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[[Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments]] was authored by [[James Madison]], originally published anonymously<ref>Ragosta, John A. "[http://www.milestonedocuments.com/documents/view/james-madisons-memorial-and-remonstrance-against-religious-assessments James Madison: Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments]." University of Virginia. ''MileStone Documents''.</ref>, declaring religious freedom dependent upon a Creator to ensure all could worship said Creator freely. Madison wrote this as a petition arguing against another bill, "the Bill Establishing a Provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion", which would have instituted a general assessment or statewide tax to support clergy of Christian denominations in the state. The petition argued the dangers of saying "the Civil Magistrate is a competent Judge of Religious Truth"(5) or "suffering any Sect to invade those [equal rights] of another"(8); repeatedly arguing that entrenching a single denomination as a state institution "is adverse to the diffusion of the light of Christianity"(12). The Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments proved successful in stopping the assessments tax, and led to introduction of the [[Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom]] shortly thereafter.<ref>www.Loc.gov. "[http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/petitions/rpessay3.html Petitioning in Eighteenth-Century Virginia]."</ref>  

'''Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments''' is the primary legislation on [[religious freedom]] and [[separation of church and state]] by [[James Madison]], the primary author of the [[U.S. Constitution]], and was an influence in the passing of [[Thomas Jefferson|Thomas Jefferson's]] [[Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom]], which was written years earlier.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://virginiahumanities.org/2012/03/james-madison-religious-freedom |title=Is James Madison Still Speaking to Us About Religious Freedom? |last1=Ragosta |first1=John |last2= |first2= |date= |website=[[Virginia Foundation for the Humanities]] |publisher= |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}<br>{{cite web |url=http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/petitions/rpessay3.html |title=Petitioning in Eighteenth-Century Virginia: The Church and State Debate |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date= |website=[[Library of Congress]] |publisher=[[American Memory]] |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref> Together the two early documents defined [[Freedom of religion in the United States|religious freedom in the United States]] and restricted government intrusion in religious matters<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/livingrev/religion/text2/text2read.htm |title=Reading Guide: 2. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison on Religious Freedom |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date=2003 |website=[[National Humanities Center]] |publisher= |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}<br>{{cite book |last=Fea |first=John |date=2011 |title=Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PiM3uZHx6VgC&pg=PA139&lpg=PA139 |location=Louisville, Kentucky |publisher=Westminster John Knox Press |page=139 |isbn=9780664235048 |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}<br>{{cite book |last=Patrick |first=John J. |date=1995 |title=Founding the Republic: A Documentary History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bPvq0-taGAEC&pg=PA77&lpg=PA77 |location=Westport, Connecticut |publisher=Greenwood Press |page=77 |isbn=0313292264 |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref> while serving as a precursor for the [[First Amendment]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Murray |first=Bruce T. |date=2008 |title=Religious Liberty in America: The First Amendment in Historical and Contemporary Perspective |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QlJ-lHw7ifcC&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11 |location=Westport, Connecticut |publisher=Foundation for American Communications |page=11 |isbn=9781558496385 |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref>

Madison concludes the legislation by "earnestly praying, as we are in duty bound, that the Supreme Lawgiver of the Universe, by illuminating those to whom it is addressed, may on the one hand, turn their Councils from every act which would affront his holy prerogative, or violate the trust committed to them: and on the other, guide them into every measure which may be worthy of his [blessing, may re]dound to their own praise, and may establish more firmly the liberties, the prosperity and the happiness of the Commonwealth."

