1829-1837
Though he attended church throughout his life and subscribed to general Christian principles, Jackson experienced his spiritual conversion at home in Nashville, Tenn., after leaving the White House. After a long and distinguished military career, he found forgiveness the hardest part of his becoming a communicant in the Presbyterian Church. When the minister asked him if could forgive all of his enemies, Jackson reportedly responded, "My political enemies, I can freely forgive; but as for those who abused me when I was serving my country in the field, and those who attacked me for serving my country -- Doctor, that is a different case."
As president, Jackson chose not to issue proclamations for a national day of prayer and fasting while in office. In a letter dated June 12, 1832, he wrote: "I could not do otherwise without transcending the limits prescribed by the Constitution for the President, without feeling that I might in some degree disturb the security which religion now enjoys in this country, in its complete separation from the political concerns of the General Government. It is the province of the pulpits and the state tribunals to recommend the mode by which the people may best attest their reliance on the protecting arm of the Almighty in times of great distress."
Though he attended church throughout his life and subscribed to general Christian principles, Jackson experienced his spiritual conversion at home in Nashville, Tenn., after leaving the White House. After a long and distinguished military career, he found forgiveness the hardest part of his becoming a communicant in the Presbyterian Church. When the minister asked him if could forgive all of his enemies, Jackson reportedly responded, "My political enemies, I can freely forgive; but as for those who abused me when I was serving my country in the field, and those who attacked me for serving my country -- Doctor, that is a different case."
As president, Jackson chose not to issue proclamations for a national day of prayer and fasting while in office. In a letter dated June 12, 1832, he wrote: "I could not do otherwise without transcending the limits prescribed by the Constitution for the President, without feeling that I might in some degree disturb the security which religion now enjoys in this country, in its complete separation from the political concerns of the General Government. It is the province of the pulpits and the state tribunals to recommend the mode by which the people may best attest their reliance on the protecting arm of the Almighty in times of great distress."
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