

I most devoutly congratulate my country, and every well-wisher to the cause, on this* signal stroke of Providence.

General Lee, having command of the van of the army, consisting of full five thousand chosen men, was ordered to begin the attack next morning, so soon as the enemy began to march; to be supported by me; but, strange to tell! when he came up with the enemy, a retreat commenced; whether by his order, or from other causes, is now a subject of inquiry, and consequently improper to be descanted upon, as he is in arrest, and a court-martial is sitting for his trial. A retreat, however, was the fact, be the causes what they may; and the disorder arising from it would have proved fatal to the army, had not that bountiful Providence, which has never failed us in the hour of distress, enabled me to form a regiment or two, (of those that were retreating,) in the face of the enemy, and under their fire; by which means, a stand was made

*The defeat of General Burgoyne.

long enough (the place through which the enemy were pursuing being narrow,) to form the troops, that were advancing, upon an advantageous piece of ground, in the rear. Here our affairs took a favorable turn.

1778.

The interposing hand of Heaven, in the various instances of our extensive preparations for this operation, has been most conspicuous and remarkable.

1781.

GOD, OUR BENIGN PARENT.

Having imparted to you† my sentiments, as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting, once more, to the Benign Parent of the human race, in humble supplication, that, since He has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating, in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding, with unparalleled unanimity, on a form of government, for the security of their Union, and the advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous, in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures, on which the success of this government must depend.

The surrender of Yorktown and Gloucester.

+ Congress.

1789.

II. RELIGION AND THE STATE.

There can be no political happiness, without liberty; there can be no liberty without morality; and there can be no morality, without religion.

DAVID RAMSAY, M.D.

Without religion, there can be no democratic society... Religion is the common source of all the benevolent ideas that exercise influence on mankind. . . The American people are religious, by their origin, by conviction, and by democratic principles. M. POUSSIN,

Minister of France to the United States.

MUTUAL INFLUENCE OF GOVERNMENT AND RELIGION.

Whilst just Government protects all, in their religious rites, true Religion affords Government its surest support.

1789.

RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE OF THE UNION.

I believe, its mild yet efficient operations will tend to remove every remaining apprehension of those with whose opinions it may not entirely coincide, as well as

to confirm the hopes of its numerous friends; and the moderation, patriotism, and wisdom of the present Federal Legislature seem to promise the restoration of order and our ancient virtues, the extension of genuine religion, and the consequent advancement of our respectability abroad, and of our substantial happiness at home.

1789.

NATIONAL JUSTICE AND BENEVOLENCE.

Observe good faith and justice, towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous, and too novel, example, of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence.

Who can doubt, that, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages, which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be, that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue ?

The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature.

1796.