Shake off all the fears and servile prejudices under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because, if there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear... Your own reason is the only oracle given you by heaven, and you are answerable not for the rightness but uprightness of the decision.

And, in general, that branch which is to act ultimately and without appeal on any law is the rightful expositor of the validity of the law, uncontrolled by the opinions of the other coordinate authorities.

The Constitution is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary, which they may twist and shape into any form they please.

Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindred and tongues.

To unequal privileges among members of the same society the spirit of our nation is, with one accord, adverse.

He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors.

So confident am I in the intentions, as well as wisdom, of the government, that I shall always be satisfied that what is not done, either cannot, or ought not to be done.