E THE RELIGION AND PATRIOTISM OF '76. A DISCOURSE DELIVERED IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, FOURTH OF JULY, 1»44 BY JOHN C. 8 MIT PASTOR OF THE FOURTH PRKSBYTER1A The proceeds a donation to ilie Junior Missionary Society of the Cliti ch. WASHINGTON: J; *. G. S. GIDEON, PRINTERS. 1844. THE RELIGION AND PATRIOTISM OF '76. A DISCOURSE DELIVERED IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, FOURTH OF JUL1, 1844 BY JOHN C. SMITH, PASTOR OF THE FOURTH PRE3BYTERIAN CHURCH. The proceeds a donation to the Junior Missionary Society of the Church. WASHINGTON: J. k. G. S. GIDEON, PRINTERS. 1844. .U)tg Washington, July 4th, 1844. Rev. John C. Smith, Pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Washington City. Dear Sir : After the delivery of your very excellent discourse, this evening, on the religion and patriotism of '76, the congregation held a meeting, at which the Hon. A. K. Parris presided ; and the undersigned were appointed a committee to solicit a copy for publication. They hope you will agree with them in the belief, that its publication and extensive circulation would result in great good, and that you will, without hesitation, comply with the request. We are, dear sir, very affectionately and truly, yours. M. NOURSE, 1 JOHN Y. BRYANT, JOSIAH F. POLK, P. BRADLEY, J. McGINNIS, Jr., > Committee. Washington City, July 5, 1844. Gentlemen : Your note of yesterday was handed me last evening. I am truly grate- ful for the kind expressions of the congregation, and the manner in which you have con- veyed them to me. I consent to the publication. This I do the more readily, because I have often been solicited to publish my series of sermons on " The One True Church." This my time and strength will not for the present allow, though I am willing this discourse shall be received as " an earnest" thereof, if the publication hereafter should be deemed judicious, and my many and pressing engagements permit. But my friends must not feel disappointed if they have to take " the will for the deed." I make no apologies for the style of the discourse. Those who know me, know my pastoral labors prevent much outlay of strength on composition. I rejoice in the facts stated, sustained as they all are by authorities that will not I presume be questioned. If I know my own heart, my sole object is to glorify God, and to aid in the perpetuation of that liberty purchased by the treasure and blood of our patriot fathers. With the highest respect, I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, m ., ., » T JOHN C. SMITH, To Messrs. M. Nourse, John Y. Bryant, Josiah F. Polk, I Committee. P. Bradley, J. McGinnis, Jr., DISCOURSE Genesis VI, 4th. "The same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown." The men of 1776, their mighty acts and noble deeds, have furnished a theme, rich and inspiring - , for poets, orators, statesmen and divines, on this anniversary of our national independence, and will, until the Amer- ican heart ceases to beat, or gratitude inspire the human soul. And well may we speak, and write, and sing of men thus distinguished in the annals of the WORLD. Their times form an era in the history of nations and of human liberty which stands far out by itself, without a 'precedent, and, it may be, will remain alone, as the sun in his own brightness. The providence of God in all the events of that period of trial is intensely interesting to the christian, who believes not only in a general, but in a special and particular superintendence. This view enhances the value of all that was accomplished, and having so much of God in it, I see the pledge that He who made, will still preserve, us a nation. Let poets sing their animating strains, let orators originate thoughts that breathe and utter words that burn, let statesmen take their views of our national relations, exhibit to us, a wise and safe policy, and then speak in burning eloquence of our high relative position and higher destiny, to none of which do I object; but be it ours to day, to ascertain, if we can, what were the principles in operation in that eventful period, what causes there were, that produced such great, such wonderful, such glorious results. That principles strong and powerful, dear as " life, fortune and sa- cred honor," were cherished, is most manifest in the sacrifices then made, in the perils met and passed, in the privations and wants cheerfully endured and overcome, and in the blood freely shed. Those principles led the colonies first to remonstrate, then to resist, and then to throw off all allegiance to Great Britain, to band together, and becoming these United States, to declare their independence ; these sustained them in all their trials, kept them in a more critical hour — when the conflict was ended — and have guided their posterity until the present hour. The strength and value of these principles were much more severely tried after the din of battle ceased, than while the strug- gle continued. The army, disbanded after a seven year's war, would bring in large companies of men who, in ordinary circumstances, would have formed habits peculiar to military life not the most favorable to peaceful pursuits and the every-day transactions of life. How often have men nobly fought to achieve a victory, and when success has at- tended their efforts, they have lost more than they gained by an abuse of the power thus secured. If we would understand this subject aright, if we would fully appre- ciate the course pursued, and form a correct estimate of the men of '76, we must view them, not in the excitement of battle, not when op- pressed and exasperated, such times always provide for themselves, but we must examine periods before, and particularly the times that immediately succeeded the acknowledgment of our independence by Great Britain. Let us not forget that our patriot fathers were men, com- passed about with infirmities, subject to like passions with ourselves. In every such view their spirit and course appear so much the more interest- ing and instructive ; nor should we forget their strong attachment to the mother country, and the form of government under which many of them had been educated. Love for their King, and to render him due honor, was a point of loyalty dear to them. These and other views must have their due weight with us if we would form a correct estimate of " the patriotism " that glowed in the breast of the men of revolutionary mem- ory. That they were " patriots " of the highest order, whose names deserve a place high up on the roll of fame, none, not even their ene- mies, can deny. Well and nobly did they redeem their pledge of " life, fortune, and sacred honor." We, their sons, and sons' sons, rejoice to- day in their fame and revel in our national independence, purchased by their treasure and their blood. My object, however, is not to eulogize the men, or recount their deeds; this has been often done, and well done. While I glance at their patriotism, my chief object will be to examine into those principles which led to such patriotism. The love