whose providential agency has lately been conspicuous, in establishing these United States as an inde pendent 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.

Believing, as I do, that religion and morality are essential pillars of civil society, I view, 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.

* Philadelphia.

1797.

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.

3. GOSPEL ORDINANCES.

He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

Rev. DEVEREUX JARRATT, 1800.

(1.) SUPPORT OF RELIGION.

He was a friend of morality and religion.

DAVID RAMSAY, M. D.

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, Virginia,) 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.