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Literary
August 12, 1882
St. Landry Democrat
Opelousas, Saint Landry County, Louisiana
What is this article about?
The New Hampshire Historical Society acquires a letter from Thomas Jefferson, who thanks a friend for pamphlets on Northern religious discussions. Jefferson criticizes Calvinism's absurdities, praises Luther and Calvin's partial restoration of Christ's doctrines, and hopes current debates will complete the return to simple Christian precepts.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
A Letter of Jefferson's
A letter written by Thomas Jefferson has lately come into the possession of the New Hampshire Historical Society, in which, after thanking a friend for some pamphlets loaned to him, he says: "They give a lively view of the state of religious discussion now prevailing in the North, and making its way to the South. Most controversies begin with a discussion of principles, but soon degenerates into episodal, verbal, or personal cavils. Too much of this is seen in these pamphlets, and as usual, those whose dogmas are the most unintelligible are the most angry. The truth is that Calvinism has introduced into the Christian religion more new absurdities than its leader had purged it of old ones. Our Savior did not come into the world to save metaphysicians only. His doctrines are leveled to the simplest understanding: and it is only by banishing hierophantic mysteries and scholastic subtleties, which they have nicknamed Christianity, and getting back to the plain and unsophisticated precepts of Christ, that we become real Christians. The half information of Luther and Calvin did something toward restoration of His genuine doctrine; the present contest will, I hope, complete what they began and place us where the Evangelist left us."
A letter written by Thomas Jefferson has lately come into the possession of the New Hampshire Historical Society, in which, after thanking a friend for some pamphlets loaned to him, he says: "They give a lively view of the state of religious discussion now prevailing in the North, and making its way to the South. Most controversies begin with a discussion of principles, but soon degenerates into episodal, verbal, or personal cavils. Too much of this is seen in these pamphlets, and as usual, those whose dogmas are the most unintelligible are the most angry. The truth is that Calvinism has introduced into the Christian religion more new absurdities than its leader had purged it of old ones. Our Savior did not come into the world to save metaphysicians only. His doctrines are leveled to the simplest understanding: and it is only by banishing hierophantic mysteries and scholastic subtleties, which they have nicknamed Christianity, and getting back to the plain and unsophisticated precepts of Christ, that we become real Christians. The half information of Luther and Calvin did something toward restoration of His genuine doctrine; the present contest will, I hope, complete what they began and place us where the Evangelist left us."
What sub-type of article is it?
Epistolary
What themes does it cover?
Religious
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Jefferson Letter
Calvinism
Christian Doctrines
Religious Debate
Luther Calvin
What entities or persons were involved?
Thomas Jefferson
Literary Details
Title
A Letter Of Jefferson's
Author
Thomas Jefferson
Subject
Religious Discussion In The North And Critique Of Calvinism
Key Lines
They Give A Lively View Of The State Of Religious Discussion Now Prevailing In The North, And Making Its Way To The South.
The Truth Is That Calvinism Has Introduced Into The Christian Religion More New Absurdities Than Its Leader Had Purged It Of Old Ones.
Our Savior Did Not Come Into The World To Save Metaphysicians Only.
The Half Information Of Luther And Calvin Did Something Toward Restoration Of His Genuine Doctrine; The Present Contest Will, I Hope, Complete What They Began And Place Us Where The Evangelist Left Us.