of country is natural. The physical appearance of the land which gave a man birth lives long in his memory and affection. Even the dust thereof is dear. The mountains, the valleys, the rivers, the streams, the meadows, the forests, all, all live in memory ; and, wher- ever he goes, he bears with him these cherished reminiscences. He rejoices in her prosperity, and weeps over her follies and sorrows. Not unfrequently he maintains a conflict within his own breast; his heart goes out after his native land, but his mind is set against her political institutions. The operation of these contributed largely to his expatri- ation. He would not submit to the tyranny of authority, and deter- mined to leave the hearths and the altars of his fathers. Resolved to secure to himself the rights of a freeman, he makes his dwelling where these are understood and guarantied. In their maintenance he may be compelled to " resist even unto blood " the government of his native country. When our rights are duly understood and estimated, and there is any prospect of obtaining and securing them, a spirit of resistance is easily roused, and with great difficulty repressed and put down. Oppression on the one hand, and resistance on the other, must soon terminate in entire alienation and utter separation. Thus was it in the struggle of revolutionary times. The people of these colonies were strongly bound to their native country, the land of their fathers. They were loyal sub- jects of their King, and with all the love common to man for his coun- try, the conflict was great in the breast of every one, when the question of separation began to be agitated. The red battle, the showers of lead and iron that afterwards fell, were trifles to the decision of the question which necessity pressed upon the minds of the people — the question of separation. If we would catch the spirit of our forefathers in the declara- tion of independence, we must enter into the subject with some of the views and feelings to which I have just alluded. This exhibits their act in its own light and majesty and strength. This clothes it with beauty and power, and throws around the whole scene a halo of glory which can be discovered at no other point of observation. This proves it tO be AN ACT OF INDEPENDENCE ! The men of '76 were indeed mighty men — men of renown, men whom God in his providence raised up for that particular exigency. The like of whom have not been found on the theatre since, perhaps because, the same or a like exigency has never arisen. The spirit and intelligence of our forefathers cannot be very well over-rated. To render what is due to them, it is necessary to inquire who they were and what y and whence they came. On the north there were the Puritans with all their strength of religious principle, men of decision and energy, of in- dustry and patience — men however slow they were to avenge evil, or forbearing under aggravations, were not deficient in all that courage that made them formidable when their consciences decided, the path of duty. On the south were the Cavaliers, men from European court circles, full of chivahic spirit, men whose pride was to defend their per- 8 sonal honor, entertaining a very nice sense of right, and maintaining the punctilios of life. Generous, frank, open-hearted, terrible to their foes. " Sic semper tyrannis " is no idle motto of the south. Educated as these Colonies had been, composed of the men they were, when subjects affecting their common interests were agitated, they were found every man in his place, to examine, discuss, decide, and when at last the resort was to arms, they made their appeal, not only to the God of battles, but to the God of the Bible. They passed through the wants, privations, and horrors of a seven years' war, sustained by principles found only in the bible code, and which to them after the war, were ever " as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." My heart swells with emotions too big for utterance, when I turn to such a theme as this ! The God of the Bible was the God of our fathers ! His Bible was their rule, and on the principles of this Bible they adjusted that Government under which we live and rejoice to-day ! Blessed be his holy name. " Bless the Lord, O my soul." In the further remarks which I shall submit on this occasion, it will be my purpose to show that the Patriotism of the men of '76 was the Patriotism that just principles inspire, and that these principles were obtained from the Bible, the revealed and written word of God, as we have it here in the volume now before us. As pure men as these have lived before and since in other countries; as true Patriots have pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor, but they possessed not the volume of Inspiration. The Bible to them was not the infalli- ble rule of faith and practice ; in other words, the mind was not free from the shackles of superstition and priestcraft. I maintain then, this morning, that the Patriotism of the American colonies is that which the Bible alone can inspire. Look for illustra- tion at the long and bloody conflicts of South America. Are not these to be received as evidence of their love of country, and their determina- tion to secure and maintain their rights ? Have they not thrown off the yoke of oppression and bondage? Why then are they not free? Why have they not been able to maintain their independence ? Let others answer the question as they may, we answer it fearlessly, deli- berately, because the Bible is not in the hands of the people. The principle of individual rights and responsibility is not understood. They for a time become politically free and independent, but soon are made bondmen to those who have, as their leaders, gained their free- dom ! Political freedom never can be enjoyed where men are mo- rally slaves. Men can never be free unless the " truth make them free, and then shall they be free indeed ! " Spain sent out her expeditions by which the American hemisphere was discovered; but it was under the auspices of England that the continent itself was discovered ; for when on the 24th of June, 1497, the Cabots made their discovery, Columbus had not, at that day, touched the continent, but had discovered only the West India Islands. By the discovery under the Cabols a very large and important part of the coast of North America was secured to a country which within less than half a century was to begin to throw off the shackles of Rome, and to become in due time the most powerful of all Protestant kingdoms. This fact of the discovery is most important, and enables us to put the proper value upon claims which are set up by the Pope as the Vicege- rent of God. Moreover, it enables us to understand how this Continent was peopled by Protestants and not by Roman Catholics. Among other sweeping universal claims made in religion, it is well known that our Continent is claimed as belonging to the power of Rome, and ar- guments intended to be convincing are now advanced to prove that this is not a Protestant country. The historic fact of