Crossword puzzle clue "colonial freethinkers"

DEIST, an adherent of deism, belief in God but rejection of religion

AGNOSTIC, one who believes that existence of God cannot be known but does not deny the possibility that God exists

ADZE, to dress timber with a cutting tool with an arched blade set at right angles to the handle, also ADZ

ALE, a kind of beer, made without using hops as a flavouring, also YILL

AME, (French) a soul