“I entirely concur in the propriety of restoring to the sense in which the Constitution was accepted and ratified by the nation. In that sense alone it is a legitimate constitution. And, if that be not the guide in expounding it, there can be no security for consistent and stable government.”
―
―
“It may not be easy, in every possible case, to trace the line of separation between the rights of religion and the Civil authority with such distinctness as to avoid collisions and doubts on unessential points. The tendency to usurpation on one side or the other, or to a corrupting coalition or alliance between them, will be best guarded agst. by an entire abstinence of the Govt. from interference in any way whatsoever, beyond the necessity of preserving public order, and protecting each sect agst. trespasses on its legal rights by others.
[Letter to the Reverend Jasper Adams, January 1, 1832]”
― Letters and Other Writings of James Madison Volume 3
[Letter to the Reverend Jasper Adams, January 1, 1832]”
― Letters and Other Writings of James Madison Volume 3
“There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”
―
―
Jeffrey’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Jeffrey’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
Polls voted on by Jeffrey
Lists liked by Jeffrey







