Christianity in American History

"Whereas the general diffusion of Christian knowledge hath a natural tendency to correct the morals of men, refrain their vices, and preserve the peace of society; which cannot be effected without a competent provision for learned teachers, who may thereby devote their time and attention to the duty of instructing such citizens.

...it is judged that such provision may be made by the Legislature, without counteracting the liberal principle heretofore adopted and intended to be preserved by abolishing all distinctions of pre-eminence amongst the different societies or communities of Christians."
(George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress, 1741-1799: Series 4.
General Correspondence. 1697-1799
Virginia House of Delegates, December 24, 1784,
Bill for "Teachers of the Christian Religion")