The Virginia Gazette

An amendment proposed to the bill for establishing religious freedom, printed for the consideration of the people.

Well assured that the holy scriptures, were given by divine inspiration, and are the original records of the true religion, that was sent from Heaven, and in its primitive, purity, and simplicity, published to the world, by the Lord Jesus Christ, his Prophets and Apostles, consequently the unerring guide to life and happiness. Therefore all additions and corruptions, which have been afterwards brought into it, by particular formularies of faith, the inventions of uninspired men, are not obligatory on a good christian; and can only serve as an help to faith and practice, as he may judge them conformable to the divine law: That it is the mighty and singular advantage of revelation, that it gives the clearest manifestations of our creator's perfections, and of his will with regard to the duties he requires of his creatures; but as mankind in this life, cannot expect to arrive to a state of sinless perfection; errors may be taught, and the cause of truth suffer, which can only be remedied by a careful consulting revelation, and sincerely observing its precepts. That the value of religion to mankind might demand the most ample worldly advantages, to be bestowed by its votaries, on those that teach it, did they believe the things of this world were the only reward of virtue; But as the holy author of the christian religion has taught otherwise, and given a perfect example of humility and self denial, it would ill become the succeeding teachers of the same religion, to make merchandise of their vocation, or depend on the civil power, for their success and support.

We---do enact, that no man shall be compelled to attend any place of worship, contrary to his own faith or judgment, nor be obliged to support any religious society or its ministry, but what he believes right, and has voluntarily engaged to perform; neither shall he be restrained, molested, or burthened, in his body or goods, nor otherwise suffer on account of his christian profession, and mode of worship; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, the doctrines of the christian religion as they appear to them most consonant to the holy scriptures; and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect, their civil capacities.

A CITIZEN.