There should be a law to the People besides its own will.

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.

Liberty and good government do not exclude each other; and there are excellent reasons why they should go together. Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.

Though oppression may give rise to violent and repeated outbreaks, like the convulsions of a man in pain, it cannot mature a settled purpose and plan of regeneration, unless a new notion of happiness is joined to the sense of present evil.

Character is tested by true sentiments more than by conduct. A man is seldom better than his word.

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

The finest opportunity ever given to the world was thrown away because the passion of equality made vain the hope for freedom.