Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1844-11-11

TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF vlR-
GINA

Your petitioners, members Of various Christian dcn0m-
inalloDs hnmby REPRESENT that they less favored
Than other associations Tor public pnposes and their o.
ios In behalf Of education and general bet evidence
greatly mpeded by being denied the corporate privilege
OF acquiring and holding property, and ot entering i0t0
cunracls. As Societies, they can enter nto
engagements that the law will recognizes, and arc In
capable oi holding property 10 any exieuta disability
Of which ASSOCIATIONS Of fellow citizens for very ma
ny Objects vi secular enterprise, and even for purp VI
mere amusement oi diversion. have been relieved They
ask not that denomination of Christians may be ad
milted 10 imnluniiies withheld from others Belonging
as they do 10 the various denominations. their object 10
that the same liberal measure Of impartial equality may
be extended to all and thai they all may be favored
with such legal sanctions, that inpedimt nts which
have hitherto obsiruced their usefulness may be
we'd.
They need not stop To insist upon the importance Of
religious education. They persuaded that your hon
orble body regard il as not only invaluable To ono and
all of u.s. immortal aud accountable beings but IN
voving tic highest aud best interests Of the State Tho
duty u lnsluctns the people in righteousness temper
ance and judgment 10 cannot b. neglected. bu II
the infinite peril Of those WIN 10 authority.
What they desire to present Prominently IN your con-
sderaiio is the fact with which you already familiar,
that education is manly directed aud supported BY ihe
Church, under its denominations and that reli
aious education is and must be- dependent the Church
alone Seeing this how II be expected that Socio
ties condemned perpetual poverty by the denial u shs
right 10 acquire property, and AT the mercy OF thus hs
would take advantage Of their deienceless condition,
should have II IN their power to establish and endow
Schools commensurate with the craving wants. and de-
ties the communily?--lt is obviously mt Pssihls.
Yet, enable them TO hold whal individual bsnevoleuce
may desire 10 dedicate To The public through their agency.
and award them tho hninblest privilege of appeals
ing to the To redress and prevent Injustice, a
the formidable and bighng obstacle hitherto oppse -
their earnes, olfts will he removed, aud the puhlsc
will wnrss il will reap, the advantages Vi tho
benecent measure.
And why, your petitioners hum5y ask. should their
application be objected 10 or oppasedl They ASK Mr.
Tor large unusual powers. nor for priv egrs denied "
other classes oour fellow citizens the benefits " be dss
we'd from the will rebound whole cssaa-
nifty equally and consist in the extension Of order, rsrs
and general intelligence and virtup and they neither -
jet 10 complain # any restrictions power II ~
per vson which the watchuI foresight may eng
est prudent safe Il has. they know. brsA said
that there might be danger Of pfufuss hrnsouNcs Y
favor of religious objects, il Christian Societies wegs n
lowed 10 have and hld prip-ry: and olhers hays ~
ected that IL might impair the ndsiiona VI Was hapss
system Of religious federation. These and III ainla
,beclos, they suhaii without fear tbs reasls. 4
your enlightened consideration 10 dispose VI. Ihs a