I beg you be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution.

It is yet to be decided whether the Revolution must ultimately be considered as a blessing or a curse: a blessing or a curse, not to the present age alone, for with our fate will the destiny of unborn millions be involved.

Avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, we should remember also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it

I conceive a knowledge of books is the basis upon which other knowledge is to be built.

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

Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself.

The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.