In his later years, Thomas Jefferson decided to compile what he understood to be Jesus Christ’s own words from the New Testament. Here is what he actually said about this venture:

“I too have made a wee little book . . . which I call “The Philosophy of Jesus.” It is made by cutting the texts out of the book and arranging them on the pages of a blank book, in a certain order of time and subject. A more beautiful or precious morsel of ethics I have never seen. It is a document in proof that I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus, very different from the Platonists, who call me an infidel and themselves Christians and preachers of the gospel, while they draw all their characteristic dogmas from what its Author never said or saw. They have compounded from the heathen mysteries a system beyond the comprehension of man, of which . . .were He to return on earth would not recognize one feature.”

One of the quotes he included was : “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11).”His “wee little book” has since been published as The Jefferson Bible.

In addition to this project, Jefferson compiled another book which he referred to as “The Life and Morals of Jesus”. This undertaking was probably compiled in the year of 1820. This work is a collection of verses from the New Testament in Greek, Latin, French and English. Jefferson spoke all those languages fluently. He assembled these verses side by side in another book, and said it gave him new insights into the meaning of Christ’s actual words.

In a letter to a friend he said that he was in the habit of reading from this particular book every night before going to bed. On Jefferson’s death mutilated copies of the Bible were found, which probably gave rise to the saying that he was an atheist, or at best a Diest.

Jefferson’s own writings counteract this supposition. If you have read his Declaration of Independence, his wee little book, and the “Life and Morals of Jesus”, you can’t help but come to the conclusion that Tom was a true believer in Christ.

On one occasion, a distinguished gentleman commented to Jefferson about his own disbelief in the truths of the Bible. Jefferson’s comment was simple but profound. He said: “Then sir, you have studied it to little purpose.”

Jefferson was a man of great character, knowledge, and understanding. He believed in freedom of religion, education, and free enterprise. He had been the Architect of the Capitol Building in Richmond, his mansion known as Monticello, and the University of Virginia. He was minister to France at the end of the Revolutionary War, Governor of Virginian, Vice President, and then President of the United States of America.

He was the primary supporter and organizer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and he initiated the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States of America. He re-formed the Library of Congress with his own library sold to Congress. He was a farmer and an inventor. And much, much more.

He was also humble. On his tombstone he directed that these words only should be used: “Author of the American Declaration of Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia.”