We sometimes from dreams pick up some hint worth improving by reflection.

Reading, reflection and time have convinced me that the interests of society require the observation of those moral precepts only in which all religions agree.

Peace is our passion.

We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.

Let us in education dream of an aristocracy of achievement arising out of a democracy of opportunity

I deem it the duty of every man to devote a certain portion of his income for charitable purposes; and that it is his further duty to see it so applied and to do the most good for which it is capable.

The sheep are happier of themselves, than under the care of wolves.