Joseph Willard to John Adams, June 8, 1790

Cambridge June 8. 1790.

Sir,

I take the liberty of enclosing a petition to the National
Legislature, from the Convention of the Congregational Ministers in this Commonwealth,
by a Committee of the Body, upon a very important subject, viz. that of preventing
incorrect editions of the Bible from being published among us. 1 The Committee have desired me to request your
Excellency to take the charge of this petition, and to introduce it, at such time, as
you may judge most expedient. They have full confidence in your Excellency, that you
will do every thing in your power, that the American editions of that sacred Book, which
contains the foundations of our holy religion, and for which, they are persuaded you
have the sincerest regard, may come forth as correct as possible.

The Committee, by the direction of the Convention, are preparing
letters to be sent to the Ministers of the various denominations of Christians, in the
United States, requesting them to join in applications to the Congress, in this
important business; and they hope, that the cause of true religion will be subserved by
these exertions.

I am, Sir, / with sentiments of the highest respect / your
Excellency’s most humble / and obedient servant

Joseph Willard