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2902. FAST-DAYS, Federal Government and.—[continued].

In matters of religion, I
have considered that its free exercise is placed by the Constitution independent of the power
of the General Government. I have, therefore,
undertaken on no occasion to prescribe
the religious exercises suited to it; but have
left them as the Constitution found them.
under the direction and discipline of State or
Church authorities acknowledged by the several
religious societies.—
Second Inaugural Address. Washington ed. viii, 42. Ford ed., vii, 344.
(1805)