The happiest moments my heart knows are those in which it is pouring forth its affections to a few esteemed characters.

I long to be in the midst of the children, and have more pleasure in their little follies than in the wisdom of the wise.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.

I considered 4 of these bills [of the revised code of Virginia] as forming a system by which every fibre would be eradicated of antient or future aristocracy; and a foundation laid for a government truly republican.

All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.

I am not among those who fear the people. They, and not the rich, are our dependence for continued freedom.

I steer my bark with hope in the head, leaving fear astern.