An Appeal to the Public for Religious Liberty, against the Oppressions of the Present Day

by Isaac Backus

Publisher:

John Boyle

, 1773

Overview

In this treatise, Isaac Backus, an important voice in the “pulpit of the American Revolution,” discusses the problems of church-state relations, rallying the cry for religious liberty. Noting the unique roles of ecclesiastical and civil government, Backus argues for their separation and the protection of freedom of conscience. Backus argues that the “true liberty of man is, to know, obey, and enjoy his Creator, and to do all the good unto, and enjoy all the happiness with and in his fellow creatures that he is capable of.” This work was originally preached as a sermon in 1773.

Contents

Top Highlights

“In all civil governments some are appointed to judge for others, and have power to compel others to submit to their judgment: but our Lord has most plainly forbidden us, either to assume or submit to any such thing in religion.” (Page 13)

“We view it to be our incumbent duty, to render unto Cæsar the things that are his, but that it is of as much importance not to render unto him any thing that belongs only to God, who is to be obeyed rather than man.” (Pages 16–17)

Product Details

• Title: An Appeal to the Public for Religious Liberty, against the Oppressions of the Present Day
• Author: Isaac Backus
• Publisher: John Boyle
• Print Publication Date: 1773
• Logos Release Date: 2016
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Freedom of religion › Early works to 1800
• Resource ID: LLS:NPPLPBRLGSLBRTY
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T04:48:09Z

About Isaac Backus

Isaac Backus (1724-1806), born in Norwich, Conn., was a Baptist leader in colonial America and a defender of religious freedom. He became a Christian in 1741 during the Great Awakening. He became a Baptist in 1751, founded a Baptist congregation at Middleboro, Mass. in 1756 and served as its pastor until his death. Backus was a noted proponent of “separation of church and state” and on this issue voted to ratify the U.S. Constitution at the Massachusetts ratifying convention in 1788. He died in Middleboro on Nov. 20, 1806.

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