The value of science to a republican people, the security it gives to liberty by enlightening the minds of its citizens, the protection it affords against foreign power, the virtue it inculcates, the just emulation of the distinction it confers on nations foremost in it; in short, its identification with power, morals, order and happiness (which merits to it premiums of encouragement rather than repressive taxes), are considerations [that should] always [be] present and [bear] with their just weight.

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.

The true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen in his person and property and in their management.

Civil government being the sole object of forming societies, its administration must be conducted by common consent.

No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.

To consider judges as the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions is a very dangerous doctrine indeed, and one which would place us under the despotism of an oligarchy.

If any doubt has arisen as to me, my country [Virginia] will have my political creed in the form of a "Declaration &c." which I was lately directed to draw. This will give decisive proof that my own sentiment concurred with the vote they instructed us to give.