The disposition of all power is to abuses, nor does it at all mend the matter that its possessors are a majority. Unrestrained political authority, though it be confided to masses, cannot be trusted without positive limitations, men in bodies being but an aggregation of the passions, weaknesses and interests of men as individuals.

We can all perceive the difference between ourselves and our inferiors, but when it comes to a question of the difference between us and our superiors we fail to appreciate merits of which we have no proper conceptions.

It is a misfortune that necessity has induced men to accord greater license to this formidable engine, in order to obtain liberty, than can be borne with less important objects in view; for the press, like fire, is an excellent servant, but a terrible master.

The expanse of the ocean is seldom seen by the novice with indifference.

Should we distrust the man because his manners are not our manners, and that his skin is dark?

Hope is the most treacherous of all human fancies.

Whenever the government of the United States shall break up, it will probably be in consequence of a false direction having been given to public opinion.