the discovery now ad- duced, will settle so much of the question, and we will proceed to ex- amine some things connected with the Colonies about the times of the Revolution. We cannot, however, part from the fact first stated, with- out expressing our gratitude to our covenant God for that providence by which the Spanish discoverer was a year or two before diverted from directing his course from Cuba to the very coast along which afterwards the Cabots sailed. Had he done so, how different now in some mo- mentous respects might have been the state of the world at this day. The first permanent colony planted by the English in America was Virginia, in 1607. Massachusetts was settled next in the order of time, and owed its rise to more than one original colon}''. The first planted within the province was that of New Plymouth, founded in 1620, and within twenty years from the arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers at Ply- mouth, the foundation of all the New England States was laid. Mean- while, Maryland was colonized, the absolute proprietorship of the whole of which was bestowed upon Sir Charles Calvert, the first Lord Balti- more. This was the only colony founded by Roman Catholics. Sir Charles was a Roman Catholic, and we love to speak it to the praise 2 10 of his memory that his colony was founded on principles of fullest toleration. He soon died, but his son Cecil, who succeeded to the titles and estates, sent out a colony, most of whom were Roman Catholics,, and many of them gentlemen. The Roman Catholics at first formed the decided majority, but in the end the Protestants became by far the most numerous body. The fiist colony in the State of New York was planted by the Dutch about the year 1614. In 1664, the English took possession of all the Dutch colonies in North America. New Jersey was likewise granted to the Duke of York, who in that year handed it over to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, both proprietors of Ca- rolina. Pennsylvania was founded by the distinguished philanthropist William Penn, who was, as is well known, a Quaker. Delaware at length became a separate province ; then come the two Carolinas, and the last of all the original thirteen provinces in the order of time, comes Georgia, which was settled as late as 1732. In these statements it will be seen, one hundred and twenty-five years elapsed between the founding of the first and last of these provinces. With the exception of New York and Delaware, which re- ceived their first European inhabitants from Holland and Sweden, they were all originally English. The Dutch and the Swedish were eventually included in English patents, and merged among them. Georgia had not been settled many years before difficulties of a very grave and serious character began to manifest themselves. The colo- nies were very weak in themselves, while the entire estimated popula- tion of the whole thirteen in 1775 was only 3,500,000. The difficul- ties necessarily attendant on the settlement of a country like this, are always enough in themselves; but while yet they needed the maternal love and fostering care of the mother country, serious apprehensions be- gan to be entertained that an appeal to arms as the final resort must be made. But I must not anticipate. We have given a hasty sketch of the settlement of the thirteen origi- nal provinces. With the exception of the Hollanders and Swedes, the people were all English, who settled along the seaboard, and com- menced our commercial cities. In Scotland and Ireland events were taking place which soon caused many of their inhabitants to leave their native country, and who finally found their way to this, and contributed to populate the interior of our country, though this was done to a small extent even in 17S3, after the close of the war. The patriotism of 1776 is a perfect mystery to those who have not 11 the means of informing themselves as to the real character of the actor* of those troublous times, and this is often overlooked by us who ought to be most familiar with this and every other fact. There was more than spear and sword required in those times which tried men's souls, and had not the men been made of " the stuff," our independence could not have been achieved. They were men, "every inch " men. They understood their rights, and not only dared maintain them, but did, and successfully too, with the odds most fearfully against them. Their patriotism was the patriotism which pure Bible religion inspires. And this brings us at once to the question — what was the Religion of those times? I answer without hesitation, Protestant! the religion of the Bible, as derived from the scriptures of the Old and New Testa- ments, the only infallible rule of faith and practice. They were a Bible loving and God serving people, and with the ordinary allowance for the infirmities and proneness of our nature, they were a religious peo- ple, as religion is defined in the book of God. The Reformation under Luther had brought up questions of con- science and the rights of men, which subjects had been extensively dis- cussed, and which had made not only the Pope tremble, but all the powers in Europe had felt their influence. These questions once out, men made alive to their own rights are not apt to be indifferent. The questions involved were examined; a spirit of inquiry was abroad, and the effect in time in England was that the Protestants became divided among themselves into two parties. In the divisions of those times we have sometimes the painful spectacle presented that these parties were ultimately engaged in proscribing, and even persecuting each other. Indeed power is always a dangerous trust, and especially when our fights are not accurately defined. Any union between the Church and the State increases the danger, for the dominant party may bring to bear that dreadful engine, and send destruction and death among the mi- nority. Religion is not justly chargeable with acts of violence commit- ted under her fair name; religious men are only partially sanctified, and the remaining corruptions of sin often manifest themselves to the injury of the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ. These irregularities and outbreaks are every where to be deplored and deprecated. " To err is human." And in the times to which we refer many things were done attributable mainly to those days and the circumstances under which they were done. One advantage, however, and that by no mean* 12 small, accrued ; men were led to examine the rights of conscience and other individual rights pertaining to them as men, as religious men. To secure these rights unmolested, untrammelled, induced many im- ' migrations to this Continent, which in all probability would not other- wise have been made. The state of things in the mother land pre- pared the colonists here to see clearly the bearings of certain move- ments. They had forsaken the altars of their fathers and their country, that on this new theatre they might live and act for themselves, free from all restraint, except