The legislation was drafted in the [[Virginia State Legislature]] on June 20, 1785, and passed on January 16, 1786.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/god-in-the-white-house/ |title=God in America: God in the White House - James Madison 1809-1817 |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date= |website=[[PBS]] |publisher=[[WTTW]] 11 |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}<br>{{cite journal |journal=Atlantic Monthly |publisher=[[The Atlantic]] |volume=274 |issue=6 |pages=112–124 |doi= |url=http://www.theatlantic.com/past/docs/issues/96oct/obrien/peterson.htm |title=Jefferson and Religious Freedom |last1=Peterson |first1=Merrill D. |last2= |first2= |date=1994 |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref> The purpose of the legislation was to prevent a statewide tax proposed by [[Patrick Henry]] in support of [[Christianity]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/study-guide/two.html |title=God In America Study Guide: A New Eden (Episode 2) |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date= |website=[[PBS]] [[Frontline (U.S. TV series)|Frontline]] |publisher=[[WGBH Educational Foundation]] |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}<br>{{cite web |url=https://www.milestonedocuments.com/documents/view/james-madisons-memorial-and-remonstrance-against-religious-assessments |title=James Madison: Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments |last1=Ragosta |first1=John A. |last2= |first2= |date= |website=Milestone Documents |publisher=Schlager Group |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref> at a time when most colonies had a [[state religion]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Crimm |first1=Nina J. |last2=Winer |first2=Laurence H. |date=2011 |title=Politics, Taxes, and the Pulpit: Provocative First Amendment Conflicts |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_9BMAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA82&lpg=PA82 |location=New York, New York |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |pages=78–82 |isbn=9780195388053 |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}<br>{{cite web |url=https://www.milestonedocuments.com/documents/view/james-madisons-memorial-and-remonstrance-against-religious-assessments/context |title=James Madison: Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments - Context |last1=Ragosta |first1=John A. |last2= |first2= |date= |website=Milestone Documents |publisher=Schlager Group |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref> [[Virginia]] for example was governed by the [[Anglican]] state church during the [[Christianity in the 18th century|18th century]]<ref>{{cite book |last=Curry |first=James A. |last2=Riley |first2=Richard B. |last3=Battistoni |first3=Richard M. |last4=Blakeman |first4=John C. |date=2000 |title=The American Constitutional Experience: Selected Readings & Supreme Court Opinions  |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vRshPC3pkWEC&pg=PA149&lpg=PA149 |location= |publisher=Kendall Hunt Publishing Company |page=149 |isbn=0787257605 |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref> and kept [[Baptists]] and other minority [[Christian denomination|denominations]] from running for office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.history.org/almanack/life/religion/religiondfn.cfm |title=The Anglican Church in Virginia |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date= |website=History.org |publisher=The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}<br>{{cite web |url=http://uscivilliberties.org/historical-overview/4083-madisons-remonstrance-1785.html |title=Madison’s Remonstrance (1785) |last1=Urofsky |first1=Melvin I. |last2= |first2= |date=July 26, 2012 |website=USCivilLiberties.org |publisher= |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}<br>{{cite journal |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |date=2010 |title=The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom: The Road to the First Amendment |url=http://www.crf-usa.org/bill-of-rights-in-action/bria-26-1-the-virginia-statute-for-religious-freedom.html |journal=Bill of Rights in Action |publisher=Constitutional Rights Foundation |volume=26 |issue=1 |pages= |doi= |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref> The jailing of the [[Danbury Baptists]] in particular united Jefferson and Madison in opposition to laws mandating state religions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/eighteen/ekeyinfo/sepchust.htm |title=The Separation of Church and State from the American Revolution to the Early Republic |last1=Heyrman |first1=Christine Leigh |last2= |first2= |date= |website=TeacherServe |publisher=[[National Humanities Center]] |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref>

== Text of legislation ==

{{cquote|Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments

James Madison

June 20, 1785

A Memorial and Remonstrance

To the Honorable the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia A Memorial and Remonstrance

20 June 1785, ''Papers'' 8:298--304

Bill printed by order of the last Session of General Assembly, entitled "A Bill establishing a provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion," and conceiving that the same if finally armed with the sanctions of a law, will be a dangerous abuse of power, are bound as faithful members of a free State to remonstrate against it, and to declare the reasons by which we are determined. We remonstrate against the said Bill,

1. Because we hold it for a fundamental and undeniable truth, "that religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence." The Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. This right is in its nature an unalienable right. It is unalienable, because the opinions of men, depending only on the evidence contemplated by their own minds cannot follow the dictates of other men: It is unalienable also, because what is here a right towards men, is a duty towards the Creator. It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage and such only as he believes to be acceptable to him. This duty is precedent, both in order of time and in degree of obligation, to the claims of Civil Society. Before any man can be considerd as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governour of the Universe: And if a member of Civil Society, do it with a saving of his allegiance to the Universal Sovereign. We maintain therefore that in matters of Religion, no man’s right is abridged by the institution of Civil Society and that Religion is wholly exempt from its cognizance. True it is, that no other rule exists, by which any question which may divide a Society, can be ultimately determined, but the will of the majority; but it is also true that the majority may trespass on the rights of the minority.

