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Story
June 14, 1861
Pomeroy Weekly Telegraph
Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio
What is this article about?
Historical quote from 1671 Virginia Governor Sir William Berkley to King Charles II decrying free schools and printing presses as sources of heresy; commentary highlights its irony and persistence among 'benighted' people today.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Virginia--Past and Present.
"I thank God there are no free schools nor printing presses here, and I think there will not be these hundred years; for learning breeds up heresies, sects and all abominations. God save us from both."
The above is an extract from a letter written in 1671 to King Charles II by Sir William Berkley when Governor of Virginia. The beneficent and civilizing tendency of the sentiment is worthy of note at the present moment. It probably finds an echo now in a great portion of that benighted people.
"I thank God there are no free schools nor printing presses here, and I think there will not be these hundred years; for learning breeds up heresies, sects and all abominations. God save us from both."
The above is an extract from a letter written in 1671 to King Charles II by Sir William Berkley when Governor of Virginia. The beneficent and civilizing tendency of the sentiment is worthy of note at the present moment. It probably finds an echo now in a great portion of that benighted people.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Social Manners
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Historical Quote
Anti Education Sentiment
Virginia Governor
Learning Opposition
What entities or persons were involved?
Sir William Berkley
King Charles Ii
Where did it happen?
Virginia
Story Details
Key Persons
Sir William Berkley
King Charles Ii
Location
Virginia
Event Date
1671
Story Details
Extract from a 1671 letter by Virginia Governor Sir William Berkley to King Charles II expressing opposition to free schools and printing presses, fearing they breed heresies; modern commentary notes its ironic 'beneficent' tendency and echoes among benighted people.