Seal of the Southern Historical Society. 42 1
render it uncertain ; they are repugnant to repose, quiet, absolute and positive existence.
" As to the motto proposed by us, we concur with the House in accepting the word ' Deo ' God. We do so in conformity to the expressed wishes of the framers of our Constitution, and the senti- ments of the people and of the army.
" The preamble of the Provisional Constitution declares that ' We, the deputies of the sovereign and independent States of South Caro- lina, etc., invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do or- dain,' etc.
" In this respect both our Constitutions have deviated in the most emphatic manner from the spirit that presided over the construction of the Constitution of the United States, which is silent on the sub- ject of the Deity.
" Having discarded the word ' duce,' the committee endeavored to select in lieu of it a word more in consonance with the attributes of the Deity, and therefore more imposing and significant. They think success has crowned their efforts in the selection of the word ' vindex,' which signifies an assenter, a defender, protector, deliverer, liberator, a mediator and a ruler or guardian. ' Vindex ' also means an aven- ger or punisher.
"No word appeared more grand, more expressive or significant than this. Under God as the asserter of our rights, the defender of our liberties, our protector against danger, our mediator, our ruler and guardian, and, as the avenger of our wrongs and the punisher of our crimes, we endeavor to equal or even excel our ancestors. What word can be suggested of more power, and so replete with sentiments and thoughts consonant with our idea of the omnipotence and justice of God ?
" At this point the committee hesitated whether it were necessary to add anything further to the motto ' Deo Vindice.' These words alone were sufficient and impressive, and, in the spirit of the lapidary style of composition, were elliptical and left much to the play of the imagination. Reflection, however, induced us to add the words ' majores aemulamur,' because without them there would be nothing in the motto referring to the equestrian figure of Washington. It was thought better to insert something elucidative or adaptive of the idea to be conveyed by that figure. Having determined on this point, the committee submitted to the judgment of the Senate the words ' majores aemulamur,' as best adapted to express the ideas of 'our ancestors.' 'Patres' was first suggested, but abandoned be-
