Bad men cannot make good citizens. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience are incompatible with freedom.

Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace! – but there is no peace.

Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

If you have given up your militia, and Congress shall refuse to arm them, you have lost every thing. Your existence will be precarious, because you depend on others, whose interests are not affected by your infelicity.

I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.

Be of good courage, my son, and remember that the best men always make themselves.