What has been the fruit of religion? Pride and indolence in the clergy, ignorance in the laity, in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution.

During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less in all places, pride and indolence in the Clergy, ignorance and servility in the laity, in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution.

... [E]xperience witnesseth that ecclesiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of Religion, have had a contrary operation. During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less in all places, pride and indolence in the Clergy, ignorance and servility in the laity, in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution.

Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise, every expanded prospect

Religion flourishes in greater purity, without than with the aid of Government

Union of religious sentiments begets a surprising confidence