that which "the law of liberty" imposes. Hence, when important questions arose between England and the colo- nies, they did not come to them as mere children. They looked at them as men — decided, acted on them as men. From the word of God they knew their rights, the truth had made them free, and they could not be restrained in the large expression of their opinions. To attempt to bring under authority, without law, and above law and equity, such men, is wholly a different business from an attempt to quell an insurrection of slaves, or to subjugate men ignorant of their rights and cowardly in their spirit. Men with the Bible in their hands are always brave. They engage in no war which they do not conceive just. They deprecate strife and contention. They avoid, as far as in them lies, an appeal to arms; but when once they draw the sword, it is only sheathed when their rights are secured, or their arm stricken off by the wrath of the proud oppressor. When such men go to the field, they come back "with their shield, or on their shield." I say, then, that the principles of 1776 supplied the lack of spears and swords, of provisions or munitions of war. The spirit was as the spirit of liber- ty always is, indomptable! "Liberty or death" was their motto. They chose a glorious death to an inglorious life of mere nominal liberty. Suppose for a moment that this country had been settled by adherents of the Pope, would the Revolution ever have taken place ? Would the Constitution of these United States have been as it now is ? Would this have been the land of Bibles and free institutions? We refer to countries in which the power of Rome has always predominated ; let them furnish the reply. Look at Spain, Portugal, South America. I ask you once more to look at the revolutions of those countries, and what has been the result? Nor is this all. Had the influence of Rome been greater in the days of the Revolution than what it was, (for it was almost nothing,) the liberty of the country could not have been 13 effected, for I maintain, that they were - achieved under God, because the people were under the influence of Bible truth. They were re- ligiously free, and they could therefore never become politically en- slaved. Their " patriotism " was the fruit of their Bible religion. Educated as the colonists had been, retaining the strong affection they did for the mother country, we would take it for granted that the union of Church and State would be favorably regarded by them — and so it was. The effect of this union had not been fairly seen in this country, and the difficulties growing out of it not understood till the dis- cussions of the day in which this very question came up. Measures were soon adopted to dissolve this Union. Virginia led the way, and others were soon following her footsteps ; and thus my brethren was an- other link broken by which the people are held in bondage. Men were free to act on all questions for themselves without referring them to a corrupt priesthood, who invariably act so as to keep the power in their own hands, and hold the people in bondage to them. What would have been the fate of the country had the doctrines of the Pope been the law of the land. Here we have it. Extract from the Ency- clical letter of Pope Gregoiy XVI, 16th August, A. D. 1832: " Nor can we augur more consoling consequences to religion and to Government, from the zeal of some to separate the church from the state, and to burst the bond which unites the priesthood to the Empire. For it is clear that this union is dreaded by the pro- fane lovers of liberty, only because it has never failed to confer prosperity on both." The union of Church and State in Virginia was dissolved, mainly through the exertions of the Presbyterians, Baptists and Quakers, and the scheme of having a general assessment for the support of all Pro- testant denominations defeated. The Hanover Presbytery took a most active part. Their churches held a convention at which a memorial was drawn up, and the Rev. Dr. John B. Smith was appointed to pre- sent it to the Legislature, and for three successive days was he heard at the bar of the Assembly. Presbyterians have lost nothing of this spirit. They are always the friends of civil and religious Liberty, and stand foremost when the storm of approaching battle lowers. There is no denomination more dreaded by the enemies of America, than Presby- terians. There is no class of men who will more jealously or zealously guard the tree of liberty, which God has planted in these United States. Presbyterians are not infallible ; like other men they have infirmities, and are not without their faults ; but they occupy no doubtful position with reference to the question of American liberty. When the war of 14 the Revolution came, they wefe almost to a man in favor of it. No sooner was the war declared, than the Synod of New York and Phila- delphia, the highest ecclesiastical body among the Presbyterians in America at the time, addressed to the churches a very judicious and patriotic letter, which letter is preserved in the American Archives, and may be found in the Fourth Series, Vol. II, 1775, page 1692, &c. from this pastoral letter, dated May 12, 1775, we make only a single extract: " But things are now come to such a state, that we do not wish to conceal our opinions as men and citizens ; so the relation we stand in to you seemed to make the present improve- ment of it to your spiritual benefit, our indispensable duty. Suffer us, then, to lay hold of your present temper of mind, and to exhort especially the young and vigorous, by assuring them that there is no soldier so undaunted as the pious man ; no army so formidable as those who are superior to the fear of death. There is nothing more awful to think of, than that those whose trade is war, should be despisers of the name of the Lord of Hosts, and that they should expose themselves to the imminent danger of being immediately sent from cursing and cruelty on earth, to the blaspheming rage, and despairing horror of the infernal pit. Let, therefore, every one who, from generosity of spirit, or benevolence of heart, of- fers himself as a champion in his country's cause, be persuaded to reverence the name, and walk in the fear, of the Prince of the Kings of the earth ; and then he may, with the most unshaken firmness, expect the issue either in victory or death." When the struggle commenced few persons supposed that a'n entire separation from the mother country would take place. But when in the following year Congress issued its Declaration of Independence, the Presbytery of Hanover, in Virginia, was the first body of ministers of any denomination that openly recognised that act. This they did in a memorial to the Assembly, now among the archives of that noble State. In the formation of the religious charter of the country, in that day of trial, and for years subsequently, the Presbyterians from Scot- land and Ireland must be admitted to a large share. The Puritans from England must be allowed, yes, placed first. Next to them stand our Presbyterian brethren. The Congregationalists of New England are the descendants of these Puritans. These Congregationalists and our Presbyterians are, in doctrine, one. To exhibit, however, the denomi- national strength of the times, we copy a table, prepared with great care and accuracy, by Rev. Robert Baird, D.D., for which, and other facts in this discourse, I am greatly indebted to this beloved brother.