We the subscribers, citizens of the said Commonwealth, having taken into serious consideration, a Bill printed by order of the last Session of General Assembly, entitled "A Bill establishing a provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion," and conceiving that the same if finally armed with the sanctions of a law, will be a dangerous abuse of power, are bound as faithful members of a free State to remonstrate against it, and to declare the reasons by which we are determined. We remonstrate against the said Bill,

2. Because if Religion be exempt from the authority of the Society at large, still less can it be subject to that of the Legislative Body. The latter are but the creatures and vicegerents of the former. Their jurisdiction is both derivative and limited: it is limited with regard to the co-ordinate departments, more necessarily is it limited with regard to the constituents. The preservation of a free Government requires not merely, that the metes and bounds which separate each department of power be invariably maintained; but more especially that neither of them be suffered to overleap the great Barrier which defends the rights of the people. The Rulers who are guilty of such an encroachment, exceed the commission from which they derive their authority, and are Tyrants. The People who submit to it are governed by laws made neither by themselves nor by an authority derived from them, and are slaves.

'''1.''' Because we hold it for a fundamental and undeniable truth, "that Religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence." [Virginia Declaration of Rights, art. 16] The Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. This right is in its nature an unalienable right. It is unalienable, because the opinions of men, depending only on the evidence contemplated by their own minds cannot follow the dictates of other men: It is unalienable also, because what is here a right towards men, is a duty towards the Creator. It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage and such only as he believes to be acceptable to him. This duty is precedent, both in order of time and in degree of obligation, to the claims of Civil Society. Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governour of the Universe: And if a member of Civil Society, who enters into any subordinate Association, must always do it with a reservation of his duty to the General Authority; much more must every man who becomes a member of any particular Civil Society, do it with a saving of his allegiance to the Universal Sovereign. We maintain therefore that in matters of Religion, no mans right is abridged by the institution of Civil Society and that Religion is wholly exempt from its cognizance. True it is, that no other rule exists, by which any question which may divide a Society, can be ultimately determined, but the will of the majority; but it is also true that the majority may trespass on the rights of the minority.

3. Because, it is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties. We hold this prudent

'''2.''' Because if Religion be exempt from the authority of the Society at large, still less can it be subject to that of the Legislative Body. The latter are but the creatures and vicegerents of the former. Their jurisdiction is both derivative and limited: it is limited with regard to the co-ordinate departments, more necessarily is it limited with regard to the constituents. The preservation of a free Government requires not merely, that the metes and bounds which separate each department of power be invariably maintained; but more especially that neither of them be suffered to overleap the great Barrier which defends the rights of the people. The Rulers who are guilty of such an encroachment, exceed the commission from which they derive their authority, and are Tyrants. The People who submit to it are governed by laws made neither by themselves nor by an authority derived from them, and are slaves.

jealousy to be the first duty of Citizens, and one of the noblest characteristics of the late Revolution. The free men of America did not wait till usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise, and entagled the question in precedents. They saw all the consequences in the principle, and they avoided the consequences by denying the principle. We revere this lesson too much soon to forget it. Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other Sects? that the same authority which can force a citizen to contribute three pence only of his property for the support of any one establishment, may force him to conform to any other establishment in all cases whatsoever?

4. Because, the Bill violates the equality which ought to be the basis of every law, and which is more indispensible, in proportion as the validity or expediency of any law is more liable to be impeached. If "all men are by nature equally free and independent," all men are to be considered as entering into Society on equal conditions; as relinquishing no more, and therefore retaining no less, one than another, of their natural rights. Above all are they to be considered as retaining an "equal title to the free exercise of Religion according to the dictates of Conscience." Whilst we assert for ourselves a freedom to embrace, to profess and to observe the Religion which we believe to be of divine origin, we cannot deny an equal freedom to those whose minds have not yet yielded to the evidence which has convinced us. If this freedom be abused, it is an offence against God, not against man: To God, therefore, not to man, must an account of it be rendered. As the Bill violates equality by subjecting some to peculiar burdens, so it violates the same principle, by granting to others peculiar exemptions. Are the quakers and Menonists the only sects who think a compulsive support of their Religions unnecessary and unwarrantable? can their piety alone be entrusted with the care of public worship? Ought their Religions to be endowed above all others with extraordinary privileges by which proselytes may be enticed from all others? We think too favorably of the justice and good sense of these demoninations to believe that they either covet pre-eminences over their fellow citizens or that they will be seduced by them from the common opposition to the measure.

