Eternal Vigilance is the price of democracy.

The government created by this compact was not made the exclusive or final judge of the extent of the powers delegated to itself; since that would have made its discretion, and not the Constitution, the measure of its powers.

One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.

I believe from what I have lately seen that we should be substantially safe were our Citizens Armed, but we have not as many Arms as we have Enemies in the State.

The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others.

Music furnishes a delightful recreation for the hours of respite from the cares of the day, and lasts us through life.

I leave to others the sublime delights of riding in the storm, better pleased with sound sleep & a warmer berth below it encircled, with the society of neighbors, friends & fellow laborers of the earth rather than with spies & sycophants ... I have no ambition to govern men. It is a painful and thankless office.