“ The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them. ”
Thomas Jefferson, A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774). copy citation
| Author | Thomas Jefferson |
|---|---|
| Source | A Summary View of the Rights of British America |
| Topic | life God freedom force |
| Date | 1774 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/jeffsumm.asp |
Context
“But let them not think to exclude us from going to other markets to dispose of those commodities which they cannot use, or to supply those wants which they cannot supply. Still less let it be proposed that our properties within our own territories shall be taxed or regulated by any power on earth but our own. The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them. This, sire, is our last, our determined resolution; and that you will be pleased to interpose with that efficacy which your earnest endeavours may ensure to procure redress of these our great grievances, to quiet the minds of your subjects in British America, against any apprehensions of future encroachment, to establish fraternal love and harmony through the whole empire, and that these may continue to the latest ages of time, is the fervent prayer of all British America!”
source
Meaning and analysis
