https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/haventohome/timeline/haven-timeline_1.html
To the Hebrew Congregation in
Newport, Rhode Island
[Newport, R.I., 18 August 1790]
Gentlemen.
While I receive, with much satisfaction, your
Address replete with expressions of affection and esteem; I rejoice in the
opportunity of assuring you, that I shall always retain a grateful
remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced in my visit to
Newport, from all classes of Citizens.
The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which
are past is rendered the more sweet, from a consciousness that they are
succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security. If we have wisdom to
make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot
fail, under the just administration of a good Government, to become a great and
a happy people.
The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to
applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and
liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of
conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that
toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence
of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent
natural rights. For
happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no
sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under
its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all
occasions their effectual support.
It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character
not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my Administration,
and fervent wishes for my felicity. May the Children of the Stock of Abraham,
who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other
Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig-tree,
and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all
mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our
several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly
happy.
Go: Washington
