nd the leader of the
Catholic colony, having sailed from England in the _Ark_ and the _Dove_,
reached his destination on the Potomac in March, 1634.

"The Catholics took quiet possession of the little place, and religious
liberty obtained a home, _its only home_ in the wide world, at the humble
village which bore the name of St. Mary."(303)

"The foundation of the colony of Maryland was peacefully and happily laid.
Within six months it had advanced more than Virginia had done in as many
years.... But far more memorable was the character of the Maryland
institutions. Every other country in the world had persecuting laws; but
through the benign administration of the government of that province, no
person professing to believe in Jesus Christ was permitted to be molested
on account of religion. Under the munificence and superintending mildness
of Lord Baltimore, a dreary wilderness was soon quickened with the
swarming life and activity of prosperous settlements; the Roman Catholics
who were oppressed by the laws of England were sure to find a peaceful
asylum in the quiet harbors of the Chesapeake; and there _too, Protestants
were sheltered against Protestant intolerance_. Such were the beautiful
auspices under which Maryland started into being.... Its history is the
history of benevolence, gratitude and toleration."

"Maryland was the abode of happiness and liberty. Conscience was without
restraint. A mild and liberal proprietary conceded every measure which the
welfare of the colony required; domestic union, a happy concert between
all the branches of government, an increasing emigration, a productive
commerce, a fertile soil, which heaven had richly favored with rivers and
deep bays, united to perfect the scene of colonial felicity. Ever intent
on advancing the interests of his colony, Lord Baltimore invited the
Puritans of Massachusetts to emigrate to Maryland, offering them lands and
privileges and free liberty of religion; but Gibbons, to whom he had
forwarded the commission, was so wholly tutored in the New England
discipline, that he would not advance the wishes of the Irish Peer, and so
the invitation was declined."(304)

On the 2d of April, 1649, the General Assembly of Maryland passed the
following Act, which will reflect unfading glory on that State as long as
liberty is cherished in the hearts of men.

"Whereas, the enforcing of conscience in matters of religion hath
frequently fallen out to be of dangerous