* This table shows the number of Episcopalians - Baptists - Congregationalists - - - - * See his work " Religion in America." Ministers. Churches 250 300 350 380 575 700 15 Presbyterians Lutherans German Reformed Reformed Dutch Associate Moravians Roman Catholics Ministers. Churches. 140 300 25 60 25 60 25 60 13 20 12 8 26 52 1,441 1,940 The above table may be relied on. It shows the numerical strength of the different denominations, and proves, beyond all question, that the people of the country were not Roman Catholics, but Protestants ; and that the Bible was held as the only infallible rule of faith and practice. It is very remarkable that this proportion is pre- cisely that seen among the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Of the 56 names appended to the instrument, there is but one, so far as my knowledge extends, that belonged to the Roman Church, and that venerable man survived all the rest. He went down to his grave full of years, laden with honors, and the gratitude of a free and happy people. Even now his name is as ointment poured forth. In this connexion I will repeat what I have often said in the series of sermons which for three months I have been delivering from this pul- pit on " The One True Church." It affords me pleasure to acknow- ledge that, in the Roman Catholic church in these United States, there are men of pure minds and honest intentions. Men who are incapable of doing aught intentionally against our common liberties ; men who, in support of them, would cheerfully, as others, sacrifice their fortunes and their lives; men who love our free institutions in despite of the religion which they profess, and who are too intelligent and too honest to be deceived by the cunning craftiness of men. My past discourses, and the present, so far as they refer to the Church of Rome, are not directed against individuals, but against a Foreign establishment claiming both spiritual and temporal power, whose head and standing army are at Rome ; against a system wholly opposed to American views of govern- ment, the right of private judgment, freedom of conscience, and the liberty of the press. For proof of which I refer to the Pope's letter, an extract of which is found in another part of this discourse. I believe that the system of Popery, as such, is spreading itself over this country, 16 and being the same, always the same, that the constrictions thereof, if not arrested, will crush our liberties. With this conviction, I cannot, dare not, as an American, and as a minister of the Bible church, be silent, but in death. My country, my church — " For her my tears shall fall, For her my prayers ascend, To her my cares and toils be given, Till toils and cares shall end." In the figures submitted, we have the question of religion in these United States, during the Revolutionary period, fully settled. The American Congress is now formed, and we will inquire into some of their acts, to ascertain, if we can, something more on this sub- ject of religion, now so much agitated among our people. We must necessarily pass over much of interest on this question, although found found in the Journals of Congress. We name a few : "MONDAY, June 12, 1775. " The Committee appointed to prepare a resolution for a Fast, brought in a report, which, being read, was agreed to as follows." We omit this, and insert the order of General Washington, issued in reference to it, and found in the volume of the American archives, before referred to, page 1,708: "Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 16, 1775. (Countersign : Springfield.) ("Parole, Carolina.) "The Continental Congress having earnestly recommended that " Thursday next, the 20th instant, be observed by the inhabitants of all the English colonies upon this Conti- nent as a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer, that they may, with united hearts and voice, unfeignedly confess their sins before God, and supplicate the all-wise and merci- ful Disposer of Events, to avert the desolation and calamities of an unnatural war," the General orders that day to be religiously observed by the forces under his command, exactly in manner directed by the proclamation of the Continental Congress. It is, therefore, strictly enjoined on all officers and soldiers (not upon duty) to attend divine service, at the accustomed places of worship, as well in the lines as the encampments and quarters; and it is expected that all those who go to worship, do take their arms, ammunition, and accou- trements, and are prepared for immediate action, if called upon. If, in the judgment of the officers, the works should appear to be in such forwardness as the utmost security of the camp requires, they will command their men to abstain from all labor upon that solemn day." How refreshing to our American spirits is the reading of this order. It brings before us the Illustrious Chief as he was in life — a noble, magnanimous, brave, God-fearing, Bible-loving man. A man who, in all his course, acknowledged that the God of Heaven was his refuge and IT strength. Among the most pleasant objects at Mount Vernon, on which my eyes fell, is the General's family Bible, with his name in his own handwriting. I would love to add testimony to testimony from this same source, and from the history of the times, but it would increase this dis- course beyond the limits which I have prescribed. A few acts of the American Congress are all that I shall produce to sustain the position that I have taken, that the religion of the Revolutionary period was the religion of this Holy Bible, drawn immediately from this only infallible rule of faith and practice. The first is found in the Journal of Congress : SATURDAY, March 16, 1776. " Mr. W. Livingston, pursuant to leave granted, brought in a resolution for appointing a fast, which, being taken into consideration, was agreed to as follows : " In times of impending calamity and distress, when the liberties of America are im- minently endangered by the secret machinations and open assaults of an insidious and vindictive administration, it becomes the indispensable duty of these hitherto free and happy colonies, with true penitence of heart, and the most reverent devotion, publicly to acknowledge the over-ruling providence of God; to confess and deplore our offences against him; and to supplicate his interposition for averting the threatened danger, and prospering our strenuous efforts in the cause of freedom, virtue, and posterity. "The Congress, therefore, considering the war-like preparations of the British ministry to subvert our invaluable rights and privileges, and to reduce us by fire and sword, by the savages