Sam Adams

The Rights of the Colonists by Sam Adams, 1772

May 31, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive

Samuel Adams November 20, 1772 The Patriot leader here argues for religious liberty for all, except Catholics. As neither reason requires, nor religeon permits the contrary, every Man living in or out of a state of civil society, has a right peaceably and quietly to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience.” Just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty” in matters spiritual and temporal, is a thing that all Men are clearly entitled to, by the…

Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, September 16, 1774

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

John Adams September 16, 1774 Early in the Continental Congress, it was proposed that the delegates begin the day in prayer. Some members objected since there were now so many different denominations represented. How could they find someone who could represent them all? Sam Adams (not known for his religious tolerance), broke the logjam by saying that even though he was Congregationalist, he could accept an Episcopalian preacher. His cousin, John Adams, recounts the scene. Having a Leisure Moment, while…

A Memoir of the Life and Times of Isaac Backus

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

Isaac Backus January 1, 1858 Isaac Backus was one of the most important Baptist leaders of the revolutionary era. He argued fervently against persecution of Baptists and in favor of separation of chuch and state. Here he describes how he was dispatched to visit the members of the Continental Congress to plead against the religious establishment in Massachusetts. Adams resisted his pleas. Oct. 14th. In the evening there met at Carpenters’ Hall, Thomas Gushing, Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert…