Thomas Paine: “All the constitutions of America are declared to be established on the authority of the people.”

But as religion is very improperly made a political machine, and the reality of it is thereby destroyed, I will conclude this work with stating in what light religion appears to me.

It is only those who have not thought that appear to agree.

When men unite in agreeing that a thing is good, could it be obtained, such for instance as relief from a burden of taxes and the extinction of corruption, the object is more than half accomplished.

I do not believe that any two men, on what are called doctrinal points, think alike who think at all.