This comment on Christianity is a somewhat paraphrased excerpt from the following letter written by Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Priestley:

"this was the real ground of all the attacks on you: those who live by mystery & charlatanerie, fearing you would render them useless by simplifying the Christian philosophy, the most sublime & benevolent, but most perverted system that ever shone on man, endeavored to crush your well earnt, & well deserved fame." - Jefferson to Priestley, March 21, 1801[1]

Further Sources

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References

  1. ^ PTJ, 33:393. Press copy available from the Library of Congress. Transcription available in Founders Online.