All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.

...for though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire.

The whole religious complexion of the modern world is due to the absence from Jerusalem of a lunatic asylum.

The reformation was preceded by the discovery of America, as if the Almighty graciously meant to open a sanctuary to the persecuted in future years, when home should afford neither friendship nor safety.

It is for the good of nations, and not for the emolument or aggrandizement of particular individuals, that government ought to be established, and that mankind are at the expense of supporting it. The defects of every government and constitution both as to principle and form, must, on a parity of reasoning, be as open to discussion as the defects of a law, and it is a duty which every man owes to society to point them out.

The right of voting for representatives , is the primary right by which other rights are protected.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.