of the wilderness, and our own domestics, to the most abject and ignominious bondage : Desirous, at the same time, to have people of all ranks and degrees duly im- pressed with a solemn sense of God's superintending providence, and of their duty, de- voutly to rely, in all their lawful enterprizes, on his aid and direction, do earnestly recom. mend that Friday, the 17th day of May next, be observed by the said colonies as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer ; that we may, with united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and, by a sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease his righteous displeasure, and, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain his pardon and forgiveness ; humbly imploring his assistance to frustrate the cruel purposes of our unnatural enemies ; and, by inclining their hearts to justice and benevo lence, prevent the further effusion of kindred blood. But if, continuing deaf to the voice of reason and humanity, and inflexibly bent on desolation and war, they constrain us to repel their hostile invasions by open resistance, that it may please the Lord of Hosts, the God of Armies, to animate our officers and soldiers with invincible fortitude, to guard and protect them in the day of battle, and to crown the continental arms, by sea and land, with victory and success: Earnestly beseeching him to bless our civil rulers, and the representatives of the people, in their several assemblies and conventions ; to pre- serve and strengthen their union; to inspire them with an ardent, disinterested love of their country ; to give wisdom and stability to their councils ; and direct them to the most efficacious measures for establishing the rights of America on the most honorable and permanent basis— that he would be graciously pleased to bless all his people in these col- onies with health and plenty, and grant that a spirit of incorruptible patriotism, and of pure undefiled religion, may universally prevail ; and this continent be speedily restored 3 18 to the blessings of peace and liberty, and enabled to transmit them inviolate to the latest posterity. And it is recommended to Christians of all denominations, to assemble for public worship, and abstain from servile labor on said day." The second, in the aforesaid journal, is MONDAY, December 9, 1776. " Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare an address to the inhabi- tants of America, and a recommendation to the several States to appoint a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer." '« The members chosen, Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. R. H. Lee, and Mr. Adams." WEDNESDAY, December 11, 1776. " The committee appointed to prepare a resolution for appointing a day of fasting and humiliation, brought in a report, which was read and agreed to, as follows : " Whereas, the war in which the United States are engaged with Great Britain, has not only been prolonged, but is likely to be carried to the greatest extremity ; and whereas, it becomes all public bodies, as well as private persons, to reverence the Providence of God, and look up to him as the supreme disposer of all events, and the arbiter of the fate of nations ; therefore, " Resolved, That it be recommended to all the United States, as soon as possible, to ap- point a day of solemn fasting and humiliation ; to implore of Almighty God the forgive- ness of the many sins prevailing among all ranks, and to beg the countenance and assist- ance of his Providence in the prosecution of the present just and necessary war. " The Congress do also, in the most earnest manner, recommend to all the members of the United States, and particularly the officers civil and military under them, the exer- cise of repentance and reformation ; and further, require of them the strict observation of the articles of war, and particularly, that part of the said articles, which forbids profane swearing, and all immorality, of which all such officers are desired to take notice. " It is left to each state to issue out proclamations fixing the day that appears most pro- per within its bounds. " Ordered, That the above be published by the committee who brought in the report." What a noble Congress, my brethren, was this! How scriptural this doctrine of " sincere repentance," and " through the merits and media- tion of Jesus Christ to obtain his pardon and forgiveness !" How much like Bible Christians did they write and speak, feel and act. What a spirit of dependance on God is breathed throughout these and all other similar acts of Congress. How this spirit rebukes that which is rife throughout the land now, and seen often, (and always most painfully,) even in Congress hall. How degenerate, alas ! have we become. May we on this anniversary return to the spirit of '76 ! May the members of Congress remember that through them we may lose that for which our forefathers shed their blood ; and that every attempt, or the tolera- tion of an attempt, to break down the influences of bible truth and bible religion, is to open the flood-gates of infidelity and every species of error, and thus prepare us to fall an easy prey to the Spoiler. In 19 political meetings, and in the debates of Congress, the irreverent use of Bible language cannot be too much, deprecated, and every good man ought forever to eschew the practice. God must be honored every- where, and his truth revered. Let us then set our face against the im- proper use of the words of the Holy Ghost, and remember that they who thoughtlessly employ bible language may provoke the Divine author to withdraw from us the right arm of his power. I would here very kindly warn all those to whom these words may come, against that which is unnecessary — that which is evil, only evil, and evil continually. One other act of Congress I take pleasure in citing. You may find it in the journal of Congress. THURSDAY, September 11, 1777. " The committee to whom the memorial of Dr. Allison and others was referred, report, 'That they have conferred fully with the printers, &c, in this city, and are of opinion, that the proper types for printing the Bible are not to be had in this country, and that the .paper cannot be procured, but with such difficulties, and subject to such casualties, as ren- der any dependance on it altogether improper ; that to import types for the purpose of set- ting up an entire edition of the bible, and to strike off 30,000 copies, with paper, binding, &c, will cost £10,272 10, which must be advanced by Congress, to be reimbursed by the sale of the books ; that, in the opinion of the committee, considerable difficulties will at- tend the procuring the types and paper ; that, afterwards, the risk of importing them will considerably enhance the cost, and that the calculations are subject to such uncertainty in the present state of affairs, that Congress cannot much rely on them ; that the use of the Bible is so universal, and its importance so great, that your committee refer the above to the consideration of Congress, and if Congress shall not think it expedient to order the importation of types and paper, the committee recommend that Congress will order the committee of commerce to import 20,000 Bibles from Holland, Scotland, or elsewhere, into the different ports of the States of the Union :" Whereupon, it was moved, That the Committee of Commerce be directed to import 20,000 copies of the Bible. New-Hampshire, Mr. Folsom, Frost, Massa setts Bay, Mr. S. Adams, J. Adams, ay Gerry, Lovell, ay J Mr. Marchant, ay )>ay Mr. Dyer, ay'j Law, ay \ ay Williams, a l/J Mr. Duane, no )- Mr. Witherspoon, ay ? Clark, ay 5 a V So it was resolved in the affirmative Rhode Island, Connecticut, Neiv York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Mr. Wilson, Roberdeau, Mr. Reed, Mr. Chase, Mr. Harrison, F. L. Lee, Jones, North Carolina, Mr. Harnett, South Carolina, Mr. Middleton, Heyward, Laurens, Georgia, Mr. Brownson, We stand here this day, my countrymen, to bless our covenant God for this act of the American Congress. My heart is full of gratitude . 