Letters & Documents

A Model of Christian Charity by John Winthrop, 1630

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

John Winthrop 1630 OD ALMIGHTY in His most holy and wise providence, hath so disposed of the condition of mankind, as in all times some must be rich, some poor, some high and eminent in power and dignity; others mean and in submission.The Reason hereof: 1st Reason. First to hold conformity with the rest of His world, being delighted to show forth the glory of his wisdom in the variety and difference of the creatures, and the glory of His power…

Read More Read More

A Letter Concerning Toleration by John Locke

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

John Locke The Founding Fathers were influenced by the writings of English philosopher John Locke. Now that the whole jurisdiction of the magistrate reaches only to these civil concernments, and that all civil power, right, and dominion, is bounded and confined to the only care of promoting these things; and that it neither can nor ought in any manner to be extended to the salvation of souls, these following considerations seem unto me abundantly to demonstrate. First. Because the care of…

Read More Read More

Letter from John Cotton to Lord Say and Sele, 1636

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 2 comments

John Cotton 1636 This leading Puritan advocated theocracy over democracy: “I do not conceyve that ever God did ordeyne as a fitt government eyther for church or commonwealth” The word of God doe conteyne a short … platforme, not onely of theology, but also of other sacred sciences … attendants, and hand maids thereunto, which he maketh ethicks, eoconomicks, politics, church-government, prophecy, academy. It is very suitable to Gods all-sufficient wisdome, and to the fulnes and perfection of Holy Scriptures,…

Read More Read More

Message from John Adams to the Officers of the First Brigade of the Third Division of the Militia of Massacusetts

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

John Adams October 11, 1798 In this letter Adams declares point blank that, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Gentleman, While our country remains untainted with the principles and manners which are now producing desolation in so many parts of the world; while she continues sincere, and incapable of insidious and impious policy, we shall have the strongest reason to rejoice in the local destination…

Read More Read More

Letter from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, September 14, 1818

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

John Adams September 14, 1818 Adams bristles as the Calvinist notion that a man’s fate is determined by the grace of God instead of good works. He rejects the idea that non-Christians who lead good lives will go to Hell, and poses an alternative definition of being a good Christian. owe you a thousand thanks for your favor of August 22d, and its inclosures, and for Doctor Priestley’s ” Doctrines of Heathen Philosophy compared with those of Revelation.” Your letter…

Read More Read More

Letter from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, December 25, 1813

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

John Adams December 25, 1813 Though praising Christianity, Adams also finds much that he likes in Eastern religions. Joseph Priestley was a leading scientist and theologian, who helped found Unitarianism. Answer my letter at your leisure. Give yourself no concern. I write as a refuge and protection against ennui. The fundamental principle of all philosophy and all Christianity is, “Rejoice always in all things.” “Be thankful at all times for all good, and all that we call evil.” Will it…

Read More Read More

Letter from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, December 12, 1816

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

John Adams December 12, 1816 Adams summarizes his religious creed in four words: “Be just and good.” return the Analysis of Dupuis, with my thanks for the loan of it. It is but a faint miniature of the original. I have read that original in twelve volumes, besides a thirteenth of plates. I have been a lover and a reader of romances all my life, from Don Quixote and Gil Bias to the Scottish Chiefs, and a hundred others. For…

Read More Read More

Letter from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, November 4, 1816

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

John Adams November 4, 1816 Adams suggests that before we promote the Bible in the rest of the world, we should fix Christianity’s problems. Your letter of October 14th has greatly obliged me. Tracy’s Analysis I have read once, and wish to read it a second time. It shall be returned to you; but I wish to be informed whether this gentleman is one of that family of Tracys with which the Marquis Lafayette is connected by intermarriages. I have…

Read More Read More

Letter from John Adams to Samuel Miller, July 8, 1820

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

John Adams July 8, 1820 Toward the end of his life he recounts his religious explorations and concludes, “I believe with Justin Martyr, that all good men are Christians.” You know not the gratification you have given me by your kind, frank, and candid letter. I must be a very unnatural son to entertain any prejudices against the Calvinists, or Calvinism, according to your confession of faith; for my father and mother, my uncles and aunts, and all my predecessors,…

Read More Read More

Letter from John Adams to Benjamin Rush, January 21, 1810

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

John Adams January 21, 1810 Adams declares God to be “the first good, first perfect, and first fair” and defines Christianity to include all Christian denominations. [Thomas Paine’s] political writings, I am singular enough to believe, have done more harm than his irreligious ones. He understood neither government nor religion. From a malignant heart he wrote virulent declamations, which the enthusiastic fury of the times intimidated all men, even Mr. Burke, from answering as he ought. His deism, as it…

Read More Read More