Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.

If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which the people send one hundred and fifty lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour?

The glow of one warm thought is to me worth more than money.

Every man's reason is his own rightful umpire. This principle, with that of acquiescence in the will of the majority, will preserve us free and prosperous as long as they are sacredly observed.

[T]he true key for the construction of everything doubtful in a law is the intention of the law-makers. This is most safely gathered from the words, but may be sought also in extraneous circumstances provided they do not contradict the express words of the law.

No one has a right to obstruct another exercising his faculties innocently for the relief of sensibilities made a part of his nature.

The happiest moments my heart knows are those in which it is pouring forth its affections to a few esteemed characters.