Jefferson’s Religious Views
Anent the discussion over “Jefferson's Bible” and the strong protest against its publication by Congress, it may be well to remark that Foley's “Jeffersonian Cyclopedia” (published by Funk and Wagnalls Company) gives all of the recorded religious utterances of Mr. Jefferson which are of any significance, in classified form and in chronological order. We there learn that he contributed $50 to the Bible Society for the circulation of the Scriptures; and that he said of the Gospel in 1814, “There never was a more pure and sublime system of morality delivered to man than is to be found in the four Evangelists.” He said much else besides. He surely could not be said to be an infidel; and he did not believe in attempting to enforce by law religious acquiescence. Here are three utterances to the point: “I may grow rich by art I am compelled to follow; I may recover health by medicines I am compelled to take against my own judgment; but I can not be saved by a worship I disbelieve and abhor.” “God Himself will not save men against their own wills.” “The life and essence of religion consists in the internal persuasion or belief of the mind.”