For if Men are to be precluded from offering their Sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of Mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of Speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter.

The constitution vests the power of declaring war in Congress; therefore no offensive expedition of importance can be undertaken until after they shall have deliberated upon the subject and authorized such a measure.

We are not to expect perfection in this world; but mankind, in modern times, have apparently made some progress in the science of government.

I only wish, while I am a servant of the public, to know the will of my masters, that I may govern my self accordingly.

99% of failures come from people who make excuses.

Freemasonry is an institution founded on eternal reason and truth; whose deep basis is the civilization of mankind, and whose everlasting glory it is to have the immovable support of those two mighty pillars, science and morality.

My death has not yet quite arrived, but it is near and inevitable as night follows day.