sciences, is not only among the choicest of their blessings, but also of their rights.

While men perform their social duties faithfully, they do all that Society or the State can, with propriety, demand or expect; and remain responsible only to their Maker, for the religion, or modes of faith, which they may prefer or profess.

1789.

RELIGIOUS DISPUTES.

Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by a difference of sentiments in religion, appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be deprecated.

I was in hopes, that the enlightened and liberal policy which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination, so far, that we should never again see their religious disputes carried to such a pitch, as to endanger the peace of society.

1792.

TOLERATION OF THE JEWS.

May the same Wonder-working Deity, who long since delivered the Hebrews from their Egyptian oppressors, and planted them in the Promised Land ;

whose providential agency has lately been conspicuous, in establishing these United States as an independent nation, still continue to water them with the dews of heaven, and to make the inhabitants, of every denomination, participate in the temporal and spiritual blessings of that people whose God is Jehovah.

1790.

REGARD TO CONSCIENTIOUS SCRUPLES.

In my opinion, the conscientious scruples of all men should be treated with great delicacy and tenderness; and it is my wish and desire, that the laws may always be as extensively accommodated to them, as a due regard to the protection of the essential interests of the nation may justify or permit.

BROTHERLY LOVE.

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Believing, as I do, that religion and morality are essential pillars of civil society, I vi with unspeakable pleasure, that harmony and brotherly love, which characterize the clergy of different denominations, as well in this, as in other parts of the United States; exhibiting to the world a new and interesting spectacle, at once the pride of our country, and the surest basis of universal harmony.

1797.

* Philadelphia.

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.