A free people [claim] their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate.

Say nothing of my religion. It is known to God and myself alone.

If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

It is for the benefit of mankind to mitigate the horrors of war as much as possible.

If the happiness of the mass of mankind can be secured at the expense of a little tempest now and then, or even of a little blood, it will be a precious purchase.

Nothing but free argument, raillery and even ridicule will preserve the purity of religion.

We must meet our duty and convince the world that we are just friends and brave enemies.