"What influence in fact have ecclesiastical establishments had on Civil Society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the Civil authority; in many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny: in no instance have they been seen the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty, may have found an established Clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just Government instituted to secure & perpetuate it needs them not. Such a Government will be best supported by protecting every Citizen in the enjoyment of his Religion with the same equal hand which protects his person and his property; by neither invading the equal rights of any Sect, nor suffering any Sect to invade those of another."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Presidents of the United StatesAcademics from the United StatesFounding Fathers of the United States of AmericaUnited States presidential candidates, 1812United States presidential candidates, 1808
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Imported from EN Wikiquote
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/James_Madison
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
James Madison
James Madison Jr. (16 March 1751 – 28 June 1836) was an American statesman, diplomat, and Founding Father who served as the fourth president of the United States from 1809 to 1817. Madison was popularly acclaimed the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.
158 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by James Madison →
Related Quotes
"The number, the industry, and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the people have been manifestly inc…"
"If Washington or Jefferson or Madison should utter upon his native soil today the opinions he entertained and express…"
"Cursed be all that learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ."
"History records that the money changers have used every form of abuse, intrigue, deceit, and violent means possible t…"
"The biggest danger to our rights today is not from government acting against the will of the majority but from govern…"
"It would be a blot and stigma on your otherwise spotless escutcheon, not to restore to your slaves that liberty and t…"
"The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soak…"
"Congress shall never disarm any citizen unless such as are or have been in actual rebellion."
"We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have stak…"
"Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, w…"