Political dissension is doubtless a less evil than the lethargy of despotism: but still it is a great evil, and it would be as worthy the efforts of the patriot as of the philosopher, to exclude its influence if possible, from social life. The good are rare enough at best. There is no reason to subdivide them by artificial lines. But whether we shall ever be able so far to perfect the principles of society as that political opinions shall, in its intercourse, be as inoffensive as those of philosophy, mechanics, or any other, may well be doubted.

We have already given in example one effectual check to the dog of war by transferring the power of letting him loose from the Executive to the Legislative body

Say nothing of my religion. It is known to God and myself alone.

If ever this vast country is brought under a single government, it will be one of the most extensive corruption, indifferent and incapable of a wholesome care over so wide a spread of surface. This will not be borne, and you will have to choose between reform and revolution. If I know the spirit of this country, the one or the other is inevitable.

Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching.

I will not believe our labors are lost. I shall not die without a hope that light and liberty are on a steady advance.

If I am to meet with a disappointment, the sooner I know it, the more of life I shall have to wear it off.