The constitutional freedom of religion is the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights

Rebellion to tyranny is obedience to God.

The patriot, like the Christian, must learn to bear revilings and persecutions as a part of his duty; and in proportion as the trial is severe, firmness under it becomes more requisite and praiseworthy. It requires, indeed, self-command. But that will be fortified in proportion as the calls for its exercise are repeated.

Every people may establish what form of government they please, and change it as they please, the will of the nation being the only thing essential.

In a virtuous government, and more especially in times like these, public offices are what they should be - burdens to those appointed to them which it would be wrong to decline, though foreseen to bring them intense labor and great private loss.

It would not be for the public good to have [a majority in Congress of one party] greater [than] two to one.

We figure great careers aren't made. They're experienced.