The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1850-02-26
For the Register
Jeferson's Opinions and Character,

er basis of sound rcpubicanism. And so
far MS his influence went to induce the M
lional mini to dismiss lis doubts of the prac-
ticabiIity Of popular suffrage, in the largest
sense, as the basis Of government, and to
commit itself TO this, as the chart and com
pass of the national fortune, he stands con-
spicuous, as great man and distinguished
citizen. His position in the history OF events
cannot be obscured, whether that position be
the result of character, or accidental, as con.
nected with Il crisis in the worlds history. 1t
is fact, that, in this light, MIR. Jelierson's 5
name is associated with a successful conf
dence in democratic institutions.
But while posterty will discriminate all
the merit in this respect that belonged 10 Mr..
Jefferson, and sustain and perpetuate The
rights ofmcn his life and history are yet TO
be written with discrimination, care and
criticism, that will rebuke the spirit of man
worship which has hitherto forbidden inves-
tigaiions of his general opinions, his qualities
as practical statesman, and his private
life.
4 recent article in the New York Tribune,
called out by the yirulent abuse of numerous
journals for previous paragraph of the
Tribune, characterizing Mr.. Jefferson as a
hatcr of Washington, an infdel in reli-
gion, and grossly immoral in his private life
is but the precursor Of the more thorough ex-
hibit. which the future historian is destined
to make OH these questions affecting Jeilcr-
sons character.
For all that merits the respect and graft
tude of posterity. in the life of jefferson,
have no doubt, he will be duly honored by
the investigation; while vice and cant will
cease to find a refuge from public scorn un'
der the watchword Of his name.
The idolatry which partizan interests and
zeal have bestowed on jefferson, will not
longer compel the common sense Of the
world to stutify itself by protesting to be-
lieve what it knows 10 be false. The docu-
ments which the Tribune has copied from
Mr. Jehcrson's own writings TO show his in
fidcl views, on the snbject Of religion, have
recalled to mind an incident which will re-
late.
About eleven years ago,a youth, who, for
the time, had devoted himself 10 he duties
of preacher Of tae gospel, occupied for a
sabbath the desk of one Of the churches OF
the village of Montpelier, Vt. His discourse
was on the subject Of the Judgment-day,
and its necessity in settling reasonable equi-
ties in the economy of Providence. As wick
edness in this world often seems 10 prosper,
and the poor suffer injustice and wrong and
die in the midst of their sorrows, the ncces-
sity of future judgment was shown, to re.
concile reasonable beings to the divine gov
crnmcnt The preacher remarked that Da
vid was troubled at the prosperity Of the
wicked, till he saw their end-even mere
men of the world, in the light of their reason
alone, expressed similar feelings, and the
preacher continued, The infdel Jefferson
when he looked on the oppression and slave
ry practiced in this land, said, Z" | lremble fol
my country when consider that God Is just
and that his justice will not sleep forever
The novitiatc preacher did not apprehcnt
that he was raising question on which
there had ever been dispute. He had nev
cr heard it pretended that Jefferson was
believer in Christianity. Though, he knew
that he did not when President, burn all tn,
Bibles and shut up all the churches, as wa
predicted by the feder alsts, during the cam
paign at which he was elected, that he woult
do-yet OF his personal views on the sub
iect, he had never heard doubt or qucs
tion. What then was his surprise when h,
found himself during the same week referre,
to in the Vermont Patriot, as contempt
bic Jederal priest tcho hal been along that pai
calling Tom Jefferson an infdel" The Sian
der against jefferson became the town tall
for the week, at the Post Office, in tn,
bar rooms, and at the public corners, an,
the poor transient preacher was as thorough
ly denounced by both whig and locofoco, a
willy policy or excited prejudice well coul'
do-and doubtless with far more heart an,
sincerity than the promises and profession
of the trading politicians and spoilsmen witt
hover in those diegings under the dropping
Of the Legislature. AT the end of thos,
short discussions, the question was left il
doubt, whether the Apostle Paul or Ton
Jefferson were the better Christian.
Now, Mr.. Editor, it is not that | do no
wish the fact had been otherwise, in respec
TO Mr. JeiIerson's religious character and o
pinions but that the present generation ant
the citizens of my own native State should
mako themselves the victims of wilul de
ception, or the wilful faslfers of history !,
\ matter Of profound segret. Especially, a,
facts, and the progress of public integrity
are bound at so early day to settle all ques
tons in the premises by the exhibit of the
original records of Jellerson's life and char.
actcr.
The Tribune well suggests, that when the
proof of Jellerson's gross immoraliies arc
called for, it will be sufficient to produce them
-- not to offend the public taste by their de-
tails at this time.
That be was an infdcl in religion, no one
Who knows any thing of Christianity would
| nech nihcr nrnnf than his own Mriiinns