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Who Are the Best Keepers of the People’s Liberties? By James Madison, 1792

Who Are the Best Keepers of the People’s Liberties? By James Madison, 1792

James Madison December 22, 1792 In what was otherwise a political polemic, Madison writes a few sentences (the 7th paragraph) that express a personal belief about faith: that humans have little capacity to understand God’s plan. National Gazette, December 22, 1792 Republican. — The people themselves. The sacred trust can be no where so safe as in the hands most interested in preserving it. Anti-republican. — The people are stupid, suspicious, licentious. They cannot safely trust themselves. When they have established government they…

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Letter from James Madison to William Bradford, January 24, 1774

Letter from James Madison to William Bradford, January 24, 1774

James Madison January 24, 1774 Madison contrasts the persecution he’s witnessing at home in Virginia with the freedom he saw in Philadelphia, home of his Princeton classmate, William Bradford. The persecution of the Baptists in Northern Virginia apparently influenced Madison greatly, want again to breathe your free Air. I expect it will mend my Constitution & confirm my principles. I have indeed as good an Atmosphere at home as the Climate will allow: but have nothing to brag of as…

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Letter from James Madison to William Bradford, November 9, 1772

Letter from James Madison to William Bradford, November 9, 1772

James Madison November 9, 1772 A young James Madison writes his Princeton classmate congratulating him on his decision to study the humanities but suggests that they might add religious studies too, less they become so full themselves that they “neglect to have our names enrolled in th Orange Virginia, Novr. 9th. 1772 My dear Billey, You moralize so prettily that if I were to judge from some parts of your letter of October 13 I should take you for an…

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Letter from James Madison to Frederick Beasley, November 20, 1825

Letter from James Madison to Frederick Beasley, November 20, 1825

James Madison November 20, 1825 Madison’s description of why he believes in God is somewhat abstract. I have duly recd the copy of your little tract on the proofs of the Being & Attributes of God. To do full justice to it, would require not only a more critical attention than I have been able to bestow on it, but a resort to the celebrated work of Dr. Clarke, which I read fifty years ago only, and to that of…

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Letter from James Madison to F.L. Schaeffer, December 3, 1821

Letter from James Madison to F.L. Schaeffer, December 3, 1821

James Madison December 3, 1821 An aging James Madison write that American history has proved that religion thrives most when it is independent of government. Also, his praise for Martin Luther contrasts with Thomas Jefferson’s sharp criticism of Luther. Revd Sir, –I have received, with your letter of November 19th, the copy of your address at the ceremonial of laying the corner-stone of St Matthew’s Church in New York. It is a pleasing and persuasive example of pious zeal, united…

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Autobiography of James Madison

Autobiography of James Madison

James Madison 1831 Madison sketched a thin autobiography in response to a request from a would-be biographer. He writes in third person. He is over 80 years old at this point, and it’s noteworthy that he devotes significant space in this 12-page treatise to his work on religious freedom. At the age of 12 years, he was placed by his father under the tuition of Donald Robertson, from Scotland, aman of extensive learning, and a distinguished Teacher,in the Countyof King…

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