20 and praise, and I could detain you for hours in giving vent to my feel- ings. But I see in your countenances, that nothing need be added to heighten your interest. Let us in silence read, and in profound grati- tude praise God for such a noble testimony to the word of truth. The Bible ! The American Congress declares "that the use of the bible is so universal, and its importance so great." " The committee recommend that Congress will order the Committee on Commerce to import 20,000 bibles from Holland, Scotland, or elsewhere, into the* different ports of the States of the Union." The term " Bible " in those days had but one meaning. When that was employed this translation was in the mind — a translation made immediately from the Hebrew and Greek languages. The translation now in use was commenced by order of James, King of England, in the spring of 1607, and the com- pletion of it occupied almost three years. This translation was the united work of from forty to fifty of the most pious and learned men that England and her king could select and employ. All of them were pre-eminently distinguished for their piety and profound learning in the original languages of the sacred scriptures. They were divided into six classes, and to these six companies of venerable translators, assembled, or about to assemble, at Westminster, Cambridge, and Oxford, the king gave the following instructions, found in " Home's introduction," vol. 2, p. 247, &c. " ' 1. The ordinary Bible read in the church, commonly called the Bishops' Bible, to be followed, and as little altered as the original will permit. ♦' ' 2. The names of the prophets and the holy writers, with the other names in the text, to be retained as near as may be, accordingly as they are vulgarly used. " « 3. The old ecclesiastical words to be kept, as the word church not to be translated congregation. *' ' 4. When any word hath divers significations, that to be kept, which hath been most commonly used by the most eminent fathers, being agreeable to the propriety of the place and the analogy of faith. " ' 5. The division of the chapters to be altered either not at all, or as little as may be, if necessity so require. " * 6. No marginal notes at all to be affixed, but onlyrfbr the explanation of the Hebrew or Greek words which cannot, without some circumlocution, so briefly and fitly be ex- pressed in the text. " « 7. Such quotations of places to be marginally set down, as shall serve for the fit references of one scripture to another. *« ' 8. Every particular man of each company to take the same chapter or chapters ; and having translated or amended them severally by himself, where he thinks good, all to- meet together, to confer what they have done, and agree for their part what shall stand. '« « 9. As any one company hath dispatched any one book in this manner, they shall send it to the rest, to be considered of, seriously and judiciously : for his majesty is very careful in this point 21 " « 10. If any company, upon the review of the book so sent, shall doubt or differ upon any places, to send them word thereof, to note the places, and therewithal to send their reasons ; to which if they consent not, the difference to be compounded at the general meeting, which is to be of the chief persons of each company, at the end of the work. " * 11. When any place of special obscurity is doubted of, letters to be directed by au- thority to send to any learned in the land for his judgment in such a place. " ' 12. Letters to be sent from every bishop to the rest of his clergy, admonishing them of this translation in hand, and to move and charge as many as, being skilful in the tongues, have taken pains in that kind, to send their particular observations to the com- pany, either at Westminster, Cambridge, or Oxford, according as it was directed before in the king's letter to the Archbishop. " ' 13. The directors in each company to be the Deans of Westminster and Chester for Westminster, and the King's Professors in Hebrew and Greek in the two Universities. " ' 14. These translations to be used, when they agree better with the text than the Bishops 'Bible, viz. Tyndal's, Coverdale's, Matthewe's, Whitchurch's, Geneva. " [' 15. Besides the said directors before mentioned, three or four of the most antient and grave divines in either of the universities, not employed in translating, to be assigned by the Vice-Chancellor, upon "conference with the rest of the heads, to be overseers of the translation, as well Hebrew as Greek, for the better observation of the 4th rule above specified.'*] " According to these regulations, each book passed the scrutiny of all the translators successively. In the first instance, each individual translated every book, which was al- lotted to his division. Secondly, the readings to be adopted were agreed upon by the whole of that company assembled together, at which meeting each translator must have been solely occupied by his own version. The book, thus finished, was sent to each of the other companies to be again examined ; and at these meetings it probably was, as Selden informs us, that " one read the translation, the rest holding in their hands some Bible, either of the learned tongues, or French Spanish, Italian, &c. If they found any fault, they spoke ; if not, he read on.'f Further, the translators were empowered to call to their assistance any learned men, whose studies enabled them to be serviceable, when an urgent case of difficulty presented itself. " The translation furnished under the above authority, and by the royal direction, has now been in use for 234 years, and, notwithstanding the sensitiveness and jealousy among our Protestant brethren, as re- gards their peculiar denominational views, " they are all united in their profound veneration for the impartiality and faithfulness of the old English version of the scriptures. They would regard with concern any attempt to improve it, and no such attempt would ever secure in its result their united confidence. We have here, then, all that evi- dence of fidelity which learning and sectarian jealousy, (and that is neither small nor trifling,) combined can impart. Such a verdict of ac_ quittal no other book ever had, and no one but this ever merited." * The preceding rules are given from a corrected copy in the Rev. H. J.Todd's Vindication of oiw authorized translation and translators of the Bible, pp. 9—12. London, 1819, 8vo» f Selden's Table Talk, article Bible.