Peace and abstinence from European interferences are our objects, and so will continue while the present order of things in America remain uninterrupted. – Thomas Jefferson
Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor – over each other. – Thomas Jefferson
The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive. – Thomas Jefferson
Though it is very important for man as an individual that his religion should be true, that is not the case for society. Society has nothing to fear or hope from another life; what is most important for it is not that all citizens profess the true religion but that they should profess religion. – Alexis de Tocqueville