The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for giving to Mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support. May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The U.S. offers a liberal policy where all have liberty of conscience and must support the government as good citizens.
- In plain terms
- America lets everyone practice religion freely if they are good citizens.
- What can you take from it?
- Liberty of conscience requires good citizenship.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a good citizen?
- How do we protect freedom?
Another view
The phrase 'good citizens' can be used to exclude minorities.
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