Freedom to Libel? Samuel Marsden v. Philo Free: Australias First Libel Case Studies in Australian Colonial History (ISSN 1834-6936) No. 6
Peter G. Bolt 2017
Bolt Publishing Services Pty.Ltd.
ACN 123024920
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Cover picture:
Edward Charles Close. Sketch of the Philo Free trial, c. 1817. Edward Charles Close. Sketchbook of New South Wales views. Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, SAFE/PXA 1187.
The essays in this volume have been peer reviewed.
| ISBN | Paperback | 978-0-9946349-2-4 |
| e-version | 978-0-9946349-3-1 |
Cover design and layout by Lankshear Design.
Printed by Ingram Spark Lightning Source.
PUBLISHERS PREFACE
H uman history advances through countless ordinary events. Operating within a web of human relationships and from a variety of influencesstrongly at work even if unseen and often unacknowledged by the persons themselveshuman beings make decisions and act, thus making a mark on their world. Many actions pass by without much notice, simply becoming part of the day to day events that make up the fabric of ordinary human existence. However, sometimes the larger issues that are current, and the grander forces that are at work in human society, cause an ordinary event to stand out as somehow special, noteworthy, or significant, heralding or even bringing a turning-point in human experience.
Whereas many are content to live life as it is, others are inspired by a grander vision of what life ought to be. Rev. Samuel Marsden was one such visionary. The Parramatta parson was thoroughly committed to ordinary life, as shown by his relentless commitment to building the fledgling Australasian societies on productive industry operating within deeply humanitarian concerns. But the enormous energy he devoted to building a better world for all was inspired by his vision of the kingdom of God, and motivated by his grasp of the grace of God as revealed in Jesus Christ.
In January 1817, Marsdens ordinary life took a turn for the worse when Philo Free libelled Marsden and the South Seas missions under his care. The unseen forces that shaped him, and the Christian vision that motivated him, provoked him to legal action. This libel action would not be Australias last, but as Australias first it stands out as a key event that helped to build the free society that Marsden hoped for, and which Australia and New Zealand subsequently became.
In the year that marks the bicentenary of the Philo Free trials, those who hold to the Christianity of Marsdens vision are amongst the most persecuted people in the world, and the values of Western Civilization that defined Marsdens better world are undergoing serious revision. A society that allows its citizens both the privilege to speak freely to persuade others, alongside the protection against libellous speech which causes personal harm, is a society that champions freedom.
This recollection of the Philo Free event is timely. Marsden v Philo Free is part of the rich heritage of freedom that has already brought Australasians great benefit, and which the present generation needs to once again appropriate, so that the ordinary life of future generations might also be lived in freedom.
Peter Bolt
December 2017
STUDIES IN AUSTRALIAN COLONIAL HISTORY
ISSN 1834-6936
Peter G. Bolt, Thomas Moore of Liverpool (17621840): One of Our Oldest Colonists. Essays & Addresses to Celebrate 150 Years of Moore College (2007).
Peter G. Bolt, William Cowper (17781858). The Indispensable Parson. The Life and Influence of Australias First Parish Clergyman (2009).
Full-text Edition
Commemorative Pictorial Edition produced for Cowper200.
Peter G. Bolt, A Portrait in his Actions. Thomas Moore of Liverpool (17621840). Part 1: Lesbury to Liverpool (2010)
Peter G. Bolt, A Portrait in his Actions. Thomas Moore of Liverpool (17621840). Part 2: Liverpool to Legacy (forthcoming)
David B. Pettett, Samuel Marsden. Preacher, Pastor, Magistrate and Missionary (2016)
Peter G. Bolt & Malcolm Falloon (Eds.), Freedom to Libel? Samuel Marsden v Philo Free: Australias First Libel Case (2017)
David B. Pettett, The Sermons Of Samuel Marsden. A Critical Edition (forthcoming).
Craig Schwarze, The Bishop of Botany Bay. The Remarkable Story of Richard Johnson, Australias First Preacher (forthcoming)
CONTENTS
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CONTRIBUTORS
Greg Anderson was installed as the Anglican Bishop of the Northern Territory in November 2014. Prior to this he was the head of the Department of Mission at Moore Theological College Sydney. He has a particular interest in mission with Aboriginal Australians, arising from his experiences while researching traditional clan songs in Arnhem Land in the mid-1980s.
Joel Atwood and his family work with the Church Missionary Society in Vanuatu, training local leaders in university student ministry and theological education. He also assists in the training of preachers in the South Pacific with Langham Partnership. He holds degrees in nanotechnology and divinity, and is completing an MTh in the relationship of the human spirit and the divine.
Alexander C. Bolt is a late career academic having spent twenty-five years in senior leadership roles in the private sector. His experience spans successful start-ups, international corporate roles and on-going business consulting services. In addition to seven years as an executive board member he was the founding editor of two national magazines. Earning both his MBA (Executive) and Master of Commerce with Distinction, Alex is a current post-graduate lecturer at both RMIT and Laureate Universities. He is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Management (FAIM). A Critical Social theorist, Alex is currently completing Doctoral studies in the areas of Ethics, Leadership Ethics, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). His article is co-authored by his supervisors Dr Paul Cerotti and Dr. Konrad Peszinski, Senior Lecturers, RMIT University, College of Business.
Peter G. Bolt is the Academic Director of the Sydney College of Divinity. He has published William Cowper (17781858). The Indispensable Parson. The Life and Influence of Australias First Parish Clergyman (2009), and A Portrait in his Actions. Thomas Moore of Liverpool (17621840). Part 1: Lesbury to Liverpool (2010), and co-edited (with David Pettett), Launching Marsdens Mission. The Beginnings of the Church Missionary Society in New Zealand, viewed from NSW
