The stone that was rolled before Christ's tomb might appropriately be called the philosopher's stone because its removal gave not only the pharisees but, now for 1800 years, the philosophers so much to think about.
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Knowledge and liberty are so prevalent in this country, that I do not believe that the United States would ever be disposed to establish one religious sect, and lay all others under legal disabilities. But as we know not what may take place hereafter, and any such test would be exceedingly injurious to the rights of free citizens, I cannot think it altogether superfluous to have added a clause, which secures us from the possibility of such oppression.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of religious freedom and the protection of citizens' rights from oppressive laws.
Oliver Wolcott's quote reflects a concern for the preservation of liberty and knowledge in relation to religious freedom. He acknowledges that while the United States currently values these principles, it is prudent to safeguard against potential future oppression. The inclusion of a clause to protect against the establishment of a single dominant religion serves as a proactive measure to ensure that citizens' rights remain intact, highlighting the necessity of vigilance in protecting freedoms.
Themes
KnowledgeLibertyReligious FreedomOppressionRights
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of civil rights, one might reference this quote to underline the need for vigilance in preserving religious freedoms.
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