Every man's reason is his own rightful umpire. This principle, with that of acquiescence in the will of the majority, will preserve us free and prosperous as long as they are sacredly observed.

I cannot live without books: but fewer will suffice where amusement, and not use, is the only future object.

Of all the cankers of human happiness none corrodes with so silent, yet so baneful an influence, as indolence.

The interests of a nation, when well understood, will be found to coincide with their moral duties.

Our part is to pursue with steadiness what is right, turning neither to right nor left for the intrigues or popular delusions of the day, assured that the public approbation will in the end be with us.

All we can do is to make the best of our friends, love and cherish what is good in them, and keep out of the way what is bad.

It should be our endeavor to cultivate the peace and friendship of every nation . . . . Our interest will be to throw open the doors of commerce, and to knock off all its shackles, giving perfect freedom to all persons for the vent to whatever they may choose to bring into our ports, and asking the same in theirs.