vi

TO THE COLONIAL CLUB
Of Grand Rapids, Michigan
WITH AN AFFECTION UNDIMINISHED
BY TIME AND DISTANCE

vii

PREFACE

Though the title of this work suggests a topic having a religious aspect, yet the book itself offers no history of the churches or of religion in America. That field is well occupied by such works as those of Baird, Dorchester, Bacon, and others, and by denominational histories. The aim of the present work is political rather than religious. It attempts a systematic narrative—so far as the author is aware, not hitherto published—of that historical development through which the civil law in America came at last, after much struggle, to the decree of entire liberty of conscience and of worship. It is thus purely historical, and confines itself rigidly to those incidents in colonial history which are closely related to this special theme. The purpose is to exhibit in proper historical sequence those influences and events which guided the American republics to their unique solution of the world-old problem of Church and State—a solution so unique, so far-reaching, and so markedly diverse from European principles as to constitute the most striking contribution of America to the science of government.

     With such aim and for the double purpose of correcting certain popular misconceptions and of placing plainly before the mind the complete goal of this historical progress, it has seemed desirable to define in the first chapter the elements of a pure religious liberty, as that principle has embedded itself in the American mind and law. Besides, in order that this principle and its development might be shown in true historical relations, it seemed further needful to describe in the second chapter, so briefly as possible, the

viii

genesis and growth of the “Old World Idea” in regard to Church and State, which obtained, in full force in every European government at the time of American colonization, with which the American liberty stands in so sharp a contrast, and from the bonds of which the story will show the colonies gradually setting themselves free.

     As to works cited, it is proper to specially note that the citations from Bancroft's “History of the United States” refer to the 23d (8 vol.) edition, Boston, 1864; also, that in the sketch of the “Old World Idea,” in view of its special place in this treatise, the author has felt at liberty to depend largely upon the very acute and comprehensive monograph, “Church and State,” by A. Innes of Edinburgh, whose page is cited in every instance of direct quotation.