The most durable monument of human labor is that which recalls the wretchedness and nothingness of man.

Men are not corrupted by the exercise of power or debased by the habit of obedience, but by the exercise of a power which they believe to be illegal and by obedience to a rule which they consider to be usurped and oppressive.

The aspect of American society is animated, because men and things are always changing; but it is monotonous, because all the changes are alike.

Despotism may govern without faith, but liberty cannot. How is it possible that society should escape destruction if the moral tie is not strengthened in proportion as the political tie is relaxed? And what can be done with a people who are their own masters if they are not submissive to the Deity?

Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith.

Society is endangered not by the great profligacy of a few, but by the laxity of morals amongst all.

When an American asks for the cooperation of his fellow citizens, it is seldom refused; and I have often seen it afforded spontaneously and with great good will.