In matters of principle, stand like a rock.

Legislators invent too many devices for subdividing property, only taking care to let their subdivisions go hand in hand with the natural affections of the human mind.

Above all things, and at all times, practice yourself in good humor.

Never buy what you do not want, because it is cheap; it will be dear to you.

Be a listener only, keep within yourself, and endeavor to establish with yourself the habit of silence, especially in politics.

[The purpose of a written constitution is] to bind up the several branches of government by certain laws, which, when they transgress, their acts shall become nullities; to render unnecessary an appeal to the people, or in other words a rebellion, on every infraction of their rights, on the peril that their acquiescence shall be construed into an intention to surrender those rights.

It is time enough, for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere [in the propagation of religious teachings] when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order.