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BAPTIST CHURCHES - AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCH FOUNDED BY ROGER WILLIAMS - NOBLE RECORD FOR FREEDOM - ADDRESS TO THE CONVENTION OF VIRGINIA IN 1775 - JEFFERSON'S TRIBUTE TO THEIR PATRIOTISM - SIX BAPTIST ASSOCIATIONS ADDRESS JEFFERSON - ADDRESS OF THE BAPTIST CHURCHES OF VIRGINIA TO WASHINGTON - HIS ANSWER - METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH FORM OF CHURCH-GOVERNMENT - AMERICAN ORIGIN OF THE METHODIST CHURCH - COKE - ASBURY - WESLEY - FIRST CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK - ITS ADDRESS TO WASHINGTON - HIS ANSWER - RULE OF DISCIPLINE CONCERNING CIVIL GOVERNMENT - METHODIST MEN IN THE CONVENTION THAT FORMED THE CONSTITUTION - QUAKERS - HISTORY - THEIR CONDUCT IN THE REVOLUTION - ADDRESS OF YEARLY MEETING TO WASHINGTON.

1) THE BAPTIST CHURCH

Has in its American and English history a noble record in favor of freedom and free institutions. The great conflicts of the Reformation under Luther brought them into existence as an ecclesiastical body, and at all times and in all nations they have been loyal to civil and religious liberty. In England, their faith and freedom-loving principles led them, with the Puritans and Independents, to separate from the Church of England, and to seal, as many did, their devotion to truth by a martyr's death.

Roger Williams, of Rhode Island, was the founder of the Baptist Church in America. In 1638 he formed a church in Providence: so that the labors of this denomination date from the first era of the Christian history of the country. He had the honor first in this country to enunciate and incorporate into a civil constitution the principle that "the civil power has no jurisdiction over the conscience. The civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control opinion, should punish guilt, but never violate the soul." "It became his glory," says Bancroft, "to found a state on that principle; and its application has given religious peace to the American world." A writer in the "Baptist Review," January, 1856, says that "the great principle of freedom of conscience in religious matters did not, however, originate with the Baptists of Rhode Island. In the religious conflicts of the Old World, this denomination enunciated this fundamental law in civil and religious matters. Their Confession of Faith, in 1614, declares 'that the magistrate is not to meddle with religion or matters of conscience, nor compel men to this or that form of religion, because Christ is the King and Lawgiver of the Church.' "

Educated in these first principles of Christianity and civil liberty, the Baptist churches were fully prepared to enter the arena of freedom and to maintain, in all their integrity, the great principles of the Revolution. There were at the time of the Revolution three hundred and fifty ministers and three hundred and eighty Baptist churches in this country, all of whom were loyal to the cause of freedom. Cotton Mather says of the Baptist churches in Massachusetts that "they were as holy, watchful, fruitful, and heavenly people as perhaps any in the world."

The following address occurs in the annals of the Virginia Convention of August, 1775: -

Wednesday, August 16, 1775.

An address from the Baptists of this colony was presented the Convention, and read; setting forth that, however distinguished from the body of their countrymen by appelatives and sentiments of a religious nature, they nevertheless consider themselves as members of the same community in respect to matters of a civil nature, and embarked in the same common cause; that, alarmed at the oppression which hangs over America, they had considered what part it would be proper to take in the unhappy contest, and had determined that in some cases it was lawful to go to war, and that they ought to make a military resistance against Great Britain in her unjust invasions, tyrannical oppression, and repeated hostilities; that their brethren were left at discretion to enlist, without incurring the censure of their religious communities, and, under these circumstances, many of them had enlisted as soldiers, and many more were ready to do so, who had earnestly desired their ministers should preach to them during the campaign: they, therefore, had appointed four of their brethren to make application to the Convention for the liberty of preaching to the troops at convenient times, without molestation and abuse, and praying the same may be granted them.

Resolved, That it be an instruction to the commanding officers of the regiments or troops to be raised, that they permit Dissenting clergymen to celebrate divine worship, and to preach to the soldiers, or exhort, from time to time, as the various operations of the military service may permit, for the sake of such scrupulous consciences as may not choose to attend divine service as celebrated by the chaplains. - American Archives, vol. iii. p. 38.

