It is time enough, for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere [in the propagation of religious teachings] when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order.
Thomas JeffersonIf the game runs sometimes against us at home we must have patience till luck turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning back the principles we have lost, for this is a game where principles are at stake.
Thomas JeffersonThough [the people] may acquiesce, they cannot approve what they do not understand.
Thomas JeffersonOur rulers can have authority over such natural rights only as we have submitted to them.
Thomas JeffersonThe functionaries of every government have propensities to command at will the liberty and property of their constituents. There is no safe deposit for these but with the people themselves, nor can they be safe with them without information. Where the press is free, and every man able to read, all is safe.
Thomas Jefferson