I believe that no people ever yet groaned under the heavy yoke of slavery but when they deserved it.

Man's rights are evident branches of, rather than deductions from, the duty of self-preservation, commonly called the first law of nature.

I cannot however help repeating Piety, because I think it indispensible. Religion in a Family is at once its brightest Ornament & its best Security.

A standing army, however necessary it may be at some times, is always dangerous to the liberties of the people. Such power should be watched with a jealous eye.

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

Could I be assured that America would remain virtuous, I would venture to defy the utmost Efforts of Enemies to subjugate her.

It is in the interest of tyrants to reduce the people to ignorance and vice. For they cannot live in any country where virtue and knowledge prevail.