[If] the nature of ... government [were] a subordination of the civil to the ecclesiastical power, I [would] consider it as desperate for long years to come. Their steady habits [will] exclude the advances of information, and they [will] seem exactly where they [have always been]. And there [the] clergy will always keep them if they can. [They] will follow the bark of liberty only by the help of a tow-rope.

Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence.

[A] spirit of justice and friendly accomodation...is our duty and our interest to cultivate with all nations.

The variety of opinions leads to questions. Questions lead to truth.

I find that he is happiest of whom the world says least, good or bad.

The declaration that religious faith shall be unpunished does not give immunity to criminal acts dictated by religious error.

None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed and disciplined is therefore at all times important.