Separation of Church and State in Virginia; A Study in the Development of the Revolution (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1910 Excerpt: ... Blair Smith, the president of ilampden-Sidney college and the leader of Presbyterian thought, wrcte to Madison, on June 21, 1784, asking him to lend his influence against incorporation. He especially resented the demands made by the Episcopal clergy in thcir petition. "i should expect that such an idea cf spiritual domination, would be resented & opposed by every adherent to that Society (Episcopal). 1 should suppose that every cne of them who fcrlt the spirit of Lis station would regard the attempt, as an indefensible remains of Star-chamber tyranny & rrsist it accordingly. However, if the Centlemcn of that cemmunion aie so used to Dictators, that they either have net observed the Jure dlvino pretension to dominion over them, or have no inclination or spiilt to oppose it, perhaps it may be thought proper for one so little interested in the matter as myself to be silent. But that part of the petition, which concerns me most as well as every nonEpiscopalian in the State, is, where these clergymen pray for an act of the Assembly to Enable them to regulate all the spiritual concerns of that Church &c. This is an express attempt to draw the State into an illicit connecticn & commerce with (hem, which is already the ground of that uneasiness which at present prevails thro' a great part of the State. According to the spirit of that prayer, the Legislature is to consider itself as the head of that Tarty, & consequently they as members are to be fostered with particular care. i am sorry that Christian ministers should virtually declare their Church a mere political machine, which the State may regulate at present; but i shall be surptized if the Assembly shall assume the improper office. it would be to give leave to do what every class of ...