This is perhaps the most important statement on religion ever made. It clarified the intent of the founders of the constitution irrespective of the attempts of modern day religious revisionists.

Responsibility is a tremendous engine in a free government.

We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.

I own that I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive.

Government governed least is government governed best.

Honesty is the first chapter in the Book of wisdom. Let it be our endeavor to merit the character of a just nation.

The second office in the government is honorable and easy; the first is but a splendid misery.