John Milton

Let [Truth] and Falsehood grapple; who ever knew Truth put to the worse, in a free and open encounter? . . . Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.

From Areopagitica, his tract against censorship, which is considered by many to be the most eloquent defense of freedom of the press ever written. 

Areopagitica was published on this date in 1644, at the height of the English Civil War.  Milton thought it was God's will that there be freedom of the press.  (See John 8:32: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.")

(Thanks to an old friend for suggesting this quote.)