[The public has] the habit now of invalidating opinions emanating from me by reference to my age and infirmities.

Government is instituted to protect property of every sort; as well that which lies in the various rights of individuals, as that which the term particularly expresses. This being the end of government, that alone is a just government which impartially secures to every man whatever is his own.

No man will subject himself to the ridicule of pretending that any natural connection subsists between the sun or the seasons, and the period within which human virtue can bear the temptations of power. Happily for mankind, liberty is not, in this respect, confined to any single point of time, but lies within extremes, which afford sufficient latitude for all the variations which may be required by the various situations and circumstances of civil society.

Democracies have been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their death.

[I]t is more convenient to prevent the passage of a law, than to declare it void after it has passed.

Oppressors can tyrannize only when they achieve a standing army, an enslaved press, and a disarmed populace.

I hope this will find you...enjoying the commencement of a new year with every prospect that can make it a happy one.