When virtue is banished, ambition invades the minds of those who are disposed to receive it, and avarice possesses the whole community. The objects of their desires are changed; what they were fond of before has become indifferent; they were free while under the restraint of laws, but they would fain now be free to act against law.

Man ... feels that he is a participator in the government of affairs not merely at an election, one day in the year, but every day.

Peace is our passion.

Adore God. Reverence and cherish your parents. Love your neighbor as yourself, and your country more than yourself. Be just. Be true. Murmur not at the ways of Providence. So shall the life into which you have entered be the portal to one of eternal and ineffable bliss.

The earth belongs to the living, not to the dead.

In matters of principle, stand like a rock.

Though [the people] may acquiesce, they cannot approve what they do not understand.