John Leland (1754 – 1841) ~ Quote of the Day

John Leland (May 14, 1754 – January 14, 1841), American Baptist minister who preached in Massachusetts and Virginia, as well an outspoken abolitionist. He was an important figure in the struggle for religious liberty in the United States. Leland also later opposed the rise of missionary societies among Baptists.

"The liberty I contend for is more than toleration.
The very idea of toleration is despicable; it supposes
that some have a pre-eminence above the rest to grant
indulgence; whereas all should be equally free, Jews,
Turks [Muslims], Pagans and Christians. Test oaths and
established creeds should be avoided as the worst of evils.
~ John Leland, 1820

Comments: 14

Larry M. Aug 10, 2012, 7:48am UTC

Now there's a preacher I could listen to happily.

Gerald_Waving my Freak-flag High Brewster Aug 10, 2012, 11:31am UTC

He sounds to me as if he truly was a Christian, and didn't just claim to be one.

Larry M. Aug 10, 2012, 2:59pm UTC

Gerald,

The quote strongly suggests that.

Robert - just a simple man - B. Aug 12, 2012, 1:56am UTC

and I acquiesce to you both.

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Cynthia C. Aug 10, 2012, 9:52am UTC

Thank you for sharing and posting to Sadies Points :) Have a great day!

Gerald_Waving my Freak-flag High Brewster Aug 10, 2012, 11:29am UTC

Thank you, Cynthia--you as well!

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James Lawrence Aug 10, 2012, 11:36am UTC

I like this one....which tends to be rare with me. lol

Gerald_Waving my Freak-flag High Brewster Aug 11, 2012, 1:38am UTC

Where did guys like this go?

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Pete S. Aug 10, 2012, 3:09pm UTC

Somewhere along the line his flock got lost; he probably moved too fast and too far ahead for them to keep up.

Gerald_Waving my Freak-flag High Brewster Aug 10, 2012, 3:23pm UTC

:-)

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Nancy S. Aug 10, 2012, 11:56pm UTC

A very wise man and an honest one.

Gerald_Waving my Freak-flag High Brewster Aug 11, 2012, 1:37am UTC

Refreshing, isn't it?

Robert - just a simple man - B. Aug 12, 2012, 1:54am UTC

Long time no-see Nancy. Hope you are well. I am not but that's the nature of life's rollercoaster.

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Robert - just a simple man - B. Aug 12, 2012, 1:53am UTC

Standing on the belief that there is design to the universe, I still concur with Leland, for I cannot bring myelf to reciting the Apostle's Creed - something my own church holds in practice.

The quote aside, that is one masterful portrait. That is the talent I wish I had.

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John Leland (1754 – 1841) ~ Quote of the Day

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