Let the human mind loose. It must be loose. It will be loose. Superstition and dogmatism cannot confine it.

As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and the blessing of Almighty God, and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him.

Popularity, next to virtue and wisdom, ought to be aimed at; for it is the dictate of wisdom, and is necessary to the practice of virtue inmost.

I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in providence, for the illumination of the ignorant and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth.

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.

Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom.

The only thing most people do better than anyone else is read their own handwriting.