The benefit of even limited monopolies is too doubtful, to be opposed to that of their general suppression.

Those who bear equally the burthens of Government should equally participate of its benefits.

Our attachment to no nation on earth should supplant our attachment to liberty.

I think myself that we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious. Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have ... The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases. The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first.

If your letters are as long as the bible, they will appear short to me. Only let them be brim full of affection.

For an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.

Almighty God hath created the mind free. All attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens...are a departure from the plan of the holy Author of our religion...No man shall be compelled to frequent or support religious worship or ministry or shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief, but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion. I know but one code of morality for men whether acting singly or collectively.