Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1907-05-22
COMMUNICATED.
THE FACTS OF HISTORY.

On reading the remarks OF the Rev.
Mr.. Carpenter on the recent occasion OF
the thanksgiving services in Christ
Church. IS reported in the Gazstte, l
wondered where he had obtained the
data for his strange assertion that the
frat colonists came to Virginia to "found
a homo for religious liberty" for all the
authentic historic records inform us
that the spirit and animating element Of
the jamestown colony was of the "gen-
tlemen" cavaliers accompanying the ex-
pedition who we're royslists, and in en-
tire unity with the doctrines and usages
of the national or Anglican church
which at that time was warning against
all disseuters of whatever name and
religious belief. Religious reform had
already commenced in England, but
these colonists had taken no part in it.
None of them had been persecuied be-
cause of peculiar religious sentiments.
None of them had ever dissented from
the doctrines of the church and had no
grievances against the severe usages Of
the Episcopal hierarchy. For them
there hsd been in England all the rel-
pious liberty they desired. Indeed, 50
we'll we're they satisfied with the church
usages that they thought well to bring
them over the seas and transplant then
iu their new heritage, and 50, the
Episcopal Church became the estsb-
Iished and ouIy church for all who were
to cast their lot iu Virginia, and regu-
lar attendance at its services was en-
forced by oppr' 'ssive statutory enactmenls
and all inhabitants alike, whether
approvers or dissenters, were taxed
or tithed for the support of those
services. More than this, no other man.
ner of public service was to be per-
mitted under the seVerest penalties, rs
may be verified by reference to lien
ning's Statutes of Virginia" Surely
this WAS not the way 10 open home
for the enjoyment of religious liberty.
What would Brother Carpenter say II
he should migrate to Mexico or Hon
duras only to find on his arrival there
that his kind Of preaching wss not
wanted and would not be allowed such
a welcome would hardly be to his liking.
But that was just the welcome that all
dissenters found when they came to
Virginia in colonial times.
The venture of the jamestown COLO
uists over three thousand miles OF ocean
wastes TO the wilderness lands of the
West was one for purely worldly con-
| sideraiiODs. They were, many OF them,
persons who were in straits hnanci-
ally, and we're hopeful of improv-
ing their condition, for which no.
body can blame them. The COM
mon impression then in England
was, that the new country sbounGed in
the precious metal which would make
every ybody rich 10 day.
| wish it to be understood that do
not seek to disparage any just claims
which these men have upon the admira-
tion and magnanimity OF their posterlty
for opening q new realm for civilization
and making it possible for millions to
| find homes. Bat ! do wish TO see his
toric events and circumstances correctly
stated. Captain John Smith has
ever been one of my heroes, and
| [ bslieve if bis counsels had been re-
specled and adopted, and if his success
sors in the administration of public az
fairs had been of his character and abili-
ty, it would have been better for Virginia
in her colonial growth.
No, there was no home for religious
liberty, no spot Of ground for the meet
ing house of the dissenter in all Virginia
until Patrick Henry, George Mason,
Thomas Jefferson and George Washing
ton in their sound common sense views
of the relations which should exist be-
tween man and man in their enlarged
views of human progress and theii
correct ideas about religious tol
Grafton, brought their beneficent in'
fluences to bear and prevail fol
The disestablshment of the Angli'
clan church. Ii is well for Us al
| to remember that there will be othel
generations to come after us, and thai
we must neither suppress nor perver'
any parts of the history they are to learn
| Says Bancroft in his history of the
| United Stahs: "The superior council il
England. having the direction Of the
jamestown colony was permitted Il
| name the colonial council which wa
constituted pure aristocracy, entirely
independent Of the immigrants whom
they we're to govern; having power t.
elect or remove its presidents, to remove
any of its members and to supply its owl
vacancies. Not an element of popular
liberty was introduced into the form o
government. Religion was especially
enioin d to be established according t
the doctrines and rites of the church o
England, and DO colonist might with
draw his allegiance from King jane
nor ayow dissent from the royal creed
Lands we're to descend according to th
common law. Not only murder, man
slaughter and adultery, but dangerou
tumul,s and sedilions we're punishable
| by death; so that the security OF life de
pended on the discretion OF the magi'
trate restricted only by the necessity O
| 9 trial by jury. W. d. D
Gall at our store, please, for free sampl
-, al oalth C0ffoa ~ / real cO