Circumstances give in reality to every political principle its distinguishing color and discriminating effect. The circumstances are what render every civil and political scheme beneficial or noxious to mankind.

Many of the greatest tyrants on the records of history have begun their reigns in the fairest manner. But the truth is, this unnatural power corrupts both the heart and the understanding.

Toleration is good for all, or it is good for none.

When a great man has some one object in view to be achieved in a given time, it may be absolutely necessary for him to walk out of all the common roads.

A great deal of the furniture of ancient tyranny is torn to rags; the rest is entirely out of fashion.

Men are qualified for civil liberty in exact proportion to their disposition to put moral chains upon their own appetites.

There are some men formed with feelings so blunt that they can hardly be said to be awake during the whole course of their lives.