To get the inestimable good that freedom of the press assures one must know how to submit to the inevitable evil it gives rise to.

I questioned the faithful of all communions; I particularly sought the society of clergymen, who are the depositories of the various creeds and have a personal interest in their survival ... all thought the main reason for the quiet sway of religion over their country was the complete separation of church and state. I have no hesitation in stating that throughout my stay in America I met nobody, lay or cleric, who did not agree about that.

An American cannot converse, but he can discuss, and his talk falls into a dissertation. He speaks to you as if he was addressing a meeting; and if he should chance to become warm in the discussion, he will say 'Gentlemen' to the person with whom he is conversing.

Of all the countries of the world America is the one where the movement of thought and human industry is the most continuous and swift.

I know of no country in which there is so little independence of mind and real freedom of discussion as in America.

The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.

The best laws cannot make a constitution work in spite of morals; morals can turn the worst laws to advantage.