Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/268

 244 SKETCHES OF THE

easy to discern. It would seem to an ordinary mind, that, on the same principle, the Christian religion itself might be chai'geable with partiality, since its offers, though made to all, are accepted but by few; and it is very certain that, if Mr. Henry is to be suspected of a bias towards an estabhshed church, on account of this vote, the charge will reach some of the foremost and best established republicans in the state, whose names stand recorded with Mr. Henry's on this occasion, and who hold to this day, the undiminished confidence of their countrymen.

The other measure, the general assessment, proceed- ed from a number of petitions from different counties of the commonwealth, which prayed, that as all persons enjoyed the benefits of religion, all might be required to contribute to the expense of supporting some form of ivorship or oilier. The committee to whom these peti- tions were referred, reported a bill whose preamble sets forth the grounds of the proceeding, and furnishes a conclusive refutation of the charge of partiality to any particular foim of religion. The bill is entitled, " A bill, establishing a provision for teachers of the Chris- tian religion;" and its preamble is in the following words: — " Whereas, the general diflfusion of Christian knowledge hath a natural tendency to correct the morals of men, restrain their vices, and preserve the peace of society; which cannot be eflTected without a competent provision for learned teachers, who may be thereby, enabled to devote their time and attention to the duty of instructing such citizens as, from their cir- cumstances and want of education, cannot otherwise attain such knowledge; and it is judged such provision may be made by the legislature, ivithout counteracting the liberal princijjk Jwretofore adopted and intended to

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