Page 401 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

400 THIRD BOOK OF
into ground already subdued, they were able at once to possess corn- elds and gardens, and prepare the wealth of success l husbandry. Virginia, from its surplus produce, could furnish a temporary supply of od, and all kinds of domestic cattle. No su erings were endured; no fears of want were excited; the un­ dation of the colony of Maryland was peace lly and happilylaid; and,withinsixmonths,ithadadvanced more than Virginia had done in as many years.
6. The proprjetary continued, with great liberality, to provide everything that was necessary r its com­ rt and protection, and spared no cost to promote its interests ; expending in the rst two years, upwards of rty thousand pounds sterling. But r more memorable was the character of the Maryland insti­ tutions. Every other country in the world had per­ secuting laws; "I will not"-such was the oath r the governor of Maryland-"I will not, by myself or any other, directly or indirectly, molest any per­ son pro ssing to believe in Jesus Christ, r or in respect of religion." Under the mild institutions and mui cence of Baltimore, the dreary wilderness soon bloomed with the swarming li and activity of pros­ perous settlements; the Roman Catholics, who were oppressed by the laws of England, were sure to nd a peace l asylum in the quiet harbours of the Ches­ apeake; and there, too, PROTESTANTS WERE SHELTERED GAINST PROTESTANT INTOLERANCE.
7. Such were the beautiful auspices under which the province of Maryland started into being; its pros­ perity and its peace seemed assured; the interests of its people and its proprietary were united; and, r some years, its internal peace and harmony were un­ disturbed. Its history is the history of Benevolence, Gratitude, and ToLERATION. BANCROFT.