Exercise and application produce order in our affairs, health of body, cheerfulness of mind, and these make us precious to our friends

Laws ... proportionate and mild should never be dispensed with. Let mercy be the character of the law-giver, but let the judge be a mere machine.

And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism again obscure the science and libraries of Europe, this country remains to preserve and restore light and liberty to them.

Do not be too severe upon the errors of the people, but reclaim them by enlightening them.

Wisdom I know is social. She seeks her fellows. But Beauty is jealous, and illy bears the presence of a rival.

Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. . . . We might as well require a man to wear the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain forever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.

The Constitution is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary, which they may twist and shape into any form they please.