A Memorial and Remonstrance (1784). This protest was delivered before the Commonwealth of Virginia in opposition to a bill introduced by Patrick Henry, December 1784, proposing "establishing a provision for Teachers of Religion". It is considered by scholars to rank with the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address. Some selected quotes:
1....The religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate.
3. It is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties...Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other Sects?
From: George Seldes. The Great Thoughts.Ballantine Books. 1985. New York.
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