Man is either governed by his own laws - freedom - or the laws of another - slavery. Are you willing to become slaves? Will you give up your freedom, your life and your property without a single struggle? No man has a right to rule over his fellow creatures.

The militia is a voluntary force not associated or under the control of the States except when called out; [ when called into actual service] a permanent or long standing force would be entirely different in make-up and call.

Little more can reasonably be aimed at with respect to the people at large than to have them properly armed.

One great error is that we suppose mankind more honest than they are.

Civil liberty is only natural liberty, modified and secured by the sanctions of civil society.

The means ought to be proportioned to the end; the persons from whose agency the attainment of any end is expected ought to possess the means by which it is to be attained.

A promise must never be broken.