Thomas Paine: “Nothing on the part of congress was compulsive; yet, in this situation, it was more faithfully and affectionately obeyed…”

In those which proceed from the former cause, the temper becomes incensed and soured; and the redress, obtained by danger, is too often sullied by revenge.

As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.

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

Reason and discussion, persuasion and conviction, become the weapons in the contest, and it is only when those are attempted to be suppressed that recourse is had to violence.