He published letters in which he expounded on his recently adopted pantheist philosophy, denying any God other than Nature as well as the uniquely particular divinity of Jesus Christ.

Though the statements were written in 1833, Kneeland was ultimately tried four times due to delays and mistrials that failed to deliver a verdict.

It ruled that regardless of his beliefs, he had libeled God's name with malicious intent, rendering Kneeland's first point moot.

[2] The court dismissed the third claim out of hand, saying that if unlimited freedom of the press was allowed, Kneeland was sentenced to sixty days in prison.

However, a counter-petition was signed with even more signatures; Kneeland stayed in prison and served his entire term.