If there existed no other reason to engage a pious mind to reject sectarianism, except the above principle, and the evils which are attendant upon it, these alone should be sufficient. That system cannot be wise, and right, whose leading rule is the source of error, confusion and absurdity. F.

EXTRACT-from "A DISCOURSE ON GENERAL WASHINGTON, delivered in the Catholic Church of St. Peter, Baltimore, Feb. 22. 1800. BY THE LATE RIGHT REV. BISHOP CARROLL."

WHEN the death of men distinguished by superior talents, high endowments, and eminent services to their country, demand the expression of public mourning and grief, their loss is accompanied generally with this mitigation, that, however grievous and painful, it is not irreparable; and that the void, caused by their mortality, will perhaps be filled up by others, uniting equal abilities with the same zeal and watchfulness for the general welfare. Hope then wipes off the tears, with which sorrow bedews the grave of departed worth. But, on the present occasion, no such consolation can be administered; for he whose expectations are most sanguine, dares not promise again to his country, the union of so many splendid and useful virtues, as adorned that illustrious man, whose memory excites our grateful and tender sensibility, and to whose tomb the homage of his country is to be solemnly offered on this day. Whether we consult our own experience, by bringing into comparison with Washington, any of our contemporaries, most eminent for their talents, virtues and services; or whether we search through the pages of history to discover in them a character of equal fame; justice and truth will acknowledge, that he stands super-eminent and unrivalled in the annals of mankind; and that no one before him, acting in such a variety of new and arduous situations, bore with him to the grave a reputation as clear from lawless ambition, and as undefiled by injustice or oppression; a reputation, neither depressed by indolence, nor weakened by irresolution, nor shadowed by those imperfections, which seemed to be the essential appendages of human nature, till Providence exhibited in Washington this extraordinary phenomenon.

What language can be equal to the excellence of such a character? what proportion can exist between eloquence, and the tribute of praise, due to so much virtue? Nevertheless, my fellow citizens, I read in the eagerness of your attention, your desire to offer this tribute: Methinks I hear your filial piety, your tender reverence for your best friend, the Father of his country, calling on me to bear for you, at least a feeble testimony of your unextinguishable gratitude for his services, your immortal remembrance of, and veneration for, his virtues. In your name therefore, I presume to add some grains of incense to the homage, which, throughout the United States, every friend to their happiness now presents at the shrine of Washington. Pardon, O departed spirit of the first of heroes! if with the cold accents of an exhausted imagination, I likewise dare attempt to celebrate thy name, whilst so many sons of genius, ardent in youthful vigour, delineate in glowing colours the vivid features of thy mind, and the glorious deeds of thy virtuous life. With unequal steps I venture on the same career, not seeking to add lustre to the fame of Washington, or perpetuate his memory to future times; for he is already enshrined in the records of immortality: but humbly hoping, that a recital of his services will open to our countrymen the road to true honour, and kindle in their breasts the warmth of generous emulation, and real patriotism. To contribute in this manner to the best interests of his beloved country, will be to him the most gratifying commendation, if in the regions of immortality, human affairs still claim a share of his solicitude.

The language uniformly held by Washington, the maxim invariably inculcated, and repeated by him in almost every public manifestation of his sentiments, was the acknowledgment of a superintending providence, preparing, regulating, and governing all human events, for the accomplishment of its eternal purposes, and pre-disposing the instruments, by which they are to be effected. Religion and observation had taught him, that God's provident wisdom reacheth from end to end mightily, and disposeth all things sweetly. Wis. ch. 8. He contemplated with Christian piety, and the philosophy of a sage, the most remarkable revolutions and occurrences of former, as well as his own times; and

learned therefrom to refer every human event to the moral government of a Supreme Intelligent Being. This became the polar star, by which he was guided in his progress through life, and in all his anxious solicitude for maintaining the liberty, perfecting the policy, preserving the peace, insuring the stability of his country on the foundations of order, and morality, and guarding it against the turbulence of faction, licentiousness, and foreign hostility.

This virtuous maxim of religious, moral, and political wisdom, so deeply impressed upon him, never perhaps was more clearly illustrated, than by the course of providence in preparing and adapting his body and mind to suit the destinies of his life. He was to be himself a most luminous proof of that truth, which was so rooted in his soul.

