Our unalterable resolution would be to be free. They have attempted to subdue us by force, but God be praised! in vain. Their arts may be more dangerous then their arms. Let us then renounce all treaty with them upon any score but that of total separation, and under God trust our cause to our swords.

If virtue & knowledge are diffused among the people, they will never be enslav'd. This will be their great security.

Mankind are governed more by their feelings than by reason.

What a man has honestly acquired is absolutely his own, which he may freely give, but cannot be taken from him without his consent.

The sum of all is, if we would most truly enjoy the gift of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people; then shall we both deserve and enjoy it. While on the other hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall in reality be the most abject slaves.

The country shall be independent, and we will be satisfied with nothing short of it.

It is a very great mistake to imagine that the object of loyalty is the authority and interest of one individual man, however dignified by the applause or enriched by the success of popular actions.