The distinguishing part of our constitution is its liberty. To preserve that liberty inviolate, is the peculiar duty and proper trust of a member of the house of commons. But the liberty, the only liberty I mean, is a liberty connected with order, and that not only exists with order and virtue, but cannot exist at all without them. It inheres in good and steady government, as in its substance and vital principle.

Great men are never sufficiently shown but in struggles.

In a democracy, the majority of the citizens is capable of exercising the most cruel oppressions upon the minority.

No man can mortgage his injustice as a pawn for his fidelity.

Wars are just to those to whom they are necessary.

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

For there is in mankind an unfortunate propensity to make themselves, their views and their works, the measure of excellence in every thing whatsoever