In a republican nation whose citizens are to be led by reason and persuasion and not by force, the art of reasoning becomes of first importance.... Reason and persuasion are the only practicable instruments. To make way for these, free inquiry must be indulged.... Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to the facts, pardon and pacify them.

The olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven. I can scarcely expect bread.

Establish the eternal truth that acquiescence under insult is not the way to escape war.

I am tired of a life of contention, and of being the personal object for the hatred of every man, who hates the present state of things.

If you have any duty which must be done, and it seems disagreeable, do it promptly and have it over.

Our Constitution... has not left the religion of its citizens under the power of its public functionaries, were it possible that any of these should consider a conquest over the conscience of men either attainable or applicable to any desirable purpose.

Men as well as rivers grow crooked by following the path of least resistance.