'''3.''' Because it is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties. We hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of Citizens, and one of the noblest characteristics of the late Revolution. The free men of America did not wait till usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise, and entangled the question in precedents. They saw all the consequences in the principle, and they avoided the consequences by denying the principle. We revere this lesson too much soon to forget it. Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other Sects? that the same authority which can force a citizen to contribute three pence only of his property for the support of any one establishment, may force him to conform to any other establishment in all cases whatsoever?

5. Because the Bill implies either that the Civil Magistrate is a competent Judge of Religious Truth; or that he may employ Religion as an engine of Civil policy. The first is an arrogant pretension falsified by the contradictory opinions of Rulers in all ages, and throughout the world: the second an unhallowed perversion of the means of salvation.

'''4.''' Because the Bill violates that equality which ought to be the basis of every law, and which is more indispensible, in proportion as the validity or expediency of any law is more liable to be impeached. If "all men are by nature equally free and independent," [Virginia Declaration of Rights, art. 1] all men are to be considered as entering into Society on equal conditions; as relinquishing no more, and therefore retaining no less, one than another, of their natural rights. Above all are they to be considered as retaining an "equal title to the free exercise of Religion according to the dictates of Conscience." [Virginia Declaration of Rights, art. 16] Whilst we assert for ourselves a freedom to embrace, to profess and to observe the Religion which we believe to be of divine origin, we cannot deny an equal freedom to those whose minds have not yet yielded to the evidence which has convinced us. If this freedom be abused, it is an offence against God, not against man: To God, therefore, not to man, must an account of it be rendered. As the Bill violates equality by subjecting some to peculiar burdens, so it violates the same principle, by granting to others peculiar exemptions. Are the Quakers and Menonists the only sects who think a compulsive support of their Religions unnecessary and unwarrantable? Can their piety alone be entrusted with the care of public worship? Ought their Religions to be endowed above all others with extraordinary privileges by which proselytes may be enticed from all others? We think too favorably of the justice and good sense of these denominations to believe that they either covet pre-eminences over their fellow citizens or that they will be seduced by them from the common opposition to the measure.

6. Because the establishment proposed by the Bill is not requisite for the support of the Christian

'''5.''' Because the Bill implies either that the Civil Magistrate is a competent Judge of Religious Truth; or that he may employ Religion as an engine of Civil policy. The first is an arrogant pretension falsified by the contradictory opinions of Rulers in all ages, and throughout the world: the second an unhallowed perversion of the means of salvation.

Religion. To say that it is, is a contradiction to the Christian Religion itself, for every page of it disavows a dependence on the powers of this world: it is a contradiction to fact; for it is known that this Religion both existed and flourished, not only without the support of human laws, but in spite of every opposition from them, and not only during the period of miraculous aid, but long after it had been left to its own evidence and the ordinary care of Providence. Nay, it is a contradiction in terms; for a Religion not invented by human policy, must have pre-existed and been supported, before it was established by human policy. It is moreover to weaken in those who profess this Religion a pious confidence in its innate excellence and the patronage of its Author; and to foster in those who still reject it, a suspicion that its friends are too conscious of its fallacies to trust it to its own merits.

