Still less, let it be proposed that our properties within our own territories shall be taxed or regulated by any power on earth but our own. The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time: the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them.

I know of no safe depository of the ultimate power of the society but the people themselves.

If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy.

No freeman shall be debarred the use of arms.

Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories.

He who lights his [candle] at mine receives light without darkening me.

I do verily believe that a single, consolidated government would become the most corrupt government on the earth.