If ever this vast country is brought under a single government, it will be one of the most extensive corruption.
Thomas JeffersonIt is unfortunate that the efforts of mankind to recover the freedom of which they have been so long deprived, will be accompanied with violence, with errors, and even with crimes. But while we weep over the means, we must pray for the end.
Thomas JeffersonDifference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor - over each other.
Thomas Jefferson[If] the nature of ... government [were] a subordination of the civil to the ecclesiastical power, I [would] consider it as desperate for long years to come. Their steady habits [will] exclude the advances of information, and they [will] seem exactly where they [have always been]. And there [the] clergy will always keep them if they can. [They] will follow the bark of liberty only by the help of a tow-rope.
Thomas JeffersonThe selfish spirit of commerce, which knows no country, and feels no passion or principle but that of gain.
Thomas JeffersonTo the corruptions of Christianity I am indeed opposed; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian, in the only sense he wished any one to be; sincerely attached to his doctrines, in preference to all others; ascribing to himself every human excellence; & believing he never claimed any other.
Thomas Jefferson