In all great changes of established governments, forms ought to give way to substance

If man is not fit to govern himself, how can he be fit to govern someone else?

A bad cause seldom fails to betray itself.

...Freedom arises from the multiplicity of sects, which prevades America and which is the best and only security for religious liberty in any society. For where there is such a variety of sects, there cannot be a majority of any one sect to oppress and persecute the rest.

I regret, as much as any member, the unavoidable weight and duration of the burdens to be imposed; having never been a proselyte to the doctrine, that public debts are public benefits. I consider them, on the contrary, as evils which ought to be removed as fast as honor and justice will permit.

We are teaching the world the great truth that Governments do better without Kings & Nobles than with them.

The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.