Channels, Fall 2019

Channels • 2019 • Volume 4 • Number 1 Page 43 Paris, claiming, “Agriculture…is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, & happiness…the moderate & sure income of husbandry begets permanent improvement, quiet life, and orderly conduct both public and private. We have no occasion for more commerce than to take off our superfluous produce.” 43 Both Haynes and Jefferson shared concern and cared equally about the social fabric farming created for families, communities, and local governments. While Haynes and Jefferson both proudly claimed the title, citizen of the United States of America, they differed on the fundamental work that would sustain civilization. Haynes from birth to death labored as a citizen in the kingdom of God, while Jefferson explored creation as a citizen of the world. Haynes shared to Rutland in 1798 how he believed Scripture to be an indispensable commentary on the laws of the land. “A contempt of the Holy Scriptures, domination, anarchy, and immorality are inseparable companions.” 44 Jefferson regarded himself a Christian but dismissed every miracle of Jesus while emphasizing his efficacy as a moral teacher. Jefferson invested his time explaining that the security, happiness, and virtue of the United States lay in the ability of every citizen to grow their own food, making farmers the chosen people of God. 45 No doubt Haynes heard of Jefferson’s rejection of faith during the years from 1798- 1801, when Jefferson was smeared by the opposition on moral and religious grounds. Jefferson especially viewed organized religion, a staple of Massachusetts and Connecticut, as detrimental to the security and happiness of all citizens in the new republic. In 1817, the year before Haynes was let go from his Rutland church, Jefferson chided New England clergy in a letter to John Adams following the breakdown of organized religion in Connecticut. “I join you therefore in sincere congratulations that this den of the priesthood is at length broken up,” he wrote “and that a protestant popedom is no longer to disgrace the American history and character.” 46 Lemuel and Thomas thus proved to be fitting biblical names. 47 HAYNES ON SLAVERY and CONCLUSIONS TO RUTLAND MINISTRY Certainly Haynes could have published other works similar to “Liberty Further Extended”, yet none survive in print. Haynes does include antislavery rhetoric in his quasi-political speeches. At the turn of the century, abolitionism and slaveholding were periphery issues in the minds of many clergy and citizens. The fate of the Republic, relations with France and Britain, and the affairs of church order and discipline mattered more. Haynes is a unique antislavery figure who voiced 43 Jefferson, Thomas, and John P. Kaminski. The quotable Jefferson . Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press, 2006. Pp 6-7. 44 Haynes and Newman, Black Preacher to White America, 71. 45 https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/jeffersons-religious-beliefs For a list of quotes by Jefferson on key republican issues, visit Monticello.org. This list outlines Jefferson’s complicated religious views on Christ and Christianity. By contrast, Haynes headstone reads. “Here lies the dust of a poor hell-deserving sinner, who ventured into eternity trusting wholly on the merits of Christ for salvation. In the full belief of the great doctrines he preached while on earth, he invites his children, and all who reads this, to trust their eternal interest on the same foundation” https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39855279 His wife Elizabeth Babbitt is buried beside him in Granville, New York. 46 https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/jeffersons-religious-beliefs 47 “Doubting Thomas” John 20:24-29 NIV “Lemuel” mentioned only in Proverbs 31:1-10 NIV