The causes which destroyed the ancient republics were numerous; but in Rome, one principal cause was the vast inequality of fortunes.

A national language is a band of national union.

The laws are the sole guardians of right, and when the magistrate dares not act, every person is insecure.

Tyranny is the exercise of some power over a man, which is not warranted by law, or necessary for the public safety. A people can never be deprived of their liberties, while they retain in their own hands, a power sufficient to any other power in the state.

Treason is the highest crime of a civil nature of which a man can be guilty.

The virtues of men are of more consequence to society than their abilities, and for this reason, the heart should be cultivated with more assiduity than the head.

The moral principles and precepts contained in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws . . . The religion which has introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and his Apostles . . . This is genuine Christianity and to this we owe our free constitutions of government.