It is an encouraging observation that no good measure was ever proposed which, if duly pursued, failed to prevail in the end.

The people are not always well-informed, but is better that they have misconceptions that make them restless than that they be lethargic-for lethargy in the people means death for republics.

It is important to strengthen the State governments; and as this cannot be done by any change in the Federal Constitution (for the preservation of that is all we need contend for), it must be done by the States themselves, erecting such barriers at the constitutional line as cannot be surmounted either by themselves or by the General Government. The only barrier in their power is a wise government. A weak one will lose ground in every contest.

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.

When the heart is right, the feet are swift.

We should talk over the lessons of the day, or lose them in Music, Chess, or the merriments of our family companions.

Gouverneur Morris had often told me that General Washington believed no more of that system (Christianity) than did he himself.