The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.

Governments constantly choose between telling lies and fighting wars, with the end result always being the same. One will always lead to the other.

Wine brightens the life and thinking of anyone

An elective despotism was not the government we fought for.

The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.

I have learned to be less confident in the conclusions of human reason, and give more credit to the honesty of contrary opinions.

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.