Freedom of conscience, unlimited freedom of mind, was from the first the trophy of the Baptists.
George Bancroft
The Baptists were the first propounders of absolute liberty, just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty.
Essay on Toleration – John Locke
Every man must give account of himself to God, and therefore every man ought to be at liberty to serve God in a way that he can best reconcile to his conscience. If government can answer for individuals at the day of judgment, let men be controlled by it in religious matters; otherwise, let men be free.
Right of Conscience Inalienable – John Leland
The notion of a Christian commonwealth should be exploded forever…Government should protect every man in thinking and speaking freely, and see that one does not abuse another. The liberty I contend for is more than toleration. The very idea of toleration is despicable; it supposes that some have a pre-eminence above the rest to grant indulgence, whereas all should be equally free, Jews, Turks, Pagans and Christians.
A Chronicle of His Time in Virginia – John Leland