Phenix Gazette

Mr. Mann, in the Delaware Legislature, lately made a speech, in which we find many valuable sentiments well expressed. In the course of it he spoke as follows:-

Mr. Speaker, I tremble for the fate of my country, when I see insidious efforts exerted against religion—when I find men of standing and influence engaged in endeavoring to uproot those pure principles which are the foundations of Christianity. You may depend on it that if their efforts are successful the consequences will be deplorable. It was said by the celebrated Edmund Burke that religion was the basis of civil society. It was said by our great Washington, that of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supporters. But the testimony of a greater than these is here——for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it: "righteousness exalteth a nation; sin is the curse of any people." And let me suppose for a moment that by the mandate of some superior power our churches were demolished; our bibles burnt & every avenue closed thro' which we might obtain religious instruction.—

What think you would be our situation a half a century hence? It would be awful in the extreme. Man would have forgotten the dictates of honesty and would seek every opportunity to take advantage of his neighbor. Our streets would be deluged with blood, and the most abominable acts of licentiousness and cruelty would be committed, unblushingly in the open day. If you require any evidence to favor this supposition, I refer you to the history of unhappy France.—

Look at the consequences which resulted to that nation, from abolishing the Christian Sabbath, and substituting decades—from profaning the Christian temples and introducing the Goddess of Reason. Look at the awful circumstances which transpired at that period in that nation, and then reflect whether it will not be wise in the legislature to examine with a scrutinizing eye, every measure which is in the least degree tinctured with scepticism."