Obstinacy, sir, is certainly a great vice; and in the changeful state of political affairs it is frequently the cause of great mischief. It happens, however, very unfortunately, that almost the whole line of the great and masculine virtues--constancy, gravity, magnanimity, fortitude, fidelity, and firmness--are closely allied to this disagreeable quality, of which you have so just an abhorrence; and in their excess all these virtues very easily fall into it.

[Slavery] is a weed that grows in every soil.

Early and provident fear is the mother of safety.

Tyrants seldom want pretexts.

It is the interest of the commercial world that wealth should be found everywhere.

Where mystery begins religion ends.

Rage and frenzy will pull down more in half an hour than prudence, deliberation, and foresight can build up in a hundred years.