I have ever deemed it fundamental for the United States never to take active part in the quarrels of Europe.... They are nations of eternal war.
Thomas JeffersonI never will, by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance or admit a right of inquiry into the religious opinions of others.
Thomas JeffersonI see the necessity of sacrificing our opinions sometimes to the opinions of others for the sake of harmony.
Thomas JeffersonHe, who steadily observes those moral precepts in which all religions concur, will never be questioned at the gates of heaven as to the dogmas in which they all differ.
Thomas JeffersonTime indeed changes manners and notions, and so far we must expect institutions to bend to them. But time produces also corruption of principles, and against this it is the duty of good citizens to be ever on the watch, and if the gangrene is to prevail at last, let the day be kept off as long as possible.
Thomas Jefferson