The Rights of the Colonists

“Among the natural rights of the colonists are these: First, a right to life; secondly to liberty; thirdly to property; together with the right to support and defend them in the best manner they can. These are evident branches of, rather than deductions from, the duty of self-preservation, commonly called the first law of nature.”

This statement is one of Adams’s most basic appeals. He suggests that the British colonists in the American colonies have natural rights to live, be free, and acquire property. They also have the right to defend those rights. These rights are not granted by governments but are rather inherent in each person. Natural rights were a major topic of discussion during the Enlightenment (see Key Terms).

“All positive and civil laws, should conform as far as possible, to the law of natural reason and equity.”

This statement asserts that civil law—or laws made by people—should reflect natural law (natural rights). The qualifier “as far as possible” alludes to social contract theory, another key Enlightenment concept. When people enter political society, they forfeit some of their liberties in exchange for the protection that society affords. Adams says that a society’s laws should infringe on personal liberties as little as possible and, in doing so, should not violate the laws of nature.

“In regard to religion, mutual toleration in the different professions thereof, is what all good and candid minds in all ages have ever practiced; and both by precept and example inculcated on mankind. And it is now generally agreed among Christians that this spirit of toleration in the fullest extent consistent with the being of civil society “is the chief characteristic mark of the true church” and, insomuch that Mr. Locke has asserted and proved beyond the possibility of contradiction on any solid ground, that such toleration ought to be extended to all whose doctrines are not subversive of society. The only sects which he thinks ought to be, and which by all wise laws are excluded from such toleration, are those who teach doctrines subversive of the civil government under which they live. The Roman Catholics or Papists are excluded by reason of such doctrines as these, that princes excommunicated may be deposed, and those they call heretics may be destroyed without mercy; besides their recognizing the pope in so absolute a manner, in subversion of government, by introducing as far as possible into the states, under whose protection they enjoy life, liberty, and property, that solecism in politics, imperium in imperio, leading directly to the worst anarchy and confusion, civil discord, war, and bloodshed.”

Adams addresses freedom of worship. He asserts that the best societies throughout history have tolerated the practice of multiple religions. He particularly notes that Christians share this commitment to freedom of worship. Adams offers caveats in the second half of the statement, however. He invokes Locke to defend the position that religious freedom should not be extended to Catholics because their practices are “subversive of the civil government under which they live.