I am sorry they began their deliberations by so abominable a precedent as that of tying up the tongues of their members. Nothing can justify this example but the innocence of their intentions and ignorance of the value of public discussions. I have no doubt that all their other measures will be good and wise. It is really an assembly of demigods.

It should be our endeavor to cultivate the peace and friendship of every nation, even of that which has injured us most.

Man [is] a rational animal, endowed by nature with rights and with an innate sense of justice.

Against us are all timid men who prefer the calm of despotism to the boisterous sea of liberty We are likely to preserve the liberty we have obtained only by unremitting labors and perils.

If the children are untaught, their ignorance and vices will in future life cost us much dearer in their consequences than it would have done in their correction by a good education.

The first object of human association [is] the full improvement of their condition.

Take not from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned.