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On
the Separation of Church and State
by Thomas Jefferson
The Danbury
Baptist Association, concerned about religious liberty in the new nation
wrote to President Thomas Jefferson, Oct. 7, 1801.
Sir,
Among the many millions in America and Europe who rejoice in your
Election to office; we embrace the first opportunity which we have
enjoyed in our collective capacity, since your Inauguration, to express
our great satisfaction, in your appointment to the chief Magistracy in
the United States; And though our mode of expression may be less courtly
and pompous than what many others clothe their addresses with, we beg
you, Sir to believe, that none are more sincere.
Our
Sentiments are uniformly on the side of Religious Liberty -- That
Religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals
-- That no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of
his religious Opinions - That the legitimate Power of civil government
extends no further than to punish the man who works ill to his
neighbor: But Sir our constitution of government is not specific.
Our ancient charter together with the Laws made coincident therewith,
were adopted on the Basis of our government, at the time of our
revolution; and such had been our Laws & usages, and such still are;
that Religion is considered as the first object of Legislation; and
therefore what religious privileges we enjoy (as a minor part of the
State) we enjoy as favors granted, and not as inalienable rights: and
these favors we receive at the expense of such degrading
acknowledgements, as are inconsistent with the rights of freemen. It is
not to be wondered at therefore; if those, who seek after power &
gain under the pretense of government & Religion should
reproach their fellow men -- should reproach their chief Magistrate, as
an enemy of religion Law & good order because he will not, dare not
assume the prerogatives of Jehovah and make Laws to govern the Kingdom
of Christ.
Sir,
we are sensible that the President of the United States, is not the
national legislator, and also sensible that the national government
cannot destroy the Laws of each State; but our hopes are strong that the
sentiments of our beloved President, which have had such genial affect
already, like the radiant beams of the Sun, will shine and prevail
through all these States and all the world till Hierarchy and Tyranny be
destroyed from the Earth. Sir, when we reflect on your past services,
and see a glow of philanthropy and good will shining forth in a course
of more than thirty years we have reason to believe that America's God
has raised you up to fill the chair of State out of that good will which
he bears to the Millions which you preside over. May God strengthen you
for the arduous task which providence & the voice of the people have
called you to sustain and support you in your Administration against all
the predetermined opposition of those who wish to rise to wealth &
importance on the poverty and subjection of the people.
And
may the Lord preserve you safe from every evil and bring you at last to
his Heavenly Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Glorious Mediator.
Signed
in behalf of the Association.
Nehh
Dodge
Ephram Robbins The Committee
Stephen S. Nelson
Baptists
in Danbury, Connecticut were persecuted because they were not part of
the Congregationalist establishment in that state.
On
January 1, 1802, in response to the letter from the Danbury Baptist
Association, Thomas Jefferson wrote:
Gentlemen:
The
affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which are so good to
express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist Association, give
me the highest satisfaction. My duties dictate a faithful and zealous
pursuit of the interests of my constituents, and in proportion as they
are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them
becomes more and more pleasing.
Believing
with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his
God; that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship;
that the legislative powers of the government reach actions only, and
not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the
whole American people which declared that their legislature should `make
no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between
church and State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the
nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere
satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore man
to all of his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in
opposition to his social duties.
I
reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessings of the
common Father and Creator of man, and tender you and your religious
association, assurances of my high respect and esteem.
Thomas
Jefferson
Sources: Robert S. Alley, Professor of Humanities, Emeritus,
University of Richmond, from his article, "Public Education and the
Public Good," published in William & Mary Bill of Rights
Journal, Vol. 4, Issue 1, Summer 1995.
And Lipscomb, Andrew and Bergh, Albert, The Writings of Thomas
Jefferson, Vol. 16, pp. 281-282.
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