To the Society of the Methodist Episcopal church at Pittsburg [sic] in Pennsylvania. I am much indebted, fellow citizens, for your friendly address of Nov. 20. and gratitude by its expressions of personal regard to myself. having [sic] ever been an advocate for the freedom of religious opinion & exercise, from no person, certainly, was an abridgement of these scared rights to be appriehended [sic] less than from myself. injustice too to our excellent constitution, it ought to be observed, that it has not placed over religious rights, under the power of any public functionary. the power therefore was wanting, not less than the will, to injure there rights. The times in which we live, fellow citizens, are indeed times of trouble; such as no age has yet seen, or perhaps will ever see again. to avoid their calamitous influence, has been our duty & endeavor. and to effect it, great sacrifices by our citizens have been necessary. they have seen that these necessities were forced by the wrongs of others, and they have met them with the zeal, which the crisis called for. what course we are finally to take, cannot yet be foreseen, but reading, reflecting & examining for yourselves, you will find your public functionaries, according to the best of their judgments, discreeting your affairs, without passion or partiality, with a simple view to your rights & best interests. and it is the approbation of those who so read, reflect & examine for themselves, which is truly controling [sic] to the persons charged with the guidance of your affairs. for that portion of your approbation which you are pleased to bestow on my conduct, I am truly thankful, and I offer my sincere prayers for your welfare, & a happy issue to our country from the difficulties impending over it. Washington Dec. 9. 1808. Th[omas] Jefferson