I am increasingly persuaded that the earth belongs exclusively to the living and that one generation has no more right to bind another to it's laws and judgments than one independent nation has the right to command another.

The Giver of life gave it for happiness and not for wretchedness.

A little rebellion now and then... is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.

It is a wise rule and should be fundamental in a government disposed to cherish its credit, and at the same time to restrain the use of it within the limits of its faculties, "never to borrow a dollar without laying a tax in the same instant for paying the interest annually, and the principal within a given term; and to consider that tax as pledged to the creditors on the public faith."

Above all I hope that the education of the common people will be attended to so they won't forget the basic principles of freedom.

The reason that Christianity is the best friend of government is because Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart.

I advance with obedience to the work, ready to retire from it whenever you become sensible how much better choice it is in your power to make.