John Leland (May 14, 1754-January 14, 1841) was a popular Baptist preacher who preached over 3,000 sermons in Massachusetts, Virginia and various other locations during the era of America's independence and early formation. He almost ran for the first U.S. Congress, promised to endorse James Madison if Madison would promise to push a First Amendment to protect religious liberty, as Baptists had been particularly persecuted in the generation prior to the Revolution. This meeting was commemorated by Leland-Madison Park in Orange County, Virginia.
The citizens of Cheshire, Massachusetts made a giant cheese and had John Leland deliver it to President Thomas Jefferson in Washington, D.C., on January 1, 1802. John Leland was invited to preach to the Congress and the President. John Leland wrote:
<In November, 1801, I journeyed to the south, as far as Washington, in charge of a cheese, sent to President Jefferson. Notwithstanding my trust, I preached all the way there and on my return. I had large congregations; let in part by curiosity to hear the Mammoth Priest, as I was called.> 1754JL001
In his "Rights of Conscience Inalienable, 1791, John Leland wrote:
<Every man must give account of himself to God, and therefore every man ought to be at liberty to serve God in a way that he can best reconcile to his conscience. If government can answer for individuals at the day of judgment, let men be controlled by it in religious matters; otherwise, let men be free.> 1754JL002
Leland then went to help Baptists in Connecticut where there was an "establishment" of the Congregational denomination from 1639 until 1818.
John Leland undoubtedly inspired the Baptists of Danbury, Connecticut, who petitioned President Jefferson, October 7, 1801:
<Sir...Religion is at all times and places a Matter between God and Individuals - That no man ought to suffer in Name, person or effects on account of his religious Opinions...But Sir...what religious privileges we enjoy...we enjoy as favors granted, and not as inalienable rights...Sir, we are sensible that the President of the united States is not the national Legislator and...cannot destroy the Laws of each State; but our hopes are strong that the sentiments of our beloved President...like the radiant beams of the Sun, will shine & prevail through all these States...May the Lord preserve you safe from every evil and bring you at last to his Heavenly Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Glorious Mediator.> 1754JL003
In reply, January 1, 1802, Jefferson wrote his famous letter agreeing with Danbury's Baptists:
<Gentlemen...Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with solemn reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church and State...
Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore man to all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.
I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and Creator of man.> 1754JL004
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1754JL001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). John Leland. Statement of delivering a gift of cheese from the citizens of Cheshire, Massachusetts to President Thomas Jefferson, Washington, D.C., January 1, 1802.
1754JL002. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). John Leland, Rights of Conscience Inalienable, 1791.
1754JL003. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). John Leland. Letter of Danbury Baptists to Thomas Jefferson, October 7, 1801.
1754JL004. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). John Leland. Thomas Jefferson reply, January 1, 1802, to the Danbury's Baptists.