The free exercise of reason is all I ask for the vindication of the character of Jesus. We find in the writings of his biographers matter of two distinct descriptions. First, a work of vulgar ignorance, of things impossible, of superstitions. Intermixed with these are sublime ideas of the Supreme Being, aphorisms and precepts of the purest morality and benevolence, sanctioned by a life of humility, innocence, and simplicity of manners, neglect of riches, absence of worldly ambition and honors, with an eloquence and persuasiveness which have not been surpassed. these could not be inventions of the grovelling authors who relate them. they are far beyond the powers of their feeble minds. they show that there was a character, the subject of their history, whose splendid conceptions were above all suspicion of being interpolations from their hands. Can we be at a loss in separating such materials, and ascribing each to its genuine author?
The difference is obvious to the eye and to the understanding, and I will venture to affirm that he who, as I have done, will undertake to winnow this grain from its chaff, will find it not to require a moment’s consideration. the two parts fall away from themselves as would those of an image of metal & clay.
Jesus preached philanthropy & universal charity and benevolence.But the office of reformer of the superstitions of a nation is dangerous. Jesus had to walk on the perilous confines of reason and religion: and one step to right or left might place him within the path of the priests of superstition, a bloodthirsty group, as they were constantly laying snares to entangle him.
- Excerpted from a letter from former Pres. Thomas Jefferson to William Short, August 4, 1820.
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