Its authors meant it to be... a stumbling block to those who in after times might seek to turn a free people back into the hateful paths of despotism. They knew the proneness of prosperity to breed tyrants, and they meant when such should re-appear in this fair land and commence their vocation they should find left for them at least one hard nut to crack.

I hope to stand firm enough to not go backward, and yet not go forward fast enough to wreck the country's cause.

A majority held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations...is the only true sovereign of a free people. Whoever rejects it does of necessity fly to anarchy or to despotism.

When I lay down the reins of this administration, I want to have one friend left. And that friend is myself.

Were it not for my little jokes, I could not bear the burdens of this office.

The Cause of civil liberty must not be surrendered at the end of one, or even one hundred defeats.

I know not how to aid you, save in the assurance of one of mature age, and much severe experience, that you can not fail, if you resolutely determine, that you will not.