The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.

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

Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue?

It is our boast, that a man's religious tenets will not forfeit the protection of the Laws.

Speak not evil of the absent for it is unjust.

[The spirit of party] serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another.

A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and interest require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to render them independent of others for essential, particularly military, supplies.