Now I will avow, that I then believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God; and that those principles of liberty are as unalterable as human nature and our terrestrial, mundane system.

I am a Christian in the only sense in which He wished anyone to be: sincerely attached to His doctrines in preference to all others.

The right to use a thing comprehends a right to the means necessary to its use, and without which it would be useless.

I have ever deemed it fundamental for the United States never to take active part in the quarrels of Europe.... They are nations of eternal war.

Honesty, disinterestedness and good nature are indispensable to procure the esteem and confidence of those with whom we live, and on whose esteem our happiness depends.

They are exactly the persons who are to succeed to the government of our country and to rule its future enmities, its friendships and fortunes.

By... [selecting] the youths of genius from among the classes of the poor, we hope to avail the State of those talents which nature has sown as liberally among the poor as the rich, but which perish without use if not sought for and cultivated.