I regret exceedingly that the disputes between the protestants and Roman Catholics should be carried to the serious alarming height mentioned in your letters. Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause; and I was not without hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy of the present age would have put an effectual stop to contentions of this kind.

Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation deserts the oaths . . . ?

Bless my family, kindred, friends and country, be our God and guide this day and forever for His sake, who lay down in the grave and arose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The future of this nation depends on the Christian training of our youth.

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

To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.

The foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens, and command the respect of the world.