The best way to have peace is to always be prepared to fight a way.

If I could have entertained the slightest apprehension that the Constitution framed in the Convention where I had the honor to preside might possibly endanger the religious rights of any ecclesiastical society, certainly I would never have placed my signature to it.

The great Searcher of human hearts is my witness, that I have no wish, which aspires beyond the humble and happy lot of living and dying a private citizen on my own farm.

Example, whether it be good or bad, has a powerful influence.

I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approbation of my Country.

The foundation of our Empire was not laid in the gloomy age of Ignorance and Superstition, but at an Epoch when the rights of mankind were better understood and more clearly defined, than at any former period.

Rise early, that by habit it may become familiar, agreeable, healthy, and profitable.