Quotes by Elisha Williams
1694 – 1755
Elisha Williams (1694-1755) was educated at Harvard and served as the 4th Rector of Yale College from 1726-39. He was a minister, jurist, and statesman.
Bio
Williams is best known as the author of The Essential Rights and Liberties of Protestants: A Reasonable Plea for the Liberty of Conscience and the Right of Private Judgment in Matters of Religion (1744). He had strong views on religious rights and liberties. He believed that individuals should self-judge, as it was a natural right. He was influenced by John Locke.
Freedom of Speech
Elisha Williams on the unalienable right every person has to think and judge for themselves (1744)