Each individual of the society has a right to be protected by it in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property, according to standing laws.

There are persons whom in my heart I despise, others I abhor. Yet I am not obliged to inform the one of my contempt, nor the other of my detestation. This kind of dissimulation...is a necessary branch of wisdom, and so far from being immoral...that it is a duty and a virtue.

The real fabric of American society is not all those flags you see on people's cars...it's in the Bill of Rights and in our constitutional form of government.

Nothing is more dreaded than the national government meddling with religion.

It may be the will of Heaven that America shall suffer calamities still more wasting, and distresses yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case, it will have the good effect at least. It will inspire us with many virtues, which we have not, and correct many errors, follies and vices. But I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence, in which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe.

Borrowed eloquence, if it contains as good stuff, is as good as own eloquence

Grief drives men into habits of serious reflection, sharpens the understanding, and softens the heart