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.

Of publishing a book on religion, my dear sir, I never had an idea. I should as soon think of writing for the reformation of Bedlam, as of the world of religious sects. Of these there must be, at least, ten thousand, every individual of every one of which believes all wrong but his own.

Bodily decay is gloomy in prospect, but of all human contemplations the most abhorrent is body without mind.

The mobs of great cities add just so much to the support of pure government as sores do to the strength of the human body.

No knowledge can be more satisfactory to a man than that of his own frame, its parts, their functions and actions.

What country before ever existed a century and a half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

All men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.