It is contrary to the principles of reason and justice that any should be compelled to contribute to the maintenance of a church with which their consciences will not permit them to join, and from which they can derive no benefit; for remedy whereof, and that equal liberty as well religious as civil, may be universally extended to all the good people of this commonwealth.

The freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.

All men are created equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; among which are the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing the obtaining of happiness and safety.

I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.

Slavery discourages arts and manufacturing ...[and] every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.

Every society, all government, and every kind of civil compact therefore, is or ought to be, calculated for the general good and safety of the community.

That slow poison [slavery] is daily contaminating the minds and morals of our people. Every gentlemen here is born a petty tyrant, practiced in acts of despotism and cruelty.