Portland gazette and Maine advertiser. (Portland, Me.) 1805-1818, 1810-04-23
JETHRO..... No. 5.

1t is further required ofthose concerned
in the affairs of government, that they be
men fearing" God" believe tits generally
admitted that religion, or devout regard
to the Supreme Being, lis the only solid basis
of integrity. But, since persons in author
ity ought to be examples to others in all
good conduct, il follows, that theory should
assent, in practice, as well as they, 20 the
inviolable connexicn between riety and mo-
rality. 1t is true, that the mere shape and
resemblance of virtue may be, and often is,
carried to considerable perfection, upon the
ground Of human motives; & the effect fthis
upon society so far as it goes, will be, appar-
emily, the same with chat of characterf oun-
dedupon better principles. An attentive ex-
animation, however, will discern very i'm
portant distinction, in appearance, as well as
reality, between what is called the correct
moralist, and the devout christian.
AS magistrates are to be examples to the
people, religion, instead of being excluded,
should hold the highest rank among those
objects which demand respect and imitation
The constitution of this State requires that
the first executive, together with the
Lieutenant Governor, and Counsellors, from
whom the whole department emenates,
should subscribe a declaration, importing
that he " believes the Christian Religion,
and has a firm persuasion of its truth" 1t
does not, however undertake 10 show, III
what other way this belief is to be nantes
ted, than by the declaration itself. There
was an evident difficulty, in making full
communion with the church the public test
of religion. For, in the first place, very diff
ferent opinions prevail, with respect to the
dying injunction Of our Saviour to his disci-
pies Some consider compliance with this
an almost indispensable requisite 10 the
character OF christian. Others suppose,
that many sincere and humble believers
have honest, and unconquerable scrupleS on
the subject. But by far, the greater part
| OF those, who make general profession of
christianity, and would be thought to live
III some conformity to its precepts, at the
same time leave its most solemn institution
entirely IN the hands of an lnconslderable
minority. Hence it would naturally occur,
IN discussing this question, that had the
most direct and extensive profession OF the
gospel been made the absolute condition Of
ONCE, many persons would be excluded, in
other respects well qualified, not excepting
even dlftldent unassuming plety.
Besides, il must be observed, that ambi-
uous and aspiring men would pay little re-
gard to such an obstacle in the way of their
/ promotion, as concerned only susceptible.
Ity OF conscience, to which they could make
no pretensions. Rather therefore than be
disappointed in their views, they would feel
little hesitation in leaping barrier erected
by religion. Here an immense field would
be opened for the practice of hypocrisy in
It's worst form. Instead then OF insuring
the choice of religious men for rulers, We
should be exposed to the danger of introdu-
eng INTO the first stations, such as were Ca
pable OF tramplng upon the most solemn IN
slItutions. Through our anxiety 70 avoid thi,
evil, we should be liable. TO another OF nc
small consequence, in endeayoring 10 bring
forward the good and pious, whose talents
however, might be wholly inadequate L
the discharges cfimportant functions. The