[O]ur rules can have authority over such natural rights only as we have submitted to them. The rights of conscience we never submitted, we could not submit. We are answerable for them to our God.

The genuine and simple religion of Jesus will one day be restored: such as it was preached and practiced by Himself.

He who lights his [candle] at mine receives light without darkening me.

The functionaries of public power rarely strengthen in their dispositions to abridge it, and an unorganized call for timely amendment is not likely to prevail against an organized opposition to it. We are always told that things are going on well; Why change them? 'Chi sta bene, no si mueve,' said the Italian, 'let him who stands well, stand still.' This is true; and I verily believe they would go on well with us under an absolute monarch, while our present character remains, of order, industry and love of peace, and restrained as he would be, by the proper spirit of the people.

Power is not alluring to pure minds.

I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere.

We did not raise armies for glory or for conquest.