Jefferson pays the following tribute to the patriotism of the Baptist churches, in 1809, in a reply to an address from a Baptist church in Virginia: - "We have acted together from the origin to the end of the memorable Revolution, and we have contributed, each in the line allotted us, our endeavors to render its issue a permanent blessing to our country."

A general meeting of six Baptist Associations was held in Chesterfield, Virginia, October 7, 1808, who sent a congratulatory address to Jefferson. He replies, that, "in reviewing the history of the times through which we have passed, no portion of it gives greater satisfaction, on reflection, than that which presents the efforts of the friends of religious freedom and the success with which they have been crowned. We have solved the fair experiment, the great and interesting question, whether freedom of religion is compatible with order in government and obedience to the law." Reference is here made to Jefferson's efforts in abolishing State religion in Virginia, and the co-operation of the Baptist churches, - a Christian and patriotic work on the part of both.

1.1) THE ADDRESS OF THE UNITED BAPTIST CHURCHES IN VIRGINIA, ASSEMBLED IN THE CITY OF RICHMOND, AUGUST 8, 1789.

To the President of the United States of America.

SIR: -

Among the many shouts of congratulation that you receive from cities, societies, States, and the whole world, we wish to take an active part in the universal chorus, in expressing our satisfaction in your appointment to the first office in the nation. When America, on a former occasion, was reduced to the necessity of appealing to arms to defend her natural and civil rights, a Washington was found fully adequate to the exigencies of the dangerous attempt, who, by the philanthropy of his heart and the prudence of his head, led forth her untutored troops into the field of battle, and by the skilfulness of his hands baffled the projects of the insulting foe, and pointed out the road to independence, even at a time when the energy of the cabinet was not sufficient to bring into action the natural aid of the confederation from its respective sources.

The grand object being obtained, the independence of the States acknowledged, free from ambition, devoid of sanguine thirst for blood, our hero returned with those he commanded, and laid down the sword at the feet of those who gave it him. Such an example to the world is new. Like other nations, we experience that it requires as great valor and wisdom to make an advantage of the conquest as to gain one.

The want of efficacy in the confederation, the redundancy of laws, and their partial administration in the States, called aloud for a new arrangement of our systems. The wisdom of the States, for that purpose, was collected in a grand convention, over which you, sir, had the honor to preside. A national Government in all its parts was recommended, as the only preservative of the Union, which plan of government is now in actual operation.

When the Constitution first made its appearance in Virginia, we, as a society, had unusual strugglings of mind, fearing that the liberty of conscience (dearer to us than property or life) was not sufficiently secured. Perhaps our jealousies were heightened on account of the usage we received in Virginia under the regal government, when mobs, bonds, fines, and prisons were our frequent repast, convinced, on the one hand, that without an effective national Government the States would fall into disunion and all the consequent evils, and, on the other hand, fearing we should be accessory to some religious oppression should any one society in the Union preponderate over all the rest. But, amidst all the inquietudes of mind, our consolation arose from this consideration: the plan must be good, for it bears the signature of a tried, trusty friend; and if religious liberty is rather insecure in the Constitution, the Administration will certainly prevent all oppression, for a Washington will preside. According to our wishes, the unanimous voice of the Union has called you, sir, from your beloved retreat, to launch forth again into the faithless sea of human affairs, to guide the helm of the States. May that Divine munificence which covered your head in battle make you a yet greater blessing to your admiring country in time of peace.

Should the horrid evils that have been so pestiferous in Asia and Europe - faction, ambition, war, perfidy, fraud, and persecution for conscience' sake - ever approach the borders of our happy nation, may the name and administration of our beloved President, like the radiant source of day, scatter all those dark clouds from the American hemisphere.

And, while we speak freely the language of our hearts, we are satisfied that we express the sentiments of our brethren that we represent. The very name of Washington is music in our ears; and although the great evil in the States is want of mutual confidence between rulers and people, yet we all have the utmost confidence in the President of the States; and it is our fervent prayer to Almighty God that the Federal Government, and the Governments of the respective States, without rivalship, may so co-operate together as to make the numerous people over whom you preside the happiest nation on earth, and you, sir, the happiest man, in seeing the people who, by the smiles of Providence, you saved from vassalage by your martial valor and made wise by your maxims, sitting securely under their vines and fig-trees, enjoying the perfection of human felicity. May God long preserve your life and health for a blessing to the world in general, and the United States in particular; and when, like the sun, you have finished your course of great and unparalleled services, and you go the way of all the earth, may the Divine Being, who will reward every man according to his works, grant unto you a glorious admission into his everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ. This, sir, is the prayer of your happy admirers.

