But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments, of their duties and obligations ... This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.

There is something very unnatural and odious in a government a thousand leagues off. A whole government of our own choice, managed by persons whom we love, revere, and can confide in, has charms in it for which men will fight.

Liberty can no more exist without virtue and independence than the body can live and move without a soul.

The Hebrews have done more to civilize men than any other nation. If I were an atheist, and believed blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations.

Mankind will in time discover that unbridled majorities are as tyrannical and cruel as unlimited despots.

Human passions unbridled by morality and religion...would break the stronges cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net.

One useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three is a Congress.