Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-05-30


this time adorned with judges distinsuis
edfor learning, talents, aud purity of cha
fTacter, Ispresume that no period more
uncxceptionable than the present, can be
expected TO occur, for the restoration ol
provisions of the highest Importance to
The present generation and TO posterity.
There gre no subjects respecting which
tho sensibiliiy of freemen is more liable Ia
Sc excited TO Impotence, than in regard
To the rights of conscience, and the free
dom OF suffrage. So highly do the people
prize these privileges, that they have
sometimes aScribed to uutriendly motives
towards particular sects and deRomina-
mons, such regulations us were sincerely
intended TO secure an equality Of rights
10 every portion of the community
Whenever The public mind appears TO be
considerably agitated on these subjects,
prudence requires that the legislature
should review its measures and bv rea
NsssnaD'c explanations or notifications of
the laws restore public confidence and
irai1uility
Happily for ~. the principles which
rfust govern all deliberations OH these sub
Iects, are neither ahslruse nor uncertain.
II Is the right and duty of every man,
publicly aud privately, 10 worship and
atore the Supreme Creator and Preseryer
greeablc to the dictates Of his own con
science and no man or body of men have
or can acquire, by acts OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,
unpiefy, or usurpation, any right To dis
turo The public peace, or control others
In the exercise oi their religious opinions
or Worship
Though the Gospel Of Christ, like the
ark of God does not require the support
OF human Strength, vet it is conducive 10
good order. piciy aud morality, that pub
lie teachers, of religion should be iesir-
mated, and that laws providing efficient
remedies for enforcing Tie Voluntary con-
tracts of the people for their support,
should be instituted and constantly MAIN
tanned.
In respect to the most suitable mode of
supporting the ministers of religion. there
has existed some diversity of opinion
among different denominations of chris
t,ans.-Tliat by fixed salaries has been,
ana probably will continue TO be most re-
neraliy approved. In whatever mode the
support is afforded, the history of the
Church proves, that such has been the at
tarllment of The people to their pastors.
arising from veneration OF their virtues
gratitude for the consultations they afford.
and the utility of their influence when
employed promoting peace and concord
IN society, that governments have more
frequently found II expedient TO restrain.
tian TO stimulate the public muniiicence.
II may also be observed, that the rreat
body cf the clergy, have always enioved
the highest degree of esteem, libcrality
aud influence under governments of a
popular form and where the equality of
condition has subslstcd among the peo-
pie.
In regard to the manner in which the
right of suffrage ought to be exercised
ii may be remarked that not ONLY the pu-
rity, but The freedom of the elective fran
caise, according TO the dictates of private
Judgment, appear 10 lave been cautiously
secured by our ancient Institutions. As
every freeman is bound by solemn oath,
that he will give his votes and SURFACES.
as III his conscience he Judges will CON
,duce 10 the best good of the state, with
ont respect To persons or favour of any
man; as motives of friendship, personal
favor and even private interests, are by
tiiiS obligation, excluded from conside-
ration, II was inferred TO be but reasona-
ole thai Tie frcemen, in forming their de-
cisi0ns with reference To the persons most
suitable to fill offices OF honour or profit
should be exempted from those conflicts
q feeling which personal solicitations.
the influence OfOftice, or collisions ofoDin-
lins lave tendency 10 excite. 1t must
have been upon these principles that the
law has declared it TO be penal offence
merely TO offer to a freeman Il written
vote, without being previously solicited.
lie Legislature will IN their wisdom dis
Germ whether any well founded complaints
OF the violation of these principles have
arisen, in consequence of the present
mode of exercising tue right of suf'rape
and in that case will doubtless apply the
proper remedy.
Ii Is the policy of every wise State TO
consider well It's situation and recourccs.
and by systematical arrangements to ac-
Quire and maintain some honorable dis
iInction among its neighbours, founded on
principle the least exposed TO depres-
SION. In whatever relates TO education,
or lire means of unfolding and directing
The human faculties 10 objects connected
with the great interests of society, pre-
sent and future, this state has nothing to
apprehcnd from external COMPETITIONS and
rnaishps. II cannot be question he
Their all our existing institutions ought TO
be maintained, but i'll what degree, and
III what manner, they can be best invigo-
rated, extended, and directed To- new OBJ
Jccts of public utility. 1t is certain that
no fame can lie so durable, as That which
would arise from The possession of nsii-
t,Jiions for the cultivation Of the human
Intellect, of acknowledged pre-eminence
and in proportion to our success in OBJ
tanning this distinction, will be the extern
sion of an Influence more brilliant and
useful, than any which can he derived
from accumulation of wealth and terrific
rial dominion.
a general view Of the circumstances
oil ihc State presents subjects for conqi-