By order of the Committee.   

SAMUEL HARRIS, Chairman.

REUBEN FORD, Clerk.

1.1.1) ANSWER.

GENTLEMEN: -

I request you will accept my best acknowledgments for your congratulation on my appointment to the first office of the nation. The kind manner in which you mention my past conduct equally claims the expression of my gratitude.

After we had, by the smiles of Heaven on our exertions, obtained the object for which we contended, I retired, at the conclusion of the war, with an idea that my country could have no further occasion for my services, and with the intention of never again entering into public life; but, when the exigencies of my country seemed to require me once more to engage in public affairs, an honest conviction of duty superseded my former resolution, and became my apology for deviating from the happy plan which I had adopted.

If I could have entertained the slightest apprehension that the Constitution framed in the Convention, where I had the honor to preside, might possibly endanger the religious rights of any ecclesiastical society, certainly I should never have placed my signature to it; and, if I could now conceive that the General Government might ever be so administered as to render the liberty of conscience insecure, I beg you will be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny and every species of religious persecution. For you doubtless remember that 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.

While I recollect with satisfaction that the religious society of which you are members have been throughout America, uniformly and almost unanimously, the firm friends of civil liberty and the persevering promoters of our glorious Revolution, I cannot hesitate to believe that they will be the faithful supporters of a free yet efficient General Government. Under this pleasing expectation, I rejoice to assure them that they may rely on my best wishes and endeavors to advance their prosperity.

In the mean time, be assured, gentlemen, that I entertain a proper sense of your fervent supplications to God for my temporal and eternal happiness.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

2) THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Has an active, Christian economy, eminently adapted to the spirit and energy of the free institutions of a Christian republic. Its form of government, infused with the vital and earnest power of its evangelical doctrines, is efficient and practical in its administrative functions, and one of the most beneficent and powerful agencies for good in the nation. No denomination of Christians has exerted a more extensive and benign influence on all the interests of the American nation and Government than this numerous body. It has put into operation a system of intellectual, moral, and spiritual forces, which have worked mightily for freedom and all the interests which belong to a Christian republic. In England, where this denomination was first founded by John Wesley, it was said by John Newton, an eminently pious minister of the Established Church, that "before the rise of Methodists the doctrines of grace in England were seldom heard from the pulpit, and the life and power of religion but little known."

The Methodist Episcopal Church in America dates its distinct organization during the Revolution. In 1784 the first official act towards its organization in the United States took place in England. Mr. Wesley's account of it is as follows. "In America," says he, "there are but few parish ministers; so that for some hundred miles together there is none either to baptize or administer the Lord's Supper. Here, therefore, I am at full liberty to appoint and send laborers into the harvest to feed and guide the poor sheep in the wilderness. Know all men, that I, John Wesley, therefore, under the protection of Almighty God and with a single eye to his glory, have set apart, by the inspiration of my hands and prayer, Thomas Coke, Doctor of Civil Law and a presbyter of the Church of England, for this great work."

Francis Asbury came with Dr. Coke to America, and in Baltimore, at a Conference of sixty ministers, the latter ordained Asbury as Bishop; and thus the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States was formally and officially instituted. But the influence and fruits of this great denomination began their development in this country in 1736. John and Charles Wesley came that year from England to Georgia, and devoted themselves to building up the kingdom of Christ. "They returned to England in less than two years, and designed to return again, but were providentially prevented." They preached and established Sunday-schools in Savannah, and so began an organized influence which has spread over the nation and the world. The American Methodist Church has now "a million of members, with thousands of churches and preachers, spreading from age to age and nation to nation, until the name of Wesley and the tenets of Methodism are known and cherished in every Christian land, and the earth has been almost girdled with the love-feasts of its disciples."

