300 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE [1789 



a numerous and extended Church, we most thankfully rejoice in the elec- 

 tion of a civil ruler, deservedly beloved, and eminently distinguished 

 among the friends of genuine religion — who has happily united a tender 

 regard for other churches with an inviolable attachment to his own. 



With unfeigned satisfaction we congratulate you on the establishment 

 of the new Constitution of government of the United States, the mild 

 yet efficient operations of which, we confidently trust, will remove every 

 remaining apprehension of those with whose opinions it may not entirely 

 coincide, and will confirm the hopes of its numerous friends. Nor do 

 these expectations appear too sanguine, when the moderation, patriotism 

 and wisdom of the honorable members of the Federal legislature are duly 

 considered. From a body thus eminently qualified, harmoniously co- 

 operating with the Executive authority in constitutional concert, we con- 

 fidently hope for the restoration of order and of our ancient virtues, — 

 the extension of genuine religion, — and the consequent advancement of 

 our respectability abroad, and of our substantial happiness at home. 



We devoutly implore the Supreme Ruler of the Universe to preserve 

 you long in health and prosperity, — an animating example of all public 

 and private virtues, — the friend and guardian of a free, enlightened, and 

 grateful people, — and that you may finally receive the reward which will 

 be given to those whose lives have been spent in promoting the happiness 

 of mankind. 



77?^ President's Answer. 



To the Bishops, Clergy, and Laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 

 the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaioarc, Mary- 

 land, Virgi7iia, a7id South Carolina, in General Convention assembled. 



Gentlemen : I sincerely thank you for your affectionate congratula- 

 tion on my election to the chief magistracy of the United States. 



After having received from my fellow-citizens in general the most lib- 

 eral treatment — after having found them disposed to contemplate, in the 

 most flattering point of view, the performance of my military services, 

 and the manner of my retirement at the close of the war — I feel that I 

 have a right to console myself, in my present arduous undertaking, with 

 a hope that they will still be inclined to put the most favorable construc- 

 tion on the motives which may influence me in my future public trans- 

 actions. 



The satisfaction arising from the indulgent opinion entertained by the 

 American people, of my conduct, will, I trust, be some security for pre- 

 venting me from doing anything, which might justly incur the forfeiture 

 of that opinion. And the consideration that human happiness and moral 

 duty are inseparably connected, will always continue to prompt me to 

 promote the progress of the former, by inculcating the practice of the 

 latter. 



