No taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant.

A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man, that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of his friends, and that the most liberal professions of good will are very far from being the surest marks of it. I should be happy that my own experience had afforded fewer examples of the little dependence to be placed upon them.

[The adoption of the Constitution] will demonstrate as visibly the finger of Providence as any possible event in the course of human affairs can ever designate it.

So far as I am acquainted with the principles and doctrines of Freemasonry, I conceive it to be founded in benevolence and to be exercised only for the good of mankind.

Influence is not government.

Be not forward, but friendly and courteous; the first to salute, hear and answer; and be not pensive when it is time to converse.

There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy.