This letter was written by Jefferson 221 years ago today. On the eve of the 25 anniversary of the Declaration. It defends freedom of speech. It hangs proudly on my wall as we celebrate 246 years of independence.
For those who may find the letter difficult to read:
Th. Jefferson returns his thanks to Mr. Boardman for Mr. Griswold's sermon on religious freedom, enclosed in his letter from the 18th of June. He had before received it through another channel. I had read with great satisfaction the demonstrated truths it contained. To the 10th and 11th pages, however, he could not assent; and supposes that the respectable and able author, finding himself supported by the good sense of his countrymen as far as he has gone, will see that he may safely, in this part also, go the whole length of sound principle that he will consequently retract the admission that the utterance of an opinion is an overt act, and if evidently immoral may be punished by law of which evidence to conscience is made the umpire. He will reflect that in practice it is the conscience of the judge then becomes the standard of morality, & not the speaker, which will become the umpire. The conscience of the judge then becomes the standard of morality & the law is to punish what squares not with that standard. The line is to be drawn by that; it will vary with the varying consciences of the same or of different judges & will totally prostrate the rights of conscience of others.
But we have nothing to fear from the demoralizing reasonings of some, if others are left free to demonstrate their errors, and especially if the law stands ready to punish the first criminal act produced by false reasoning. These are safer correctives than the conscience of a judge. He prays Mr. Boardman to accept his salutations and respect
For those who may find the letter difficult to read:
Th. Jefferson returns his thanks to Mr. Boardman for Mr. Griswold's sermon on religious freedom, enclosed in his letter from the 18th of June. He had before received it through another channel. I had read with great satisfaction the demonstrated truths it contained. To the 10th and 11th pages, however, he could not assent; and supposes that the respectable and able author, finding himself supported by the good sense of his countrymen as far as he has gone, will see that he may safely, in this part also, go the whole length of sound principle that he will consequently retract the admission that the utterance of an opinion is an overt act, and if evidently immoral may be punished by law of which evidence to conscience is made the umpire. He will reflect that in practice it is the conscience of the judge then becomes the standard of morality, & not the speaker, which will become the umpire. The conscience of the judge then becomes the standard of morality & the law is to punish what squares not with that standard. The line is to be drawn by that; it will vary with the varying consciences of the same or of different judges & will totally prostrate the rights of conscience of others.
But we have nothing to fear from the demoralizing reasonings of some, if others are left free to demonstrate their errors, and especially if the law stands ready to punish the first criminal act produced by false reasoning. These are safer correctives than the conscience of a judge. He prays Mr. Boardman to accept his salutations and respect
Th. Jefferson.
Oh wow, an actual handwritten letter by the man himself? Not a copy? Uber cool. 😎 Keep up the great work, Alan.