In 1779, Jefferson proposed, for his state of Virginia, a guarantee of equality for citizens of all beliefs, and nonbeliefs-"meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection," Jefferson wrote, "the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mahometan, the Hindoo, and infidel of every denomination.
( Joshua Wolf Shenk )
[ Lincoln's Melancholy: How ]
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