Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

"Let every Man enjoy his own opinion."

I HAVE no objection; but let him not grumble at the consequences. Indeed, I think it can be a matter of small moment or concern what another's opinion may be, provided it does not infringe our sphere of discretion. Every man has a natural and inherent right to his opinion; nor can any one, acting uprightly, deprive him of it, by forcible means. Fact and reason may be offered him, but force ought not to be resorted to. Truth is progressive, and however obstinate he may be, time and experience will bring conviction. But should you persecute, that moment fixes him; nor death nor hell, can move him from his purpose.

This is a general character, not a universal; but let me not be misunderstood—I do not here mean that persecution ought never be resorted to. I believe there are cases in which it is the only remedy, and the only means of preserving our peace; but then the blow ought to be firm and decisive, and struck by the mighty hand of truth.

"Let every Man enjoy his own opinion," Was an expression dropt by a Democrat in the course of a conversation on the arrest of Adams, printer of the Chronicle at Boston. I was much surprised at this liberality of sentiment. I did not believe men of that character were possessed of such; and for the moment thought with him, that the arrest was unjust. But when I understood that this Boston editor, not only enjoyed his own opinion, and the free exercise of it with regard to himself, but used it as a vehicle of sedition; that he had long continued in the practice, aided by the most ample means—a newspaper, of spreading discontents, and exciting disturbances; and that he had now violated a law, sanctioned by the sacred voice of delegated authority; I thought it a case conformable to my rule of exception;—and the persecution proper.

I have frequently heard it said, "We ought to make allowances—we are all liable to error—and education, and the incidents of life, have great influence upon us." To this I would reply, that self-preservation is the first law of nature: and therefore, when we see men, who have all the advantages of free enquiry, opposing the obvious good of the public; and, as we may believe, from the basest motives, resistance becomes a duty, and not to exercise it would be a crime.

Thus is situated at present the United States; with many powerful external enemies, and many domestic traitors. These the virtuous struggles of our government are opposed to; and politically, she has begun at home. The consequence is, that a mighty clamour is raised among the several slaves; and he who suffers the punishment which justice inflicts, is held forth in their vehicles of sedition, as "having had the honour to suffer."

The present crisis is big with important events; and our country requires the most active exertions of every good federalist—those only can save her from impending ruin. Being as yet, a small people; spread over a vast extent of territory having ignorance, prejudice and wickedness, brought among us by emigrants from Europe; we become the more liable to commotions; and therefore ought to guard with vigilance our dear-bought happiness.

Freedom of opinion is held as a sacred right by the constitution and laws. But when this is abused, by misrepresentations, and partial representations of truth; by the propagation of malicious and scandalous falsehoods; candour, I think will allow, that if we admit every man to enjoy his opinion, we ought, at least, to restrain him from the licentious use of it.

A.