1. was a theological argument against state-censorship in the name of the God-given faculty of reason enjoyed by individuals.

2. allowed that the rights of the press should follow from the rights of individuals to speak out in opposition to any state church, and by extension on any political topic.

3. promoted the utilitarian idea that free public discussion and free press would counter the tendency of those holding power to become tyrants. It would promote a continuous monitoring of government between elections.

4. based on a belief that free discussion would lead to the Truth. What is false now may latter be found to have merit. What is taken to be true now may become less true, and more a matter of unquestioned dogma.