"The introduction of Sunday-schools into America, in an efficient form, is due to Francis Asbury, first Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, - a man whose labors for the evangelization and civilization of this country are among the marvels of Christian history. In 1786 he established a Sunday-school in Hanover, Virginia, which was the parent of a multitude. It is clear, from a statement in Bishop Asbury's Journal (vol. ii. p. 65), that he set up such schools in many other parts of the country about the same time. So far as we can learn, no other denomination of Christians shared the labors or the reproach of this enterprise at that early period. Reproach there was, and it often took the severe form of persecution. In 1787 George Daughaday, a Methodist preacher in Charleston, South Carolina, was drenched with water pumped from a public cistern 'for the crime of conducting a Sunday-school for the benefit of the African children of that vicinity.' Nothing daunted by such rebukes, the pioneers of Methodism went on with their work. The Minutes of 1790 contain the first of church legislation on the subject known, perhaps, either in Europe or America. ... The path opened by the Methodists was soon entered by other laborers. In December, 1790, a meeting was held in the city of Philadelphia, 'for the purpose of taking into consideration the establishment of Sunday-schools for that city.' On the 26th of that month a constitution was adopted for the 'First-Day or Sunday School Society.' On the 11th of January, 1791, the officers of the Society were elected, and in March of the same year their first school was opened for the admission of children. If we are rightly informed, these schools were taught by paid teachers, and were devoted exclusively to the instruction of poor children. It was not until 1816 that the system of unpaid teaching was introduced by the Philadelphia Society. This valuable organization was the parent of the American Sunday-School Union. In the mean time the Methodist schools were going on under the gratuitous system; and in the notes to the Discipline of 1796 the bishops urge the 'people in cities, towns, and villages to establish Sunday-schools, wherever practicable, for the benefit of the children of the poor.' "

A Conference of the Church met in New York, May 28, 1789, the same year, and almost at the same time, that the Constitution of the United States went into operation. Congress was in session during the sittings of that Conference, and, as Washington had just been inaugurated and the new Government gone into practical operation, the Conference gave expression to their loyalty and patriotism in an official act. Bishop Asbury, a few days after its sessions commenced, offered a proposition to Conference, "whether it would not be proper for us, as a Church, to present a congratulatory address to General Washington, who had been lately inaugurated President of the United States, in which should be embodied our approbation of the Constitution, and professing our allegiance to the Government." The Conference unanimously approved of the measure; and the bishops, Coke and Asbury, drew up the address on the same day. Rev. Thomas Morrell, a member of Conference, and who had been a commissioned officer in the American army, was appointed to wait on President Washington with a copy of the address, and to request him to designate a day when he would publicly receive the bishops. "This address was not intended," says a writer in the "National Magazine," "to court popular favor by a servile fawning at the feet of a great man, but was intended as a tribute to God for favoring the American people with such a noble monument of his wisdom and goodness in the person of the illustrious chief, and in that admirable Constitution which his hands helped to frame and which he was now called upon to administer and carry into effect. It was natural to rejoice in beholding the adoption of a Constitution which guaranteed to all denominations their rights and privileges equally, and to see this Constitution committed to the hands of men who had ever manifested an impartial regard for each religious sect and for the inalienable rights of all mankind."

2.1) ADDRESS OF THE BISHOPS OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

To the President of the United States.

SIR: -

We, the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, humbly beg leave, in the name of our Society, collectively, in these United States, to express to you the warm feelings of our hearts and our sincere congratulations on your appointment to the Presidentship of these States. We are conscious, from the signal proofs you have already given, that you are a friend of mankind, and under this established idea place as full confidence in your wisdom and integrity for the preservation of those civil and religious liberties which have been transmitted to us by the providence of God and the glorious Revolution, as we believe ought to be reposed in man.

We have received the most grateful satisfaction from the humble and entire dependence on the great Governor of the Universe which you have repeatedly expressed, acknowledging him the source of every blessing, and particularly of the most excellent Constitution of these States, which is at present the admiration of the world, and may in future become its great exemplar for imitation; and hence we enjoy a holy expectation that you will always prove a faithful and impartial patron of genuine, vital religion,-the great end of our creation and present probationary existence. And we promise you our fervent prayers to the throne of grace that God Almighty may endue you with all the graces and gifts of his Holy Spirit, - that he may enable you to fill your important station to his glory, the good of his Church, the happiness and prosperity of the United States, and the welfare of mankind.

