©2007, Reprinted by Sprinkle Publications, 292 pages in hardback.

"United we stand and divided we fall” is a familiar phrase to students of America’s War for Independence from England. It refers to the importance of colonial unity to successfully repel the English army. Not as well known is the fact that these words provided an important impetus for the recognition of religious freedom throughout the colonies.

In a reprint of works first published in 1900, readers have a wealth of information regarding the role of Baptists and Presbyterians in the pursuit of a freedom for religion in Virginia. Both authors record that the Baptists were the most persistent in this goal being attained.

The Episcopal Church was recognized by Virginia leaders as the established church. Government funds went to its support and land was provided for its use. However the migration of Irish Presbyterians to Virginia led to a request for Presbyterian pastors to be licensed by the governor to preach. Francis Makemie obtained such a license in 1699 under the Act of Toleration. Presbyterians who settled in the Virginia frontier also were able to gain similar licenses greatly due to their settlements providing a buffer from Indian attacks on more populous interior settlements.

However, Baptist settlers desired the right to preach their doctrines without the need of permission from civil authorities. So long as permission had to be obtained, to them, religious freedom was nonexistent. As a result, a number of Baptist pastors were imprisoned for preaching the Gospel without a license on Virginia soil. Of course they also were not allowed to perform wedding ceremonies for their parishioners. Baptists began to unite and petition for their grievances to be addressed and corrected by the General Assembly.

Progress came in an unexpected manner. As the dark clouds of war loomed on the horizon, leaders realized the importance of all citizens being involved in the colonial defense. Baptist pastors were finally granted permission to preach to Baptist soldiers. This act began to open the door to full religious freedom; however complete religious freedom was some twenty-five years into the future.

The author provides the reader with excellent first-hand resources to track the battle for full religious freedom. One is able to see Baptist persistence with and without the aid of Presbyterians. (The authors point out that Presbyterians were satisfied with religious toleration.)

The second part of the book provides a historical account of the battle waged for the inclusion of the First Amendment to the Constitution. The actual battle centered on whether or not to ratify the Constitution prior to or with this amendment. James Madison and Patrick Henry were leaders on different sides in this battle. To delineate the struggle, the author has included many letters and other insights pertinent to an understanding of the hard-won victory.

The Appendix contains additional source material including a copy of “Jefferson’s Act for Establishing Religious Freedom in Virginia.” A useful index is also included.

The volume is important reading for today. I often forget the cost of the struggle for religious freedom for Christians in the colonial era. We too often take for granted our religious freedom. We need to remember that once it is lost, it is not easily regained.

Secondly, this importance of this battle goes beyond Virginia. Victory in Virginia provided the basis for victory in all the colonies. This book is one that can be enjoyed by those who are not Virginians by birth or residence.

Here is history that is hard to obtain elsewhere, particularly with the inclusion of many original documents and the text of much correspondence. This is an excellent volume for homeschoolers and the libraries Christian schools and churches. All Christians who value religious freedom in the sense of churches or preachers not being required to be licensed by the state will appreciate this work.

Review ©2007 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia