"religious liberty—became the cornerstones of the American Republic. GC 295.1"
"They say unto him, Cesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s."
Matthew 22:21 establishes the principle of separation between secular and religious authority, which is foundational to religious liberty. EGW's statement directly connects this principle to the American Republic.
"In that grand old document which our forefathers set forth as their bill of rights—the Declaration of Independence—they declared: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And the Constitution guarantees, in the most explicit terms, the inviolability of conscience: “No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” GC 295.2"
"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
The concept of religious liberty aligns with the broader theme of Christian liberty and freedom from legalistic constraints, although this verse focuses on not using liberty as an occasion for the flesh.
"“The framers of the Constitution recognized the eternal principle that man's relation with his God is above human legislation, and his rights of conscience inalienable. Reasoning was not necessary to establish this truth; we are conscious of it in our own bosoms. It is this consciousness which, in defiance of human laws, has sustained so many martyrs in tortures and flames. They felt that their duty to God was superior to human enactments, and that man could exercise no authority over their consciences. It is an inborn principle which nothing can eradicate.”—Congressional documents (U.S.A.), serial No. 200, document No. 271. GC 295.3"
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
The EGW passage directly quotes a historical document that echoes the principle of obeying God rather than men, which is the core message of Acts 5:29. The connection is clear and strong.