Signed in behalf of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

THOMAS COKE,

FRANCIS ASBURY.

NEW YORK, May 29, 1789.

2.1.1) ANSWER.

To the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America.

GENTLEMEN: -

I return to you individually, and through you to the Society collectively in the United States, my thanks for the demonstrations of affection and the expressions of joy offered in their behalf on my late appointment. It shall be my endeavor to manifest the purity of my inclinations for promoting the happiness of mankind, as well as the sincerity of my desire to contribute whatever may be in my power towards the civil and religious welfare of the American people. In pursuing this line of conduct, I hope, by the assistance of Divine Providence, not altogether to disappoint the confidence which you have been pleased to repose in me.

It always affords me satisfaction when I find a concurrence of sentiment and practice between all conscientious men, in acknowledgments of homage to the great Governor of the Universe and in professions of support to a just civil government. After mentioning that I trust the people of every denomination, who demean themselves as good citizens, will have occasion to be convinced that I shall always strive to prove a faithful and impartial patron of genuine, vital religion, I must assure you in particular that I take in the kindest part the promise you make of presenting your prayers at the Throne for me, and that I likewise implore the Divine benediction upon yourselves and your religious community.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

The loyalty and patriotism of the Methodist Church are displayed in the following article in their Church Constitution, adopted at the first Conference in Philadelphia, in 1784: -

ARTICLE 33. - OF THE RULERS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The Congress, the General Assemblies, the Governors, and councils of States, as the delegates of the people, are the rulers of the United States of America, according to the division of power made to them by the general Act of Confederation and by the Constitutions of their respective States. And the said States ought not to be subject to any foreign power.

Subsequently the following was added: -

As far as it respects civil affairs, we believe it is the duty of Christians, and especially of Christian ministers, to be subject to the supreme authority of the country where they may reside, and to use all laudable means to enjoin obedience to the powers that be; and therefore it is expedient that all our preachers and people who may be under the British Government, or any other Government, will behave themselves as peaceable and orderly subjects.

"These declarations," says a Methodist author, "embrace the doctrine of the Church in regard to civil government; and whoever is not governed by this doctrine, and is not loyal to the Government where he may reside, cannot be a Methodist of the American stamp."

In the Convention that formed the Constitution of the United States, the Methodist Church was represented by Richard Bassett, of Delaware, a distinguished lawyer, and a confidential friend of Bishop Asbury. He, with other influential Methodists of Delaware, George Read, John Dickinson, and their associates, urged the people of Delaware to adopt the Constitution, which they did in 1787. 

3) THE QUAKERS,

As a Christian denomination, have exerted no unimportant influence on the religious character and sentiments of the nation. They took their rise in England about the middle of the seventeenth century, and called themselves at first Seekers, from the fact that they professed to seek pure truth; afterwards, however, from their peace principles and conduct, they assumed the name of Friends.

George Fox was the founder of the Friends' Society, in 1648. In 1669 he visited America, and, spending two years in this country, he formally organized the denomination on this continent. It was, however, left for Penn to give system and vigor to the Society. In March, 1681, he obtained from Charles II. a grant of all the territory which now bears the name of Pennsylvania, where he desired to "spread the principles and doctrines of the Quakers, and to build up a peaceful and virtuous empire in the new land, which should diffuse its examples far and wide to the remotest ages." In 1682 Penn set sail for this country, and in the following year founded Philadelphia, and laid the permanent basis of a civil and religious society in accordance with the principles of the Quakers.

They rapidly rose to prominence, and their influence for good has been extended over the continent. During the Revolution, many of this denomination declined to take up arms against George III., because forbidden by a fundamental article of their faith. Stephen Hopkins, of Rhode Island, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a member of the Friends' Society and labored zealously for its prosperity. This body of Christians, by their principles and the example of their peaceful lives, have done much to give a higher moral tone to our national character. Their patriotism and attachment to the new Government were evinced in the following congratulatory address to Washington on his being inaugurated President of the United States.