7. Because experience witnesseth that eccelsiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the

'''6.''' Because the establishment proposed by the Bill is not requisite for the support of the Christian Religion. To say that it is, is a contradiction to the Christian Religion itself, for every page of it disavows a dependence on the powers of this world: it is a contradiction to fact; for it is known that this Religion both existed and flourished, not only without the support of human laws, but in spite of every opposition from them, and not only during the period of miraculous aid, but long after it had been left to its own evidence and the ordinary care of Providence. Nay, it is a contradiction in terms; for a Religion not invented by human policy, must have pre-existed and been supported, before it was established by human policy. It is moreover to weaken in those who profess this Religion a pious confidence in its innate excellence and the patronage of its Author; and to foster in those who still reject it, a suspicion that its friends are too conscious of its fallacies to trust it to its own merits.

purity and efficacy of Religion, have had a contrary operation. During almost fifteen centuries has

the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less in all

places, pride and indolence in the Clergy, ignorance and servility in the laity, in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution. Enquire of the Teachers of Christianity for the ages in which it appeared in its greatest lustre; those of every sect, point to the ages prior to its incorporation with Civil policy. Propose a restoration of this primitive State in which its Teachers depended on the voluntary rewards of their flocks, many of them predict its downfall. On which Side ought their testimony to have greatest weight, when for or when against their interest?

8. Because the establishment in question is not necessary for the support of Civil Government. If it be urged as necessary for the support of Civil Government only as it is a means of supporting Religion, and it be not necessary for the latter purpose, it cannot be necessary for the former. If Religion be not within the cognizance of Civil Government how can its legal establishment be necessary to Civil Government? 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.

'''7.''' Because experience witnesseth that ecclesiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of Religion, have had a contrary operation. During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less in all places, pride and indolence in the Clergy, ignorance and servility in the laity, in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution. Enquire of the Teachers of Christianity for the ages in which it appeared in its greatest lustre; those of every sect, point to the ages prior to its incorporation with Civil policy. Propose a restoration of this primitive State in which its Teachers depended on the voluntary rewards of their flocks, many of them predict its downfall. On which Side ought their testimony to have greatest weight, when for or when against their interest?

9. Because the proposed establishment is a departure from the generous policy, which, offering an

'''8.''' Because the establishment in question is not necessary for the support of Civil Government. If it be urged as necessary for the support of Civil Government only as it is a means of supporting Religion, and it be not necessary for the latter purpose, it cannot be necessary for the former. If Religion be not within the cognizance of Civil Government how can its legal establishment be necessary to Civil Government? 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.

Asylum to the persecuted and oppressed of every Nation and Religion, promised a lustre to our country, and an accession to the number of its citizens. What a melancholy mark is the Bill of sudden degeneracy? Instead of holding forth an Asylum to the persecuted, it is itself a signal of persecution. It degrades from the equal rank of Citizens all those whose opinions in Religion do not bend to those of the Legislative authority. Distant as it may be in its present form from the Inquisition, it differs from it only in degree. The one is the first step, the other the last in the career of intolerance. The maganimous sufferer under this cruel scourge in foreign Regions, must view the Bill as a Beacon on our Coast, warning him to seek some other haven, where liberty and philanthrophy in their due extent, may offer a more certain respose from his Troubles.

10 Because, it will have a like tendency to banish our Citizens. The allurements presented by other situations are every day thinning their number. To superadd a fresh motive to emigration by revoking the liberty which they now enjoy, would be the same species of folly which has dishonoured and depopulated flourishing kingdoms.

'''9.''' Because the proposed establishment is a departure from that generous policy, which, offering an Asylum to the persecuted and oppressed of every Nation and Religion, promised a lustre to our country, and an accession to the number of its citizens. What a melancholy mark is the Bill of sudden degeneracy? Instead of holding forth an Asylum to the persecuted, it is itself a signal of persecution. It degrades from the equal rank of Citizens all those whose opinions in Religion do not bend to those of the Legislative authority. Distant as it may be in its present form from the Inquisition, it differs from it only in degree. The one is the first step, the other the last in the career of intolerance. The magnanimous sufferer under this cruel scourge in foreign Regions, must view the Bill as a Beacon on our Coast, warning him to seek some other haven, where liberty and philanthrophy in their due extent, may offer a more certain repose from his Troubles.

