[I]n the next place, to show that unless these departments be so far connected and blended as to give to each a constitutional control over the others, the degree of separation which the maxim requires, as essential to a free government, can never in practice be duly maintained.

The infant periods of most nations are buried in silence or veiled in fable; and the world perhaps has lost but little which it needs regret. The origin and outset of the American Republic contain lessons of which posterity ought not to be deprived: and happily there never was a case in which every interesting incident could be so accurately preserved.

No power over the freedom of religion [is] delegated to the United States by the Constitution.

In framing a system, which we wish to last for ages, we should not lose sight of the changes which ages will produce.

Religion flourishes in greater purity, without than with the aid of Government.

What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?

They can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as on the great mass of the society.