Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-05-04
JEFFERSON LISTERS.
Originals OF Two Wherein He Dis
cusSes Church and STATE.


It was announced yesterday that Mr..
Charles E. Belvin had presented to Rich
mond College originals of two letters by
Thomas Jefferson. The first is evidently
the original draft Of the letter subse-
quently sent in a modified form to the
Danbury Baptist Association The
second is his note to Mr.. Lincoln, who
was his Attorney-General, and upon
whose suggestion he modified his first
letter TO suit the northern stomach. A
view of the originals makes this apparent.
The first letter is addressed to
"Messrs. Nehemiah Dodge, Ephralm
Robbins, and Stephen S. Nelson, a COM
mittee of the Danbury Baptist Associa-
tion, in the State Of Connecticut The
following are exact copies:
"Gentlemen,-fhe eGectionate sentiments Of
esteem and appreciation which you are 50 good
as 10 express toward me on bOhsR OF the Dan
bury Baptist Association give me the highest
satisfaction. My duties dictate faithful and
jealous pursuit Of the Interests ot my constitu.
ents, and In proportion a. they are persuaded OF
nv ndellty 70 those duties the discharge
OF them becomeB Inore aud more pleasing.
Believing with you that religion - a
matter which lies solely between man
aud his God-that no owes account
70 none other for his faith or his worship. that
tho legitimate powers OF government rench
&c ions only and not opinions, | contemplate
with sovereign reverence that act OF tue Enole
American people which declared that heir legls-
lature should make no law respecting establish
ment OF religion or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof. thus building wall OF separation be-
tween Church and state. Congress mus IN
hlblled from scte respecting religion aud tae
Executive authOsiKea only TO execute their acts,
4 from
sional performances Of devotion. prescribed in
deed legally where an executive IA the legai head
OF anationGl Church. but subject nero as rehgous
exercises only 70 tho voluntary regulations ana
discipline o. each respective secO. A1nering 70
this expression Of tho supreme will OF tho nation
in behnif Of the rights Of conscience, snail see
with sincere satisfaction the progle-s ol thVso 9
sentiments which tend TO restore to man all HIS
natural rights, convinced he has no natural right
Ia opposition 10 his social duties.
reciprocato your kind prayers FOR the protec-
tion aud blessing OF the common tatner ana
Creator Of man, aud tender you Tor yourselves
and your religious association assurances Of my
high respect aud esteem. III: JEFFERSON.
January /, lsl2.
The following note in bis own hand
writing is appended:
The eboye marked paragraph was omitted on
the suggestion that 10 might give unoasiness 10
come OF our Republican friends In the eastern
states, where the proclamation OF IhanksglYlng.
Nc., bF tfelf EAtrhklft II al hAtltAb hNgAs ohA
Is respected.
Averse 70 receive addresses, yet unable TO pre-
vent them, / have generally endeayorcd 10 turn
them 10 some account by making them the occ A.
sion, by way OF answer. OF sowing useful truths
and principles among the people. which might
germinnte and become rooted among their po-
n;l,al tenete. Tho Baptist address now inclosed
admits Of q condemnation Of the alliance be-
tween Church and state under the authority OF
tho Constitution. II furnishes an occasion, TOO,
which have long wished 10 nnd, OF snying why
1 do not proclaim fastlngs aud thanksgiVtngs,
AZ my predecessors did. Tho address, 70 be
sure does not point at this. aud lts
Introduction Ia awkward. But foresee no op-
uortunity ot doing It moro portnently. know
il will giyo great offence 10 tho New England
clergy. but the advocate Of religious freedom Is
10 expect neither peace nor forgiveness from
them. Will you be 30 good as 10 examine the
answer and suggest any alterations ~hicn might
preyent an III eject or promote good one
among the pcoplef You understand tho temper
Of those In the North and can weaken II there
fore 20 their stomachs. IL is at present seasoned
10 the southern taste only. lwOuld ask the favor
Of YOU 70 return Il with the address in the course
Of the day or evening. Health and ahection.
January /, 1892.
'The modified form appears on page lib In Jei-
fersonls Works Washington, 1854 Volume VIII.