And does the change
in the nature of the penalty make the recommendation the less a law of
conduct for those to whom it is directed? I do not believe it is for
the interest of religion to invite the civil magistrate to direct
its exercises, its discipline, or its doctrines; nor of the religious
societies, that the General Government should be invested with the power
of effecting any uniformity of time or matter among them. Fasting and
prayer are religious exercises; the enjoining them an act of discipline.
Every religious society has a right to determine for itself the times
for these exercises, and the objects proper for them, according to their
own particular tenets; and this right can never be safer than in their
own hands, where the constitution has deposited it.
I am aware that the practice of my predecessors may be quoted. But I
have ever believed, that the example of State executives led to the
assumption of that authority by the General Government, without due
examination, which would have discovered that what might be a right in a
State government, was a violation of that right when assumed by another.
Be this as it may, every one must act according to the dictates of his
own reason, and mine tells me that civil powers alone have been given
to the President of the United States, and no authority to direct the
religious exercises of his constituents.
I again express my satisfaction that you have been so good as to give
me an opportunity of explaining myself in a private letter, in which
I could give my reasons more in detail than might have been done in a
public answer: and I pray you to accept the assurances of my high esteem
and respect.
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