Gouverneur Morris had often told me that General Washington believed no more of that system (Christianity) than did he himself.

Difference of opinion leads to enquiry, and enquiry to truth; and I am sure...we both value too much the freedom of opinion sanctioned by our Constitution, not to cherish its exercise even where in opposition to ourselves.

The failure of one thing is repaired by the success of another.

Excessive taxation . . . will carry reason & reflection to every man's door, and particularly in the hour of election.

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.

The sheep are happier of themselves, than under the care of wolves.

By [the] operations [of public improvement] new channels of communication will be opened between the States; the lines of separation will disappear, their interests will be identified, and their union cemented by new and indissoluble ties.