The John Leland Story

by Don M. Fearheiley

123 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Bob Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let the faded pages and the date this book was written (1964) put you off. This little gem is like the script for a movie "based on a true story" about one of the most amazing Baptist preachers you never heard about-- John Leland, the man who influenced James Madison to put the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution.
Following the basic facts that we know about Leland, Fearheiley tells the story in dramatic form. As he says in the preface, in some cases he visualizes events that may or may not have happened in order to communicate the power of this fight for religious freedom at the time of the American Revolution.
I only wish Fearheily had added to this 123-page volume the story of how Leland later took a one-thousand pound chunk of cheese from the Baptists of Chelsea, Massachusetts to donate to Thomas Jefferson when Jefferson was elected president, preaching the gospel along the way to the crowds that came to check out the cheese.

[Jeffrey Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unaware of John Leland's influence to make the Bill of Rights part of US history. A rich history! I really enjoyed the read.

[Paul Vawter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little introduction to the historic Baptist movement for religious liberty and the role of John Leland.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little biography of the life of John Leland preacher and American pioneer.