Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence: nor is the law less stable than the fact.

The Church of Rome has made it an article of faith that no man can be saved out of their church, and all other religious sects approach this dreadful opinion in proportion to their ignorance, and the influence of ignorant or wicked priests.

If there is ever an amelioration of the condition of mankind, philosophers, theologians, legislators, politicians and moralists will find that the regulation of the press is the most difficult, dangerous and important problem they have to resolve. Mankind cannot now be governed without it, nor at present with it.

[I] never understood [what a republican government was and] I believe no other man ever did or ever will.

Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases.

Every problem is an opportunity in disguise.

The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by the laws, and ever for the support of the laws.