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Editorial
February 17, 1818
Daily National Intelligencer
Washington, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
Editorial quotes a letter from New Hampshire Governor William Plumer advocating religious freedom, emphasizing individual liberty in religion, voluntary support, and government's role limited to protection without interference.
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Full Text
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.
Friend Hill--The following is copied from a private letter of recent date, written by WILLIAM PLUMER, the present Governor of this State. Happy would it be for the world, were this praiseworthy sentiment universally adopted by statesmen and legislators.--N. H. Pat.
"My sentiments on that subject (religious freedom) have not changed with time; but every revolving season has added new proofs, in my mind, to the fitness and propriety of leaving every individual at full and entire liberty of choosing his own religion, and of giving or withholding his property as he pleases for its support. Human laws cannot make men religious; but they may, and often have made bad men hypocrites. Civil government was instituted for earth, not for heaven; and it ought never to intermeddle with religion, except to protect men in the free enjoyment of their religious sentiments."
Friend Hill--The following is copied from a private letter of recent date, written by WILLIAM PLUMER, the present Governor of this State. Happy would it be for the world, were this praiseworthy sentiment universally adopted by statesmen and legislators.--N. H. Pat.
"My sentiments on that subject (religious freedom) have not changed with time; but every revolving season has added new proofs, in my mind, to the fitness and propriety of leaving every individual at full and entire liberty of choosing his own religion, and of giving or withholding his property as he pleases for its support. Human laws cannot make men religious; but they may, and often have made bad men hypocrites. Civil government was instituted for earth, not for heaven; and it ought never to intermeddle with religion, except to protect men in the free enjoyment of their religious sentiments."
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
Constitutional
What keywords are associated?
Religious Freedom
Government Non Interference
Civil Government
William Plumer
Religious Liberty
What entities or persons were involved?
William Plumer
Governor Of This State
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Advocacy For Religious Freedom
Stance / Tone
Strong Support For Religious Liberty And Government Non Interference
Key Figures
William Plumer
Governor Of This State
Key Arguments
Individuals Should Have Full Liberty To Choose Their Own Religion
Support For Religion Should Be Voluntary Through Property
Human Laws Cannot Make Men Religious But Can Create Hypocrites
Civil Government Should Not Intermeddle With Religion Except To Protect Free Enjoyment