It is too probable that no plan we propose will be adopted. Perhaps another dreadful conflict is to be sustained. If, to please the people, we offer what we ourselves disprove, how can we afterwards defend our work? Let us raise a standard to which the wise and the honest can repair. The event is in the hand of God.

The establishment of our new Government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness by reasonable compact in civil society. It was to be, in the first instance, in a considerable degree a government of accommodation as well as a government of Laws. Much was to be done by prudence, much by conciliation, much by firmness.

A variety in punishment is of utility, as well as a proportion.

..the establishment of Civil and Religious Liberty was the Motive that induced me to the field of battle.

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

In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude.

It is infinitely better to have a few good men than many indifferent ones.