ary character, yet by the
facility of admission into their pulpits impostors sometimes brought
scandal upon the name of religion. Schisms, too, interrupted the harmony
of their associations. Nevertheless, by the striking earnestness and the
pious example of many of them, the Baptists gained ground rapidly in
Virginia. In their efforts to avail themselves of the toleration act,
they found Patrick Henry ever ready to step forward in their behalf, and
he remained through life their unwavering friend. They still cherish his
memory with grateful affection.

The Baptists, having suffered persecution under the establishment, were,
of all others, the most inimical to it, and the most active in its
subversion.[555:A]

FOOTNOTES:

[549:A] The title-page is as follows: "An Inquiry into the Rights of the
British Colonies, intended as an Answer to 'The Regulations lately made
concerning the Colonies, and the Taxes imposed upon them, considered.'
In a Letter addressed to the Author of that Pamphlet, by Richard Bland,
of Virginia. Dedit omnibus Deus pro virili portione sapientiam, ut et
inaudita investigare possent et audita perpendere. Lactantius."
Williamsburg: printed by Alexander Purdie & Co., MDCCLXVI.

[552:A] 1767.

[553:A] Hugh Blair Grigsby's Discourse on Convention of 1776, pp. 69,
70; Old Churches, i. 160.

[554:A] John Randolph.

[555:A] Semple's Hist. of Va. Baptists, 16, 24; Hawks, 120.

CHAPTER LXXI.

1768-1771.

Botetourt, Governor--Resolutions against the encroachments of
Parliament--Assembly dissolved--Non-importation Agreement--The
Moderates--Assembly called--Botetourt's Address--Association--
Death of Botetourt--His Character--William Nelson, President--
Great Fresh--American Episcopate--Assembly opposes it--
Controversy--Methodists.

IN November, 1768, Norborne Berkeley, Baron de Botetourt, arrived in
Virginia as governor-in-chief. The season was delightful, with its
tinted foliage, serene sky, and bracing air. Botetourt, just relieved
from the confinement of a sea-voyage, was charmed with his new place of
abode; the palace appeared commodious; the grounds well planted and
watered. While his new residence was fitting up for him he daily enjoyed
the hospitalities of the people. He found that while they would never
willingly submit to be taxed by the mother country, yet they were
ardently desirous of giving assistance, as formerly, upon requisition.
In the mean