I do not believe war the most certain means of enforcing principles. Those peaceable coercions which are in the power of every nation, if undertaken in concert and in time of peace, are more likely to produce the desired effect.

Difficulties indeed sometimes arise; but common sense and honest intentions will generally steer through them.

Of all the errors which can possibly be committed to the education of youth, that of sending them to Europe is the most fatal. I see [clearly] that no American should come to Europe under 30 years of age.

If the freedom of religion, guaranteed to us by law in theory, can ever rise in practice under the overbearing inquisition of public opinion, [then and only then will truth]prevail over fanaticism.

It is a happy circumstance in human affairs that evils which are not cured in one way will cure themselves in some other.

Although we are free by the law, we are not so in practice.

If we are made in some degree for others, yet in a greater are we made for ourselves.