Thomas Jefferson’s fight AGAINST Slavery!* - 4

 19. In 1808, TJ sent a message to Reverend James Lemen, who he had previously encouraged to move to the Northwest Territory for the purpose of continuing the work of making and keeping that territory antislavery. Ohio and Indiana had already declared statehood, and were anti-slave states. In 1808, Illinois was on the verge of becoming the third anti-slave state, when TJ contacted Reverend Lemen again, who reported: “I received Jefferson’s confidential message on October 10, 1808, suggesting… the organization of a church on a strictly antislavery basis for the purpose of heading a movement to finally make Illinois a free state…I acted on Jefferson’s plan…the antislavery element formed a Baptist church…on an antislavery basis” (pg140, Barton).
   Allow me to highlight three important facts. First, Reverend Lemen started a church to further the anti-slavery cause. This means that both Reverend Lemen and TJ agreed that the Bible not only addresses slavery, but the proclamation of the Word of God would lead to slavery’s eradication! Second, as president of the United States (1801-1809), he encouraged Reverend Lemen to start an anti-slavery church! But how could he have done this if he believed in the separation of church and state? Because the separation of church and state has never meant what contemporary liberals now contend--which is, the separation of God from the state!! Third, Reverend Lemen followed “Jefferson’s plan”. A ‘plan’ implies TJ reasoned, thought through, and made provision to abolish slavery!  
20.In 1814, TJ corresponded with Edward Coles, who was the private secretary to James Monroe, who was the president at that time. Mr Coles desired TJ to lead a new anti-slavery movement. Tj responded: “Your antislavery letter was duly received and was read with peculiar interest…Mine on the subject of slavery of Negroes have long since been in possession of the public, and time has only served to give them stronger root. The love of justice and the love of country plead equally the cause of these people and it is a moral reproach to us that they should have produced not a single effort—nay, I fear not much serious willingness to relieve them and ourselves from our present condition of moral and political reprobation…but the hour of emancipation is advancing; in the march of time, it will come.”
TJ declined the take on the lead in this case because he was 71; he later responded, “This enterprise is for the young—for those who can follow it up and bear it through to its consummation.” He then encouraged Cole to take the lead: “I hope…you will come forward in the public councils, become a missionary on this doctrine truly Christian, insinuate and inculcate it softly but steadily through the medium of writing and conversation, associate others in your labors, and when the phalanx (large battalion) is formed, bring on and press the proposition perseveringly until its accomplishment…And you will be supported by the religious precept, “be not weary in well-doing” (Gal6:9). That your success be as speedy and complete…I shall fervently and sincerely pray” (pg 141,142, Barton).
  Please note, TJ likened slavery to missionary work, once again confirming not only his Christian roots, but understood that authentic Christianity would be the key to slavery’s demise in America! He confirmed this truth by quoting Galatians 6:9, and encouraging Cole that he would fervently pray for him; which rejects the accusations that TJ was a Deist! Deists reject not only prayer, but also a god who answers prayer.
21.In 1815, TJ corresponded with Reverend David Barrow, who was a Virginia pastor, who wrote an antislavery work, and subsequently moved to Kentucky to become the leader of the Kentucky Abolition Society. TJ wrote him declaring,  “The particular subject of the pamphlet you enclosed me (emancipation) was one of early and tender consideration with me; and had I continued in the councils (legislature) of my own state, it should never have been out of sight…We are not in a world ungoverned by the laws and the power of a Superior Agent. Our efforts are in His hand and directed by it; and He will give them their effect in His own time…That it may finally be effected and its progress hastened will be my last and fondest prayer” (pg 142, Barton).
   The most important thing to remember as you read these tidbits is that these are TJ’s direct quotes.** Historian David Barton is not extracting these quotes from other historians, but from the actual works of Jefferson, or those who corresponded with him. This is critical for two reasons:
1.you get the literal first hand words of Jefferson
2.you get the actual heart of Jefferson, and not some liberal’s historical revisionism.
 
 
*Facts in this tidbit taken from historian David Barton’s incredible book “The Jefferson Lies”. It is a must read.
**If you want Barton’s actual sources, please purchase the book and read it, or go to the library and check the book out.
 
QuoteBit
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