11. Because it will destroy that moderation and harmony which the forbearance of our laws to intermeddle with Religion has produced among its several sects. Torrents of blood have been split in the old world, by vain attempts of the secular arm, to extinguish Religious disscord, by proscribing all difference in Religious opinion. Time has at length revealed the true remedy. Every relaxation of narrow and rigorous policy, wherever it has been tried, has been found to assauge the disease. The American Theatre has exhibited proofs that equal and compleat liberty, if it does not wholly eradicate it, sufficiently destroys its malignant influence on the health and prosperity of the State. If with the salutary effects of this system under our own eyes, we begin to contract the bounds of Religious freedom, we know no name that will too severely reproach our folly. At least

'''10.''' Because it will have a like tendency to banish our Citizens. The allurements presented by other situations are every day thinning their number. To superadd a fresh motive to emigration by revoking the liberty which they now enjoy, would be the same species of folly which has dishonoured and depopulated flourishing kingdoms.

let warning be taken at the first fruits of the threatened innovation. The very appearance of the Bill has transformed "that Christian forbearance, love and chairty," which of late mutually prevailed, into animosities and jeolousies, which may not soon be appeased. What mischiefs may not be

12. Because the policy of the Bill is adverse to the diffusion of the light of Christianity. The first wish of those who enjoy this precious gift ought to be that it may be imparted to the whole race of mankind. Compare the number of those who have as yet received it with the number still

'''11.''' Because it will destroy that moderation and harmony which the forbearance of our laws to intermeddle with Religion has produced among its several sects. Torrents of blood have been spilt in the old world, by vain attempts of the secular arm, to extinguish Religious discord, by proscribing all difference in Religious opinion. Time has at length revealed the true remedy. Every relaxation of narrow and rigorous policy, wherever it has been tried, has been found to assuage the disease. The American Theatre has exhibited proofs that equal and compleat liberty, if it does not wholly eradicate it, sufficiently destroys its malignant influence on the health and prosperity of the State. If with the salutary effects of this system under our own eyes, we begin to contract the bounds of Religious freedom, we know no name that will too severely reproach our folly. At least let warning be taken at the first fruits of the threatened innovation. The very appearance of the Bill has transformed "that Christian forbearance, love and charity," [Virginia Declaration of Rights, art. 16] which of late mutually prevailed, into animosities and jealousies, which may not soon be appeased. What mischiefs may not be dreaded, should this enemy to the public quiet be armed with the force of a law?

remaining under the dominion of false Religions; and how small is the former! Does the policy of the Bill tend to lessen the disproportion? No; it at once discourages those who are strangers to the light of revelation from coming into the Region of it; and countenances by example the nations who continue in darkness, in shutting out those who might convey it to them. Instead of Levelling as far as possible, every obstacle to the victorious progress of Truth, the Bill with an ignoble and unchristian timidity would circumscribe it with a wall of defence against the encroachments of error.

13. Because attempts to enforce by legal sanctions, acts obnoxious to go great a proportion of

'''12.''' Because the policy of the Bill is adverse to the diffusion of the light of Christianity. The first wish of those who enjoy this precious gift ought to be that it may be imparted to the whole race of mankind. Compare the number of those who have as yet received it with the number still remaining under the dominion of false Religions; and how small is the former! Does the policy of the Bill tend to lessen the disproportion? No; it at once discourages those who are strangers to the light of revelation from coming into the Region of it; and countenances by example the nations who continue in darkness, in shutting out those who might convey it to them. Instead of Levelling as far as possible, every obstacle to the victorious progress of Truth, the Bill with an ignoble and unchristian timidity would circumscribe it with a wall of defence against the encroachments of error.

Citizens, tend to enervate the laws in general, and to slacken the bands of Society. If it be difficult to execute any law which is not generally deemed necessary or salutary, what must be the case, where it is deemed invalid and dangerous? And what may be the effect of so striking an example

of impotency in the Government, on its general authority?

14. Because a measure of such singular magnitude and delicacy ought not to be imposed, without the

'''13.''' Because attempts to enforce by legal sanctions, acts obnoxious to so great a proportion of Citizens, tend to enervate the laws in general, and to slacken the bands of Society. If it be difficult to execute any law which is not generally deemed necessary or salutary, what must be the case, where it is deemed invalid and dangerous? And what may be the effect of so striking an example of impotency in the Government, on its general authority?

