What right do they have to say "we the people" rather than we the States?

Have we the means of resisting disciplined armies, when our only defence, the militia, is put in the hands of Congress?

Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? Where is the difference between having our arms in possession and under our direction, and having them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands?

Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

The first thing I have at heart is American liberty; the second thing is American union.

Show me that age and country where the rights and liberties of the people were placed on the sole chance of their rulers being good men, without a consequent loss of liberty?

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.