Thomas Jefferson: Religious Freedom
Almighty God hath created the mind free . . . All attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burdens . . . are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion . . . No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship or ministry or shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief, but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion.
Inscription on the Jefferson Memorial
Taken from A Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom, 1777.
