The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery

The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.

That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of the conscience; and it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.

This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.

Righteousness alone can exalt them [America] as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself and encourage it in others.

The whole economy of this lower world proves that it is by labor and perseverance only that good is obtained and evil is avoided.

The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.