Council of Maryland, 1782-1783. 409

It is far from our Intentions to embarrass your Deliberations
with a variety of Objects, but we cannot pass over Matters of so high
Concernment as Religion and Learning. The sufferings of the Minis-
ters of the Gospel of all Denominations during the War have been
very Considerable; and the perseverance and firmness of those who
discharged their sacred Functions under many discouraging Circum-
stances, claim our acknowledgements and thanks. The Bill of Rights
and Form of Government recognize the Principle of Public support
for the Ministers of the Gospel and ascertain the Mode. Anxiously
solicitous for the Blessings of Government and the Welfare and hap-

May 6
Liber No. 78
p. 440

piness of our Citizens, and thoroughly convinced of the powerful
influence of Religion when diffused by it's respectable Teachers we
beg Leave most seriously and warmly to recommend among the first
Objects of your Attention on the return of Peace, the making such
a provision as the Constitution in this Case authorizes and approves.
The Act for founding a College at Chester which passed the Ses-
sion preceeding the last will reflect forever a Lustre on it's proceed-
ings, and it is with the greatest pleasure we observe that such has
been the Zeal of the Eastern Shore for the Advancement of Learn-
ing that the Sum of five thousand pounds which the Act required, and
allowed to be raised in five Years, has been nearly doubled in less
than One Year : Nothing can be a stronger proof of the happy In-
fluence of Public encouragement, and we trust that the General As-
sembly will think this College deserving of their further Attention and
favors, and will extend their Veiws to the establishing and encour-
aging other Seminaries of Learning in this State. —

p. 441

Wednesday 7 May 1783

Present as on Yesterday. —
Ordered that the western shore Treasurer pay to James Mackubin
thirty seven pounds, fourteen shillings specie due him per Account
passed. —

May 7
Liber C. B.
No. 24

p. 409

Ordered that the western shore Treasurer issue a Certificate to
Isaac Van Bibber agreeable to the Act proposing to the Citizens of
this State, Creditors of Congress on Loan Office Cert^s &^ca for six
hundred and thirty four pounds, two shillings and one penny due him
on Continental Loan Office Certificates adjusted by the Dep^y Aud.
the 6^th Instant —
That the said Treasurer pay to Richard Sappington five pounds,
nineteen shillings and ten pence & to Francis Thompson four pounds,
nine shillings and six pence specie agreeable to the "Act to adjust the
Debts due from this State " per Accounts passed. —
That the said Treasurer pay to Robert Couden sixty two pounds,
ten shillings specie due him for a Quarter's Salary as Assist. Intendant
ending the 1^st Instant

p. 410