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“The establishment of many other institutions for the more general diffusion of religious knowledge in our land, and for imparting the blessings of christianity to heathen nations: and, above all, the formation of societies for the more extensive dispersion of the holy scriptures in the world, and for promoting their translacion into languages through which revelation hath not permanently spoken to man— alt these considerations, and a variety of others which might be enumerated, we admit are not the features of a country forsaken by the Almighty, and given up to be a prey to its enemies, but are rather encouraging indications of his gracious and paternal favour towards us. 

Still, when we reverse the picture, and seriously reflect upon the spirit of infidelity which pervades, and the abominable immoralities which overspread our country, it is impossible not to feel that we are justly exposed to the wrath and indignation of heaven. The profanation of the name of God, sabbath-breaking, neglect of religious ordinances, contempt of genuine piety, swearing, perjuries,. drunkenness, adultery, prostitution, &c. and such an inordinate pursuit of earthly things as absorbs all due regard to those of a future state, are impieties and vices that dreadfully prevail in the different classes of the community; and which, while they exclude from the divine favour the individuals who are justly chargeable with such enormities, are secretly operating as so many principles of dissolution in the great social edifice of our country, tending to diminish the security of our civil and religious privileges, and to expose us to the dangers of an external hostility, against which our powerful means of national defence, under the blessing of divine providence, might otherwise prove an impregnable barrier.”

— George Peter Holford