First, the constitution ought to secure a genuine and guard against a select militia, by providing that the militia shall always be kept well organized, armed, and disciplined, and include, according to the past and general usuage of the states, all men capable of bearing arms; and that all regulations tending to render this general militia useless and defenceless, by establishing select corps of militia, or distinct bodies of military men, not having permanent interests and attachments in the community to be avoided.

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

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

[Our Constitution] is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.

It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts... For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it.

Oh, how wretched should I be at this moment, if I had not made my peace with God.