clearest evidence that it is called for by a majority of citizens, and no satisfactory method is yet

proposed by which the voice of the majority in this case may be determined, or its influence

secured. The people of the respective counties are indeed requested to signify their opinion

respecting the adoption of the Bill to the next Session of Assembly." But the representatives or of the Counties will be that of the people. Our hope is that neither of the former will, after due

consideration, espouse the dangerous principle of the Bill. Should the event disappoint us, it will

15. Because finally, "the equal right of every citizen to the free exercise of his Religion according to the dictates of conscience" is held by the same tenure with all our other rights. If we recur to its origin, it is equally the gift of nature; if we weigh its importance, it cannot be less dear to us; if we consult the "Declaration of those rights which pertain to the good people of Vriginia, as the basis and foundation of Government," it is enumerated with equal solemnity, or rather studied emphasis. Either the, we must say, that the Will of the Legislature is the only measure of their authority; and that in the plenitude of this authority, they may sweep away all our fundamental rights; or, that they are bound to leave this particular right untouched and sacred: Either we must say, that they may controul the freedom of the press, may abolish the Trial by Jury, may swallow up the Executive and Judiciary Powers of the State; nay that they may despoil us of our very right of

'''14.''' Because a measure of such singular magnitude and delicacy ought not to be imposed, without the clearest evidence that it is called for by a majority of citizens, and no satisfactory method is yet proposed by which the voice of the majority in this case may be determined, or its influence secured. "The people of the respective counties are indeed requested to signify their opinion respecting the adoption of the Bill to the next Session of Assembly." But the representation must be made equal, before the voice either of the Representatives or of the Counties will be that of the people. Our hope is that neither of the former will, after due consideration, espouse the dangerous principle of the Bill. Should the event disappoint us, it will still leave us in full confidence, that a fair appeal to the latter will reverse the sentence against our liberties.

suffrage, and erect themselves into an independent and hereditary Assembly or, we must say, that they have no authority to enact into the law the Bill under consideration.

We the Subscribers say, that the General Assembly of this Commonwealth have no such authority:

'''15.''' Because finally, "the equal right of every citizen to the free exercise of his Religion according to the dictates of conscience" is held by the same tenure with all our other rights. If we recur to its origin, it is equally the gift of nature; if we weigh its importance, it cannot be less dear to us; if we consult the "Declaration of those rights which pertain to the good people of Virginia, as the basis and foundation of Government," it is enumerated with equal solemnity, or rather studied emphasis. Either then, we must say, that the Will of the Legislature is the only measure of their authority; and that in the plenitude of this authority, they may sweep away all our fundamental rights; or, that they are bound to leave this particular right untouched and sacred: Either we must say, that they may controul the freedom of the press, may abolish the Trial by Jury, may swallow up the Executive and Judiciary Powers of the State; nay that they may despoil us of our very right of suffrage, and erect themselves into an independent and hereditary Assembly or, we must say, that they have no authority to enact into law the Bill under consideration. We the Subscribers say, that the General Assembly of this Commonwealth have no such authority: And that no effort may be omitted on our part against so dangerous an usurpation, we oppose to it, this remonstrance; earnestly praying, as we are in duty bound, that the Supreme Lawgiver of the Universe, by illuminating those to whom it is addressed, may on the one hand, turn their Councils from every act which would affront his holy prerogative, or violate the trust committed to them: and on the other, guide them into every measure which may be worthy of his blessing, may redound to their own praise, and may establish more firmly the liberties, the prosperity and the happiness of the Commonwealth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/amendI_religions43.html |title=Amendment I Religion, Document 43: James Madison, Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments |last1=Madison |first1=James |last2= |first2= |date=June 20, 1785 |website=[[University of Chicago]] |publisher=The Founders Constitution |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}<br>{{cite book |last=Ketcham |first=Ralph |date=2006 |title=Selected Writings of James Madison |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LEGsSzET62YC&pg=PA21&lpg=PA21 |location=Indianapolis, Indiana |publisher=Hackett Publishing Company |page=21 |isbn=0872206955 |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref>}}

And that no effort may be omitted on our part against so dangerous an usurpation, we oppose to

it, this remonstrance; earnestly praying, as we are in duty bound, that the Supreme Lawgiver of

the Universe, by illuminating those to whom it is addressed, may on the one hand, turn their

