But while I assert the rights of religious liberty, I would not deny that the civil power has a right, in some cases, to interfere in matters of religion. It has a right to prohibit and punish gross immoralities and impieties; because the open practice of these is of evil example and detriment. For this reason, I heartily approve of our laws against drunkenness, profane swearing, blasphemy, and professed atheism.
--Landholder VII, Oliver Ellsworth, December 17, 1787, U.S. Senator 1789-1796, Chief Justice 1796-1800, Author of the Judiciary Act of 1789
If only Ellsworth could see us now.
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