The Declaration of Independence . . . [is the] declaratory charter of our rights, and the rights of man.

He alone who walks strict and upright, and who, in matters of opinion, will be contented that others should be as free as himself and acquiesce when his opinion is freely overruled, will attain his object in the end.

When the people are afraid of the government, that's tyranny. But when the government is afraid of the people, that's liberty.

Never use two words when one will do.

Do not be too severe upon the errors of the people, but reclaim them by enlightening them.

I do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month, and I feel myself infinitely the happier for it.

The system of banking have[for]ever reprobated. I contemplate it as a blot left in all our Constitutions, which, if not covered, will end in their destruction, which is already hit by the gamblers in corruption, and is sweeping away in its progress the fortunes and morals of our citizens.