It is they [men of science] who hold the secret of the mysterious property of the mind by which error ministers to truth, and truth slowly but irrevocably prevails. Theirs is the logic of discovery, the demonstration of the advance of knowledge and the development of ideas, which as the earthly wants and passions of men remain almost unchanged, are the charter of progress, and the vital spark in history.

It is dangerous, at any time, to multiply sources of weakness.

Many men can no more be kept straight by spiritual motives than we can live without policemen.

Far from being the product of a democratic revolution and of an opposition to English institutions, the constitution of the United States was the result of a powerful reaction against democracy, and in favor of the traditions of the mother country.

The test of liberty is the position and security of minorities.

A people averse to the institution of private property is without the first elements of freedom

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