The Vicar of Trenton, Rev'd Dr. Martin Hamilton, D. D.

[Mr. Martin Hamilton]

Contained herein are the homilies, publications, and personal thoughts of:

The Rev'd Dr Martin Hamilton, D. D.
The Vicar of Trenton

[Mr. Martin Hamilton]

1 April, 1775. Trenton, NJ

Word has just reached Trenton, via newspaper, of a rather shocking turn of events. A barrister by the name of P. Henry delivered an address to the Virg. House of Burgesses at St. John's Church, Richmond, Virg. including the following line:

"What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

The House of Burgesses passed a resolution to include troops from Virg. in the patriot cause of the impending Revolution.

I am struck dumb in confusion. My instinct, as a man of God Almighty, is to oppose war and violence. Does not the Holy Scripture say, "Blessed art those who make peace, for they shall be called 'Sons of God."? Should one not strive for a peaceful world, filled with unity and harmony? I am then moved by these powerful orators, swayed by their simple logic. What right has any King or potentate to govern without representation? What right has any man to dictate the actions of another? I am then reminded of my ordination vows, swearing loyalty to King and Crown.

In Trenton, I find myself sympathetic to the cause of the patriots. There are many members of my congregation here in Trenton who find themselves aligned with one faction or the other. As their priest, it is my duty to preach the Word of God. Where may I draw the line at God's Word supporting one side or another? I have heard both factions use Holy Scripture to defend their cause. Is it not my moral obligation to lend guidance? It is clear and evident that one side must be wrong, as both sides are in stark contrast to one another. Therefor, one faction misuses Holy Scripture. Am I not obligated to call upon and amend that misuse?

And what of those in the middle? Or those bound, for whatever reason, from declaring loyalty? Already I have noticed physical and verbal recruitment techniques employed. Must I not stop these?

How can I, the sole clergyman in Trenton, offer spiritual guidance to two opposing factions? If I were to voice my support of the Tories, would I not be excluding the patriots from my flock? Likewise, if I voice my support of the patriots, do I not exclude the Tories from the flock? Again, what of those who hold no allegiance? What of them?

Yet...I feel that I must voice support, one way or the other, soon. Times are changing very quickly in Trenton. Brothers no longer associate due to opposing opinion. Suitors are forbidden unless they agree with the father's opinion.

I am not ready, at this moment, to voice my opinion. I shall go to God, on bended knee, and seek His guidance.

I lift mine eyes up to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

[Mr. Martin Hamilton]

This letter is written to my daughter. I fear that I shall never send it, though--for whatever reason.

To My Eldest Daughter,

You have just returned home from Boston. You know not how much your mother and I--especially your mother--missed whilst you were in Boston. As I said then, I say now: the decision, in the end, belonged to nobody save you. If I could, I would have wrapped my beloved child in my wings and kept you here--kept you in the safety of my embrace.

Life, however, does not work like that--for better or for worse. Almighty God hath given us the freedom of will. How, then, can I, a called and ordained Minister of the Word, prevent my daughter from living out her God-given freedom of will? That would be immoral and hypocritical. Humanity learns from mistakes. This is, perchance, the hardest lesson to learn.

I will not ask you what you did whilst in Boston. It is evident that you fell in love with that young man. Your love for him may remain to this day--I don't know. It is, however, clear that his love for you has faded, perhaps even to the point of death. While saying this is hard for me to say, I feel that you have been used. That boy--I make the distinction of boy and man for good reason--has played a horrible game of cricket with your heart. Your heart lost.

There will be a good amount of talk regarding you and my grandchild. Talk and nothing more, I pray. All of the mean-spirited words could not even crack away at my love for you, my child. You are the flesh of my flesh and the blood of my blood. Your child, regardless of the circumstances surrounding conception, is the flesh of my flesh and the blood of my blood. My love for you will never diminish.

Know that please, my dear child. God Almighty is your judge and mine too--this I will believe until the day I die. I hope you will as well.

With the Love Only a Father Can Give,

Your Father.