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

The poor despise labor when performed by slaves.

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.

All men have an equal, natural and unalienable right to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that no particular sect or society of Christians ought to be favored or established by law in preference to others.

To disarm the people... was the best and most effectual way to enslave them.

Government is, or ought to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community; of all the various modes and forms of government, that is best which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration.

I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people except for a few public officials.