Baptist Nation

4 July 2009

"It was left to the United States of North America to give the example to the world; to draw the proper line between church and state, religion and politics. Yes, from the beginning of Christianity, down to the close of eighteenth century A. D. [Christianity] never prevailed among a people of any considerable consequence, but they would either punish or pamper it almost to death; either proscribe it, or make it a principle of state policy. To say that the government of the United States is perfect, would be arrogant; but I have no hesitancy in saying, that the Constitution has left religion infallibly where it should be left in all government, viz.; in the hands of its Author, as a matter between God and individuals; leaving an open door for Pagans, Turks, Jews or Christians, to fill any office in the government, without any religious test, [which would] make them hypocrites; securing to every man his right of argument and free debate; duly appreciating that Christianity is not a scheme of coercion; but only calls for a patient hearing."--John Leland.

John Leland, Miscellaneous Essays,The Writings of the Elder John Leland and the Events of His Life, Printed by G.W. Wood, 1845, p.428.