"What influence, in fact, have ecclesiastical establishments had on society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the civil authority; on many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny; in no instance have they been the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wish to subvert the public liberty may have found an established clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate it, needs them not.""We have staked the whole future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."
Very much so; they were resolute about it. The Reformation had brought the Enlightenment (the best thinking of which American principles of liberty were based), it had triggered the Gunpowder Plot (Guy Fawkes), and had swept the Pilgrims to America. There was deep fear of the influences both of the Anglican and the Roman Catholic churches, or of any future religious entity on the fate of the American government. Christians themselves can be among the most vociferous critics of proponents of theocracy. Many believe it will actually be a corruption of Christian beliefs imposed by the American government itself that coincides with the last days.