Reading, reflection and time have convinced me that the interests of society require the observation of those moral precepts only in which all religions agree (for all forbid us to steal, murder, plunder, or bear false witness), and that we should not intermeddle with the particular dogmas in which all religions differ, and which are totally unconnected with morality.

I have lived temperately, eating little animal food, and that not as an aliment, so much as a condiment for the vegetables, which constitute my principal diet.

Natural rights [are] the objects for the protection of which society is formed and municipal laws established.

Would the honest patriot, in the full tide of successful experiment, abandon a government which has so far kept us free and firm on the theoretic and visionary fear that this Government, the world's best hope, may by possibility want energy to preserve itself? I trust not.

Erecting the 'wall of separation between church and state'... is absolutely essential in a free society.

Question boldly even the existence of God.

I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.