Men want to be reminded, who do not want to be taught; because those original ideas of rectitude to which the mind is compelled to assent when they are proposed, are not always as present to us as they ought to be.

All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.

The love of lucre, though sometimes carried to a ridiculous excess, a vicious excess, is the grand cause of prosperity to all States.

It is, generally, in the season of prosperity that men discover their real temper, principles, and designs.

If the prudence of reserve and decorum dictates silence in some circumstances, in others prudence of a higher order may justify us in speaking our thoughts.

The great must submit to the dominion of prudence and of virtue, or none will long submit to the dominion of the great.

The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedience, and by parts.