The clergy converted the simple teachings of Jesus into an engine for enslaving mankind and adulterated by artificial constructions into a contrivance to filch wealth and power to themselves...these clergy, in fact, constitute the real Anti-Christ.

With the same honest views, the most honest men often form different conclusions.

We must train and classify the whole of our male citizens, and make military instruction a regular part of collegiate education.

The God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?

The Declaration of Independence . . . [is the] declaratory charter of our rights, and the rights of man.

In short I must confide in you to take such care of the men under you as an economical householder would of his own family, doingevery thing within himself as far as he can, and calling for as few supplies as possible. The less you depend for supplies from this quarter, the less you will be disappointed.

Knowing that religion does not furnish grosser bigots than law, I expect little from old judges.