Virginia Argus

From the Boston Centinel.

LITERARY.

Mr. Russell.

The charge of Deism or Infidelity has not unfrequently been made against some of the hist statesmen, philosophers and generals of the U. S.— Among others the late Dr. Franklin has not escaped the charge.—I do not recollect to have seen in his works, any opinion of his on the subject of religion. But in perusing the life of the late Rev. Dr. Stiles, President of Yale College. I find that in January, 1790, the Rev. Doctor, in a letter to Dr. F. requesting his portrait for the college, thus ingenuously expressed his desire on the subject :—

"You know, sir, I am a christian; would to Heaven all others were as I am, except my imperfections. As much as I know of Dr. Franklin, I have not an idea of his religious sentiments. I wish to know the opinion of my venerable friend concerning Jesus of Nazareth.—He will not impute this to impertinence or improper curiosity in one who many years has continued to love, estimate, and reverence his abilities and literary character with an ardor of affection.—If I have said too much let the request be blotted out, and be no more."

The Doctor, in reply to president Stiles, under date of March 9, 1790, makes this reply :

"I do not take your curiosity amiss, and endeavor in a few words, to gratify it. As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire. I think the system of morals and his religion, as he left them to us, the best the world ever saw, or is likely to see; but I apprehend it has received various corrupting changes; and I have, with most of the present dissenters in England, some doubts as to his Divinity."

This letter was written about a month before the Doctor died, April 17, 1790.

Now whether this is not a defence of christianity, or savors of infidelity, your readers can judge as well as

EUSEBIUS.