Who does not see that . . . the same authority which can force a citizen to contribute three pence only of his property for the support of any one establishment, may force him to conform to any other establishment in all cases whatsoever?

There is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust.

No error is more certain than the one proceeding from a hasty and superficial view of the subject.

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country.

Let the influx of money be ever so great, if there be no confidence, property will sink in value... The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.

An oath-the strongest of religious ties.

When men exercise their reason coolly and freely, on a variety of distinct questions, they inevitably fall into different opinions, on some of them. When they are governed by a common passion, their opinions if they are so to be called, will be the same.