1.23.1808: “But it is only proposed that I should recommend, not prescribe a day of fasting & prayer. That is, that I should indirectly assume to the U S. an authority over religious exercises which the Constitution has directly precluded them from. It must be meant too that this recommendation is to carry some authority, and to be sanctioned by some penalty on those who disregard it; not indeed of fine and imprisonment, but of some degree of proscription perhaps in public opinion. 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?” — to Rev’d. Samuel Miller Read the full letter: http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-7257 . . . #YourThomasJefferson #ThomasJefferson #firstamendent #religiousfreedom #wallofseparation #foundingfathers #patriotism #America #usa #history #thanksgiving #freedomofreligion #1stamendment #establishmentclause #constitution #USConstitution #constitutionallaw #POTUS #President #presidentoftheunitedstates https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs_jlQ-j5Ll/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6iv2nn4jgcu8
