Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-03-23
VOL. 33, NO. 27-WHOLE NO. 1744.


gree so long as we have governments worth pre-
serving. | mean q union of religion with govern
'nent--not n union of ecclesiastical authority with
c'N' vule, but mn infusion of The spirit Of Chris
nan rehsion into the administration OF public at.
lars Neye' should this union be dissolved until
we are prepared n follow revolutionary France,
III ,he frenzy OF her lNfide zeal, and openly cast
OIL all allegiance TO the God of the Universe. Z.
Who will say he is afraid Uf this union Who
deprecates the influence Of CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLE
upon the administration of our public affars3
Who that loves his country does not wish there
were more of il (? Who can measure the extent
of our Indebtedness it for all that gives value 10
our social and civil institutions? How deep are
their foundations laid in the religion of our Puri-
tan fathers How much, especially are we in
debted to it, for the great distinctive features of
these Observation-Disclosures OF CONSCIENCE and
EQUALITY OF RIGHTS.
The New Testament is the great charter Of pop
ulur freedom the basis of genuine and safe de-
mocracy. say genuine and safe democracy,
because that democracy is guarded by the great
conservative principles of truth, justice, virtue,
knowledge, temperance, patience, and charity.
| Who will avow himself opposed to union Of
such principles with the governments of the eoun-
Try? Who would annhate the concentrc force
which should carry these governments in harnlo-
NOUS revelation, around the Great Centre of pow
ar, and wisdom, and goodness and truth !
Tell me not, then, of union of Church and
State, or tendency to il, in the simple introduce
ton of a minister efrelgon into this Hall, to lead
our devotons nj the commencement of our daily
duties, and to speak TO the words Of truth and
soberness upon the sacred day. If this is union
of Church and State, what will lot constitute such
union Ii there is force enough in this objection
to exclude the ministers of religion from the Halls
of Congress, then is there enough in it to drive
them aud the Christian religion from the land, and
leave to the che eress gloom ola philosophy that
f knows no God, trusts no Providence, and feels no
= Hope.
"The following are the remarks of DR.. Franklin on ma
n king the motion foi prayers III the Convention:
"Mr President The small progress have made, aft
Ter four FIVE weeks of close attendance and continual
reasoning with each other different sentiments al
every question: of the last producing many
e Gction ofihe bman unders,andn" w. indeed seem 10
feel want OF political wisdom, since we have been
running oil about in seach Of IT. We have gone back
cen history for models of government and examined the
different forms Of those Republics which, having been ORR
gnAly formed with the seeds Of their dissolution now
J. NJ longer exist; and have viewed modern states all
e round Europe but find Of ner constitutions suitable
h to circumstances
In this uotion Of this assembly, cropping as it were in
the dark find political truth and able distin
m guish Ah presented to u.s. how has happened sir that
i'll have no, hitherto thought applying humby to the
OF Father Of lights 10 illuminate understanding In the
d. beginning of The contest Britain when sensible
G, of danger had daily prayers nhs for Divine pro-
lection Our payerss heard; and they
VI cousy answered. All Of us who engaged in the sg
gle have observed frequent instances Of supenen-
,f ding foVuehce IN ou pVVr' 10 mat khu PROVIDENCE We
ali this happy opportunity Of consulting peace the
Of establishing our future national felicity. And have
forgotten that powerful friend do imagin,
&c 40 gHger need his assistance? have lived,
of long time, and the onger live the convincing proof
or Of this truthat God governs the affairs cmen
~ "And if sparrow fall to the ground without hi.
notice. s 1t probable than an empire rise without Hi
aid? We have been assured sir in the sacred writings
ne except the Lord build tie house, they Labor var
that bud IL fhmy bsleaye this and believe that with
IS His eoncurng aid, shall proceed in this potica
building better han the builders Ct Babel shall bt
divided by cur little partial interests; our projects will b
cuuoundcd and selves shall becomea reproaoh
DE bywOrd dwn % future ages And what worse, mankn
X may here Alter from This unfortunate instance despair Of
r. tabishnI government by human wisdom, and leave il
nj chance, and conquest therefore beg leave
That henceorh prayers, mporing the assistance ofeay
IL and blessings de beiaous, be held in this
d. semhly every morning before proceed business,
ne that Of the clergy Of this city BIZ requested
" oficaie in that service"