That infinite knowledge, which in its comprehensive range through the whole extent of creation, embraces the future, no less distinctly, than past and present contingencies, beheld the period approaching, when this vast portion of America, now constituting the United States; this country spread through so many climates; so diversified in its productions; so abundant in natural resources; so benefited by land and water; so admirably calculated for the employment of industry, and for affording subsistence to millions and millions, was to break the bonds of its ancient connection with Great Britain, and, emancipated from vassalage, elevate itself to the station of a great, powerful, and independent Empire!

A convulsion so violent in the political system of Europe and America, involved the demolition of deeply rooted habits and opinions. The associations arising out of consanguinity, habitual intercourse, unity of government, identity of laws, language and religion were to be melted down, before that wonderful revolution could be completed. A new people, unconscious before of their own strength, were to feel in their physical and moral energies the ripeness of manhood. Accustomed to respect the nation with which they would have to contend, as irresistible in arms, and inexhaustible in resources, they must dare nevertheless to make the vigorous effort, and conceive a reliance on their own native strength. Powerful interests, the necessary effects of long estab

lished government, would naturally counteract every tendency towards its downfall; but these interests were to be resisted by force, and overcome by the enthusiastic ardor of patriotism.

To superintend the movements, and operations of such a revolution; to control, during its progress, jealousies, enmities, suspicions, and other conflicting passions; and from their collision, to educe national and individual prosperity, peace, order, liberty and regular government; required the discernment and masterly contrivance of that Supreme Director and Artist, who unites together the links, and holds in his hands the chain, of all human events. Contemplating, as much as is allowed to feeble mortals, his divine agency in preparing the means, and conducting the progress, of the American revolution, we may presume to say, that heaven impressed a character on the life of Washington, and a temper on his soul, which eminently qualified him to bear the most conspicuous part, and be its principal instrument in accomplishing this stupendous work.

For him it was decreed, in the progression of his life, to defend, and ultimately to establish, by just and necessary warfare, the liberties of his country.

I need not recapitulate the origin of the discontents between Great Britain, and her American dependencies. Suffice it to say, that America viewed the claims of the parent country, as incompatible with her freedom and happiness. The great soul of Washington revolted at the idea of national degradation; but tempering his ardor with deliberate wisdom, he associated with other sages of his country, to meditate on her new and critical situation.

Here let us pause, fellow citizens, to contemplate this exalted man, revolving in his breast the natural, and social, rights of human kind; comparing these with actual and impending griev ances, and with the obligations of an allegiance due to a long established government. Had lawless ambition reigned in his breast, he would have decided the public voice for immediate hostility. But in this point also, Providence destined him to leave a memorable, and a salutary example. He was not dazzled by the prospect of being elevated to the chief command of the military force of America. In his opinion, nothing could justify

a recurrence to the sword, and a revolt from established authority, but extreme necessity. All reasonable means of redress should be tried, before a good citizen will dissolve the fabric of government, and expose a people to the convulsive shocks of a revolution, the explosions of which, no considerate man can promise himself to regulate, or foresee their termination.

Washington and his colleagues obeying at the same time the dictates of patriotism, and the duty of allegiance, represented their wrongs to their Sovereign, and claimed their rights. On the event of their remonstrance, depended the redress of their grievances; or, if no redress followed, their justification for standing on their defence. Britain would not relent, and all that remained to America, was submission, or resistance. The election was soon made; every one prepared himself for the awful contest, and all eyes and hopes were turned towards Washington. With universal approbation, he was summoned to place himself in the front of danger, and assume supreme military command. The possession of such a citizen, at a moment so critical, was an invaluable treasure, and an animating presage, of the favourable issue of the great contest.

Modest, as he

But far other thoughts absorbed his attention. was eminent in valour and wisdom, he contemplated with mingled emotions of self-diffidence, and generous resolution, the important stake placed in his hands; the subjection or independence; the vassalage or freedom of an immense territory, destined to be the habitation of countless millions. When, therefore, in obedience to the voice of his country, he placed himself at the head of her army, the expressions of his dependence on Providence should never be forgotten. Claiming no personal merit, apprehensive of injuring the public interest through some misconduct; yet trusting to the justice of his cause, and conscious of the purity of his motives, he called upon his fellow citizens to remember, that he depended for success, not on his own military skill, but on the God of battles, to whom he made his solemn appeal.

Washington, now at a period of his highest elevation, drew on him the attention, not only of this Western Continent; but of every European nation. O, fellow citizens! what days and years of anxious disquietude revolved over us, whilst we gazed on this