7249. RELIGION, Personal.—[further continued] .
I have ever thought religion
a concern purely between our God and
our consciences, for which we were accountable
to Him, and not to the priests. I never
told my own religion, nor scrutinized that of
another. I never attempted to make a convert
nor wished to change another's creed.
I have ever judged of the religion of others
by their lives * * * for it is in our lives,
and not from our words, that our religion
must be read.—
To Mrs. M. Harrison Smith. Washington ed. vii, 28.
(M.
1816)