In this choice of inheritance we have given to our frame of polity the image of a relation in blood; binding up the constitution of our country with our dearest domestic ties; adopting our fundamental laws into the bosom of our family affections; keeping inseparable and cherishing with the warmth of all their combined and mutually reflected charities, our state, our hearths, our sepulchres, and our altars.

Knowledge of those unalterable Relations which Providence has ordained that every thing should bear to every other...To these we should conform in good Earnest; and not think to force Nature, and the whole Order of her System, by a Compliance with our Pride, and Folly, to conform to our artificial Regulations.

Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny.

One that confounds good and evil is an enemy to good.

An extreme rigor is sure to arm everything against it.

Religious persecution may shield itself under the guise of a mistaken and over-zealous piety.

Nothing is so fatal to religion as indifference.