Render unto Caesar: Sources of the political thought of John Leland

The purpose of the dissertation was to analyze the political writings of John Leland to discover the impact of American democratic ideology as espoused by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Both primary and secondary data were gathered for the study. Primary data included writings by John Leland, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, as well as books by their contemporaries pertinent to the study. Secondary data included books and articles about Leland, Jefferson and Madison. Both biographical sources and sources dealing with their political thought were included. The historical method was utilized in treating and interpreting the data.;The first chapter contained an analysis of selected political writings of Thomas Jefferson. A brief biographical sketch was included in order to set the appropriate historical context. Main ideas from selected major works of Jefferson were presented, followed by an analysis of overall themes found in the works. The themes presented were Jefferson's emphasis on natural rights and toleration.;The second chapter contained an analysis of selected political writings of James Madison. A brief biographical sketch was included in order to set the appropriate historical context. Main ideas from selected works of Madison were presented, followed by an analysis of overall themes found in the works. The themes presented were Madison's emphasis on individual rights and nationalism.;The third chapter contained an analysis of the political writings of John Leland. A biographical sketch was provided in order to set the appropriate historical context. An analysis of the political writings of Leland followed, divided into four main categories: works addressing religious liberty; works addressing anti-slavery; works addressing sabbath legislation; and works addressing the role of government. A final section was included which analyzed main themes found in the political writings of Leland.;The conclusion of the dissertation included an overall analysis of the impact of the ideas espoused by Jefferson and Madison on the writings of Leland. The thought of Jefferson and Madison had the most impact on Leland in the areas of religious liberty and the role of government. The three had fundamental differences regarding slavery, although all three advocated emancipation. In the area of sabbath legislation, Jefferson and Madison were relatively silent, while Leland based his thought on his consistent view of religious liberty and separation of church and state.