Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-08-10
To rnE EDITOR OF rue Ancus-
CSEzs<SSS-s

PERHAPS the publication of this Extract,
at present, may not be useless--l there,ore
send 1t to you. .et-t, =
g The real Christian loues his Country, end Is,
therefore, the best Of Patriots
POLITICAL hypocrisy hath made the lauda-
Bile name Of patriotism almost suspicious. But
he that is sincere in the best things and walks
nc in the sight of God, WILL of all men, befaith-
full in lower matters, and carry a sterling M
tecrity from religion into every duty OF social
);fe--On the other hand, nc that regards not
God. nor vet other men but as they are conye-
n;ent to himself may very justly be suspected
IN his fidelity to his country.-Profit and vain
olory indeed will carry some men very tar, as
thcv have done; but strip worldly man oil
these. and where are his motives for promoting
che national welfare
THE Christian is not q mere snowy patriot
for lucre or for fame; but he is, what none bui
a Christian can be, a patriot IN spirit ana m
trl,b. mourning out his secret and earnest pray
.ers before God for the true prosperity OF the
land. The world, indeed, hath low opinion
of this Artillery of Heaven; but one who is WI
ser than the world, hath told US that the :" ell
{actual fervent prayer of righteous man avail
9Th much .a-And If one such person like an e
las. can. be Instrumental in drawing down pub
lie blessings; what may not be hoped for from
the PRAYERS OF legions of Christians through
out the nation We may read what the pray
ers of such men have done in Heb. lis
.S4
The Christian patriot viii rejoice in all the
GOOD done to his Country; though other hands
rather than his have been employed in the do
inr it-That man deserves not the name OF q
patriot, 10 whom tne peace, honor and prospe'
i.ty ofhis Country are valuable only as they
NAV contribute TO his own
As the Christians patriotism is founded up
- <.fr ltortnt hr 90 mr..
desirous of his Country'S prosperity IN true
worth and virtue than IN mere power and rich
es which are often the dangerous fuel Of
luxury and pride both to states and mdividu
ais He is no enemy to commerce, tor thou
sand reasons. but an utter enemy 10 commerce.
al vices, for reasons infinite and eternal.
In wishing for his Country all kinds Of TEN
poral blessings, he cannot forget to ask before
God for a greater abundance OF spiritual mer
cies.-His hearts desire is, that the Gospelant
religion of Jesus Christ, happily coilntenancet
by the laws, may forever flourish through tn,
land in all its genuine power and purity,-Tho
he is not and cannot be an enemy TO any man
vet he is a well principied adversary TO a.! wick
ed and blaspIemous errors and opinions, and t.
all proAigacies of the heart and life, which toS
from them, and which have oyer-run the Coun
tryfwith guilt and shame.
Thc Christian carries religion into his patri
otism, but not his patriotism into religion
Thetbings of God are too holy and sacred witt
him, either to be mixed with truckle to TN
little low politics of men.-iie is a Citizen Of
better Country, and Pilgrim in all others
though peculiar friend to that in which h
was born.
AS he can say with Samuel, God forbid tina
should sin against the Lord, in ccasing to pra
for this Nation; SO nc would act upon all occa
sions as Samuel did, and endeayor TO promOt
the welfare OF his Country by being goo
conference.-the will contribute fairly an
lcheerfally to her burdens, live in all cody qu
ctncss and honesty among his peope, aud PEA
faithfully and earnestly tor Tic whole publ
veal as a Christian.--Were alt t!se citizens sue
patriots, this Nation, with Gods blessing, woul
have but small reason 10 live IN fear OF IN
most mighty and numerous enemies"