3.1) THE ADDRESS OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY CALLED QUAKERS, FROM THEIR YEARLY MEETING FOR PENNSYLVANIA, NEW JERSEY, DELAWARE, AND THE WESTERN PART OF MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA.

To the President of the United States.

Being met in this our annual assembly, for the well-ordering the affairs of our religious society and the promotion of universal righteousness, our minds have been drawn to consider that the Almighty, who ruleth in heaven and among the kingdoms of men, having permitted a great revolution to take place in the government of this country, we are fervently concerned that the rulers of the people may be favored with the counsels of God, the only sure means of enabling them to fulfil the important trusts committed to their charge, and in an especial manner that Divine wisdom and grace vouchsafed from above may qualify thee to fill up the duties of the exalted station to which thou art appointed.

We are sensible thou hast obtained a great place in the esteem and affection of the people of all denominations over whom thou presidest; and, many eminent talents being committed to thy trust, we much desire they may be fully devoted to the Lord's honor and service, that thus thou mayest be an happy instrument in his hands for the suppression of vice, infidelity, and irreligion, and every species of oppression on the persons or concerns of men, so that righteousness and peace, which truly exalt a nation, may prevail throughout the land, as the only solid foundation that can be laid for prosperity and happiness.

The free toleration which the citizens of these States enjoy in the public worship of the Almighty agreeably to the dictates of their consciences, we esteem among the choicest of blessings; and we desire to be filled with fervent charity for those who differ from us in matters of faith and practice, - believing that the general assembly of saints is composed of the sincere and upright-hearted of all nations, kingdoms, and people, so we trust we may justly claim it in others. In full persuasion that the divine principle we profess leads into harmony and concord, we can take no part in warlike measures on any occasion or under any power, but we are bound in conscience to lead quiet and peaceable lives in godliness and honesty among men, contributing freely our proportion to the indigencies of the poor and to the necessary support of the civil government; acknowledging those that rule to be worthy of double honor, having never been chargeable from our first establishment as a religious society with fomenting or countenancing tumult or conspiracies, or disrespect to those who are placed in authority over us.

We wish not improperly to intrude on thy time and patience; nor is it our practice to offer adulation to any. But, as we are a people whose principles and conduct have been misrepresented and traduced, we take the liberty to assure thee that we feel our hearts affectionately drawn towards thee, and those in authority over us, with prayers that thy Presidency may, under the blessing of Heaven, be happy to thyself and to the people, that through the increase of morality and true religion Divine Providence may condescend to look down upon our land with a propitious eye, and bless the inhabitants with the continuance of peace, the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and enable us grate fully to acknowledge his manifold mercies.

And it is our earnest concern that he may be pleased to grant thee every necessary qualification to fill thy weighty and important station to his glory, and that finally, when all terrestrial honors shall pass away, thou and thy respectable consort may be found worthy to receive a crown of unfading righteousness in the mansions of peace and joy forever.

Signed in and on behalf of the said meeting, held at Philadelphia, by adjournment, from the 28th of the 9th month to the 3d of the 10th month inclusive, 1789.

Signed, 

NICHOLAS WALN, Clerk.

3.1.1) ANSWER.

To the Religious Society called Quakers, at their Yearly Meeting for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the western part of Maryland and Virginia.

GENTLEMEN: -

I receive with pleasure your affectionate address, and thank you for the friendly sentiments and good wishes which you express for the success of my administration and for my personal happiness.

We have reason to rejoice in the prospect that the present national Government, which, by the favor of Divine Providence, was formed by the common counsels and peaceably established with the common consent of the people, will prove a blessing to every denomination of them. To render it such, my best endeavors shall not be wanting.

Government being, among other purposes, instituted to protect the persons and consciences of men from oppression, it certainly is the duty of rulers not only to abstain from it themselves, but, according to their stations, to prevent it in others.

The liberty enjoyed by the people of these States of worshipping Almighty God agreeably to their consciences, 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 to their Maker for the religion or modes of faith which they may prefer or profess.

Your principles and conduct are well known to me; and it is doing the people called Quakers no more than justice to say that (except their declining to share with others the burthen of the common defence) there is no denomination among us who are more exemplary and useful citizens.

I assure you, very explicitly, that, 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 and interests of the nation may justify and permit.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.