The Constitution of the U.S. forbids everything like an establishment of a national religion.

The diversity in the faculties of men, from which the rights of property originate, is not less an insuperable obstacle to an uniformity of interests. The protection of these faculties is the first object of government.

To the press alone, chequered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression.

No power over the freedom of religion [is] delegated to the United States by the Constitution.

The legislative department is everywhere extending the sphere of its activity and drawing all power into its impetuous vortex.

Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few... No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

An oath-the strongest of religious ties.