The most certain test by which we judge whether a country is really free is the amount of security enjoyed by minorities.

In England Parliament is above the law. In America the law is above Congress.

There is no worse heresy than that the office sanctifies the holder of it.

Liberty is the prevention of control by others.

Writers the most learned, the most accurate in details, and the soundest in tendency, frequently fall into a habit which can neither be cured nor pardoned,-the habit of making history into the proof of their theories.

I mourn for the stake which was lost at Richmond more deeply than I rejoice over that which was saved at Waterloo.

Piety sometimes gives birth to scruples, and faith to superstition, when they are not directed by wisdom and knowledge.