But  here  observe  the  admirable  wisdom  of  the  Declara-
tion in  its  specification  of  rights.  On  this  point,  the  omis-
sions of  the  document  are  almost  as  important  to  its  true
interpretation  as  are  its  express  declarations.  Indeed,  in
commenting  upon  certain  passages  in  the  paper  as  he  re-
ported it,  and  which  Congress  voted  to  strike  out,  Jeffer-
son makes  the  observation,  that  "  the  sentiments  of  men
are  known  not  only  by  what  they  receive,  but  what  they
reject  also  ;  "  l  and  'we  may  apply  this  rule  of  construction

i  Jefferson's  Works,  vol.  i.  p.  19.
74  CENTENNIAL  OF  AMERICAN  INDEPENDENCE.