— Works, vol. iii, col. 2009. 22 Have we any means by which we can identify the Bible, an impor- tation of 20,000 of which was authorized by Congress? I answer, in that day, and in this country, that term was applied to but one book, and that the word of God now in this pulpit. The continued and strenuous efforts to unsettle the minds of Americans on this most vital point are of comparatively recent date. The identity is seen in the act of Congress itself. On whose memorial did Congress act? On the memorial of Dr. Allison ; and who was Dr. Allison ? I answer — a thor- ough scholar, a learned divine, an eminent minister of our Lord Jesus Christ, and pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Philadel- phia. After a life of great laboriousness, usefulness, and popularity, he died Nov. 28, 1777, about two months after this Bible act was passed by the American Congress. The identity ! The bibles were to be imported from Holland or Scotland. The first of these countries gave our pilgrim fathers a temporary home while on their way to these shores to teach Bible truth, and plant the religion of the Son of God. " Scotland!" the very name is synonymous with bible light and knowledge. Here my brethren, we cannot mistake, and no sophistry or cunning can ever make us believe that the religion of '76 was not the simple, the glo- rious, the heaven-born religion of this word of God. Do you ask me still, what was the religion of our forefathers in this country? Go to the rotundo of the Capitol and gaze, as well you may, with admira- tion and delight, upon Weir's picture of the embarcation of the Pil- grims, and Chapman's, of the baptism of Pocahontas. There you find the answer in all the living power of the facts, with all the witchery of the canvass and the most exquisite skill of the artists! I have thus endeavored, briefly as I could, to show what was the religion of the Revolutionary period. The facts adduced are but a small portion from the mass that presents itself. In the religion of the day we have the true secret of American patriotism ; in the perpetua- tion of that same holy religion lies our only hope under God. If the Religion of the land ever be changed, into its likeness will our free insti- tutions be also changed. As is the religion of the people, so will be their political condition. We are indebted first to God, and then to the English Puritans, the Scotch and Irish Presbyterians, and to the exiled Huguenots, or French Reformed, as having done most to form the religious character of these United States. The emigration of these Huguenots to America is an exceedingly interesting event in the history of our country. We only name the fact now to urge you to make 23 yourselves acquainted with their history. Their descendants are found throughout our country, and among them are some of our most distin- guished, honored, and beloved citizens, particularly in the South, where many of them settled. We give but one fact in illustration of their simple and devoted piety, furnished by Rev. Dr. Miller, pro- fessor of Ecclesiastical History in the Theological Seminary, Prince- ton, N. J. " When the Huguenots first settled in the neighborhood of New Rochelle, their only place of worship was in the city of New York. They had taken lands on terms that required the utmost exer- tions of men, women, and children among them to render them tillable. They were, therefore, in the habit of working hard till Saturday night, spending the night in trudging down on foot to the city, attending wor- ship twice the next day, and walking home the same night, to be ready for work in the morning. Amid all these hardships, they wrote to France to tell what great privileges they enjoyed." Thus France contributed, through the Huguenots, to form the reli- gious character of this country, as France had toiled with our forefathers in the field of battle. Washington and La Fayette !! ! They knew well the price paid for American liberty, and had therefore a just esti- mate of it. Did La Fayette fear for the liberties of America? but from one source, and that the religion of Rome, and the priests that minis- ter at her altars. Here are his words as quoted : " If ever the liberty of this Republic is destroyed, it will be by Roman priests." This senti- ment of La Fayette cannot be remembered with too much care ; and Americans must watch and pray, guard and preserve those liberties which this noble, magnanimous and disinterested Frenchman fought and bled to secure. Are these liberties assailed ? Perhaps not directly, but the bible, the bible, the Magna Charta of human liberty 13 attacked. " If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do." Psalms 11,3. The men of '76 were competent to meet the exigencies of their times. Not only brave in the field, but wise as statesmen in their coun- cils. Look at their State constitutions, and above all at " the Consti- tution of the United States." They were not alone. The motto seen en the sail of the " Speedwell," in which the pilgrims embarked, was theirs. Read it on the picture, " God with us." Yes ! u the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night," was over the American camp, or behind or before as Divine wisdom directed. The good hand of our God was upon them for good, and to-day we set our Ebenezer 24 up and write: " Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." Our banner we fling to the breeze " God with us." An eloquent author writes : " Every great European event affected the fortunes of America. Did a State prosper, it sought an increase of wealth by plantations in the West. Was a sect persecuted, it escaped to the new world. The Reformation, followed by collisions between English dissenters and the Anglican hierarchy, colonized New England. The Reformation, emancipating the United Provinces, led to Euro- pean settlements on the Hudson. The Netherlands divide with Eng- land the glory of having planted the first colonies in the United States ; they also divide the glory of having set the example of public freedom. If England gave our fathers the idea of a proper representation, Hol- land originated for them the principle of federal union." My heart's desire and prayer to God is, that our liberty may continue to the latest posterity ; and, to secure this, may our religion be what it was in '76 — the religion of the Bible ; and as generations come on and pass away, may they possess that religion which is pure and undefiled before God and the Father, and which, being pure, " is peaceable, gen- tle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without par- tiality and without hyprocisy." Amen and Amen. 011802 107 1 A I ^^