Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-10-24
FOR THE ARGUS.

proclamation in tfis days paper.)
-.>~-
FOR THE ARGUS.
The pulpit, tberoiorc land name ii, sil'd
With solemn awe, that b Dis me well beware
With what intent ! touch that holy thing)
I say the pulpit, in the sober
Gifts legitimate, peculiar powers,
Must stand netnowleds wiilethe world shall stand
The most important and efcetual guard,
Support and ornament Of virtues cause.
MIR. PEASANTS,
lam citizen of the u
nited States, and a Frecholder ofthe city of
Richmond. i respect the rights of men and
am willing tomake any sacrifice, the govern
ment may require OF me for their support
am truly sensible how great aid how pre-
cious are the privileges which we enjoy
While so many thousands of our fellow beings
inhabit the dark regions of slavery and des-
potisIn, and bow with degrading reverence
before lordly tyrants, who sit on thrones of
ebony, swaying iron sceptres; we have the
peculiar felicity to live under a free govern
ment, government of the people. Our ru-
lers are of ourselves, and our governors pro-
coed from the midst of us. Clothed with
power, with which we have invested them,
we honor them as the ministers ofGOD who
exercise their Authority not for their own e.
molument, but for the public good. We rise
as new constellation in the political hea-
vens, shining in the view of all nations, with
the fairest specimens of sllthe natural, civil
and moral virtues, that ever adorned hui
man governments. But the fairest fabric
may lose its lustre, the strongest edifce rails
zssd by human hands, may be demolished
when subjected to the rude touch, OF expo
sed to the malicious opposition, of those who
are hostile TO its interests and tranquility
Thus, sir, however polished and enlightened
we are IS people, we cannot expectlong to
enjoy either freedom, prosperity, or the illu-
limitations of science unless we arc virtuous.
The practice of moral virtue or religion is
absolutely essential to the prosperity, if not
to the existence ola free governm6nt-
Where the rights of GOD are not respect
ell, where his authority is treated with con-
tempt, and the great principles of morality
and religion are disregarded, it must be ex
pected, that the yiest passions will rise and
reign; and instead Of rational liberty nothing
will remain but an unbounded RIGHTEOUSNESS
OF all the rights which we possess, that Of
worshipping our Creator according to the die
tates of our consciences is the most dear and
sacred. Nor can be reconciied to surren-
der this into the bands Of licentious enemy,
when it is guaranteed to me by the govern
ment under which live; and is precious
part of the compensation that receive, in
common with others, for other rights which
cheerfully relinquish to maintain the order
and happiness Of that social compact, in
which we as a people are united to each O.
Their. When this right is tamcly sGrrender-
cd thebarriers Of virtue are broken down, the
Doodgates to impiety are opened, liberty and
independence take their Sight, and nation OF
republicans, becomes nation of tyrants
trampling on the rights of each other. But
Il may be enquired, +" Does any one threaten
10 invade your privilege Of peaceably wor
shipping your Creators Are you not aiFrigh.
ted at man OF straw raised in your owr
imagination J" / could wish indeed thaI
] had good reason to think the latter wer,
the case. But, sir, most worthy and use
fnl citizen of this place was some years agt
so deeply affected with the depreciation
then committed on the rights Of Gcd ant
his worshppers, that he felt it his duty I,
print in hand bills an extract from the law O
Inc state Oh This subject, prefaccd with som,
most pertinent remarks cf his own. An
sorry to say, sir, that recent insults offered 4
the house Of God, and these who WORSHIP
therein, cOnStfain nc, 10 present to you tn
following cory Of the original publication, an,
request that you will give Il a place IN YOU
useful paper. should be exceedingly soirr
tobcconc accessory to the injury ofany one
in his reputation or feelings; yet | woul
wish our young men who claim the charsc
ter q gentlemen to know that their sportin
with the rights Of religious Community, wi
draw down ON them the just censure Of ju
3 kjicio,is public and termiistc all Their pros
acts a future advancement in dc1uge
&sgraR and identification which shall alt
hatel burst on their devoted heads.
Cory or THE HAND BILL.
II has long been o,atter ofdcca con
"Sya 70 some efthe serious part QftAe CON
"manky, 10 haye their dcroGoa i7fey1ut
''csby the breVerent behaviour Of certai
"goang men.
f" In order 10 sbe7O them that sacA eondl,
- Is as contrary % the ie7vs Of tie taad Z
al Is 70 the rnIes Of good breeding CT Il
81 Sell.lSz2sz, Z zss .ssn deer