Councils from every act which would affront his holy prerogative, or violate the trust committed to

them: and on the other, guide them into every measure which may be worthy of his [blessing, may

re]dound to their own praise, and may establish more firmly the liberties, the prosperity and the

happiness of the Commonwealth.<ref>Atkinson, Kathleen (2007). "[http://www.has.vcu.edu/soc/rdr/Culture.groups/VirginiaReligiousLibertyHistory.pdf Early Virginians and Religious Freedom for Americans]." ''Virginia Commonwealth University''. The World Religions in Richmond Project.</ref>}}

== External Links ==

==Role in Legal Rulings==

* ''Library of Virginia'', [http://religiousfreedom.lib.virginia.edu/sacred/madison_m&r_1785.html Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments]

 

 

* ''[[Rosenberger v. University of Virginia]]'' (1995: Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments was the primary basis on which the decision was reached, with Justice [[Clarence Thomas]] determining that "The [Patrick Henry] assessment violated the 'equality' principle not because it allowed religious groups to participate in a generally available government program, but because the bill singled out religious entities for special benefits."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/94-329.ZC1.html |title=Ronald W. Rosenberger, et al., Petitioners v. Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia et al. |last1=Thomas |first1=Clarence |last2= |first2= |date=June 29, 1995 |website=[[Cornell University]] |publisher=[[Legal Information Institute]] |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref>

 

 

 

[[Conservative]] organizations such as the [[Heritage Foundation]] argue that Madison was not expressing antipathy towards religion but attempting to defend religious liberty while basing his arguments upon the claim that God exists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2001/03/james-madison-and-religious-liberty |title=James Madison and Religious Liberty |last1=Loconte |first1=Joseph |last2= |first2= |date=March 16, 2001 |website=[[Heritage Foundation]] |publisher= |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref> Robert G. Morrison of the [[Family Research Council]] argues that Memorial and Remonstrance opposed giving the state power to determine who was Christian, and "This was exactly the principle that the fearless Baptists had been fighting against."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF11C53.pdf |title=What the Founders Really Did on Religious Liberty: 'Deeds Not Words' |last1=Morrison |first1=Robert G. |last2= |first2= |date=2011 |website=[[Family Research Council]] |publisher= |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref>

 

[[Liberalism|Liberal]] organizations such as [[Americans United for Separation of Church and State]] argue that Memorial and Remonstrance was a list of reasons for why church and state should be kept separate, and a rebuke to the [[Christian right|religious right]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/misusing-madison-frc-promotes-upcoming-summit-with-fake-quote-from-the |title=Misusing Madison: FRC Promotes Upcoming ‘Summit’ With Fake Quote From The Father Of The Constitution |last1=Boston |first1=Rob |last2= |first2= |date=September 30, 2013 |website=[[Americans United for Separation of Church and State]] |publisher= |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}<br>{{cite book |last=Boston |first=Robert |date=2003 |title=Why the Religious Right Is Wrong About Separation of Church and State |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RUsL69cotfoC&pg=PA10&lpg=PA10 |location=Amherst, New York |publisher=[[Prometheus Books]] |page=10 |isbn=1591021146 |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref> Austin Cline of [[About.com|Atheism.About.com]] for example argues the bill "is an attack on all forms of establishment of religion, whether they are selective or general and 'nondiscriminatory.'"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://atheism.about.com/od/churchstate101/a/MadisonMemorialRemonstrance.htm |title=Memorial & Remonstrance - History of James Madison's Memorial & Remonstrance |last1=Cline |first1=Austin |last2= |first2= |date= |website=[[About.com]] |publisher=[[IAC/InterActiveCorp]] |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref> [[People for the American Way]] has used Memorial and Remonstrance to argue against an [[School voucher|education voucher system]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pfaw.org/sites/default/files/file_142.pdf |title=The Facts About Vouchers: How Do Vouchers Affect Religious Liberty? |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date= |website=[[People for the American Way]] |publisher=[[People for the American Way Foundation]] |accessdate=January 13, 2015}}</ref>

== References ==

== References ==

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{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Books]] [[Category:Religion]]

* ''Library of Virginia'', [http://religiousfreedom.lib.virginia.edu/sacred/madison_m&r_1785.html Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments]

 

[[Category:Separation of church and state]]