The American Revolution was the grand operation, which seemed to be assigned by the Deity to the men of this age in our country, over and above the common duties of life

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

Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, is incompatible with freedom. No free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue; and by a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.

Are we at last brought to such an humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?

There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.

It is when a people forget God, that tyrants forge their chains.

Liberty, the greatest of all earthly blessings - give us that precious jewel and you may take everything else!