If I could not go to heaven with but a party, I would not go there at all. Therefore, I am not of the party of federalists. But I am much further from that of the anti-federalists.

The law of self-preservation is higher than written law.

I find the pain of a little censure, even when it is unfounded, is more acute than the pleasure of much praise.

I tolerate with the utmost latitude the right of others to differ from me in opinion without imputing to them criminality.

The constitution of the United States is the result of the collected wisdom of our country.

If any doubt has arisen as to me, my country [Virginia] will have my political creed in the form of a "Declaration &c." which I was lately directed to draw. This will give decisive proof that my own sentiment concurred with the vote they instructed us to give.

When we see ourselves in a situation which must be endured and gone through, it is best to make up our minds to it, meet it with firmness, and accommodate everything to it in the best way practicable. This lessens the evil; while fretting and fuming only serves to increase your own torments.