1Silence Dogood, No. 1, 2 April 1722 (Franklin Papers)
spirited satirical review of society, politics, religion, and morality in Massachusetts in 1722.
2Standing Queries for the Junto, 1732 (Franklin Papers)
Mather had proposed voluntary associations to promote religion and morality; he outlined their nature and form and even suggested an order of business.
3Samuel Chandler to James Hamilton, William Allen, Richard Peters, Benjamin Franklin, Conrad Weiser, and William Smith … (Franklin Papers)
...proprietor, now before me, the Germans are being settled. The intention of the schools is to instruct their youth in the English language and the common principles of the Christian religion and morality. The school-masters for these schools should understand both the German and the English languages, and we are encouraged to hope by Mr. Schlatter that proper persons for this purpose...
...Denomination, but (leaving all of them to the entire Liberty of their own Judgments in speculative and disputed Points) to spread the knowledge of the avowed uncontroverted Principles of Religion and Morality among them, to render them acquainted with the English Language and Constitution, to form them into good Subjects to his Majesty King George whose protection they enjoy, and...
5From James Madison to William Bradford, 1 December 1773 (Madison Papers)
.... Wither-spoon’s teaching. Students’ notes taken between 1772 and 1775 on Witherspoon’s “Moral Philosophy, Rhetoric and Eloquence” lectures, now preserved in the Princeton University Library, include warnings against reading ephemeral works dangerous to sound religion and morality.
6A Full Vindication of the Measures of the Congress, &c., [15 December] 1774 (Hamilton Papers)
train of calamities, inseparable from it. I might shew that it is fatal to religion and morality; that it tends to debase the mind, and corrupt its noblest springs of action. I might shew, that it relaxes the sinews of industry, clips the wings of commerce, and introduces misery and indigence in every shape...
The freedom of thinking was never yet extended in any country so far as the utter subversion of all religion and morality; nor as the abolition of the laws and constitution of the country.
8To Benjamin Franklin from D[avid Williams], [between 16 and 31 August 1775] (Franklin Papers)
Liturgy on the Universal Principles of Religion and Morality
9John Adams to Abigail Adams, 29 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
...me ask you rather, if you are not of my opinion? Were not her Talents, and Virtues too much confined, to private, social and domestic Life. My Opinion of the Duties of Religion and Morality, comprehends a very extensive Connection with society at large, and the great Interest of the public. Does not natural Morality, and much more Christian Benevolence, make it our indispensible Duty to lay...
10John Adams to Zabdiel Adams, 21 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
Statesmen my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand. . . . The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a greater...