Letter from Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, October 9, 1780
Benjamin Franklin October 9, 1780 Franklin criticizes the Massachusetts Constitution for allowing religious tests for public office but points out that the state is at least more liberal than it used to be. He also utters the memorable sentiment (shared by Madison, Jefferson and others) that if there is no government support for religion, good faiths will thrive while ineffective ones will decline. I am fully of your Opinion respecting religious Tests; but, tho’ the People of Massachusetts have not…