While the principles of our Constitution give just latitude to inquiry, every citizen faithful to it will deem embodied expressions of discontent and open outrages of law and patriotism as dishonorable as they are injurious

The past stays put, I just keep moving farther away from it.

The variety of opinions leads to questions. Questions lead to truth.

I had no idea, however, that in Pennsylvania, the cradle of toleration and freedom of religion, it [fanaticism] could have arisen to the height you describe. This must be owing to the growth of Presbyterianism. The blasphemy of the five points of Calvin, and the impossibility of defending them, render their advocates impatient of reasoning, irritable, and prone to denunciation.

The policy of the American government is to leave their citizens free, neither restraining nor aiding them in their pursuits.

I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.

The world is indebted for all triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression.