When we come to the moral principles on which the government is to be administered, we come to what is proper for all conditions of society. Liberty, truth, probity, honor, are declared to be the four cardinal principles of society. I believe that morality, compassion, generosity, are innate elements of the human constitution; that there exists a right independent of force.

If ever there was a holy war, it was that which saved our liberties and gave us independence.

We shall all consider ourselves unauthorized to saddle posterity with our debts, and morally bound to pay them ourselves; and consequently within what may be deemed the period of a generation, or the life of the majority.

It is the old practice of despots to use a part of the people to keep the rest in order.

Above all I hope that the education of the common people will be attended to so they won't forget the basic principles of freedom.

All authority belongs to the people... In questions of power let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief with chains of the Constitution.

To learn, you have to listen. To improve, you have to try.