What a perversion of the normal order of things! ... to make power the primary and central object of the social system, and Liberty but its satellite.

Cursed be all that learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ.

The proposed Constitution is, in strictness, neither a national nor a federal constitution; but a composition of both.

If it be asked what is to restrain the House of Representatives from making legal discriminations in favor of themselves and a particular class of the society? I answer, the genius of the whole system, the nature of just and constitutional laws, and above all the vigilant and manly spirit which actuates the people of America, a spirit which nourishes freedom, and in return is nourished by it.

[The human mind] finds more facility in assenting to the self-existence of an invisible cause possessing infinite power, wisdom, and goodness, than in the self-existence of the universe, visibly destitute of these attributes, and which may be the effect of them.

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

It will be remembered, that a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is solemnly enjoined by most of the state constitutions, and particularly by our own, as a necessary safeguard against the danger of degeneracy, to which republics are liable, as well as other governments, though in a less degree than others.