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. 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.

A

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.

RELIGION AND MORALITY, THE PILLARS OF HUMAN

HAPPINESS.

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.

In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens.

The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert our oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice?

1796.

RELIGION, DISTINGUISHED FROM MORALITY.

Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that Morality can be maintained without Religion.

Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that National Morality can prevail, in exclusion of Religious Principle.

1796.