In the early ages of the world, according to the scripture chronology, there were no kings; the consequence of which was there were no wars; it is the pride of kings which throws mankind into confusion.
Thomas PaineThe intellectual part of religion is a private affair between every man and his Maker, and in which no third party has any right to interfere. The practical part consists in our doing good to each other. But since religion has been made into a trade, the practical part has been made to consist of ceremonies performed by men called priests ... By devices of this kind true religion has been banished, and such means have been found out to extract money, even from the pockets of the poor, instead of contributing to their relief.
Thomas PaineIt is not a God, just and good, but a devil, under the name of God, that the Bible describes.
Thomas PaineThose who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
Thomas Paine