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
Thank you, Sir, for the translation of the original. Jefferson’s handwriting was almost as poor as my own, which was strange as most of his era and learning were scrupulously schooled in handwriting. He even scribbled in a contracted manner at the end of the page. We know the man had faults, but this was especially endearing on the same page his finely tuned wisdom spoke volumes concerning a basic freedom trying to gain a foothold at the time. Ahhh, that we had such a man in prominence today.
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.
Thank you, Sir, for the translation of the original. Jefferson’s handwriting was almost as poor as my own, which was strange as most of his era and learning were scrupulously schooled in handwriting. He even scribbled in a contracted manner at the end of the page. We know the man had faults, but this was especially endearing on the same page his finely tuned wisdom spoke volumes concerning a basic freedom trying to gain a foothold at the time. Ahhh, that we had such a man in prominence today.
Oh wow, an actual handwritten letter by the man himself? Not a copy? Uber cool. 😎 Keep up the great work, Alan.
I found it in a bookstore. Wrote a book about it. Finding Jefferson. It was Amazon number 1.
What a Magnificent Blessing to be the steward of this Amazing piece of History!
Absolutely loved the podcast on the 4th of July
Just purchased the book. Can't wait to read it. 😎
I'd love to be able to read this but it is very difficult. Is there a version in print available?
Can you post the text please? I cannot read the parchment.