The time to guard against corruption and tyranny is before they shall have gotten hold of us. It is better to keep the wolf out of the fold, than to trust to drawing his teeth and talons after he shall have entered.

To penetrate and dissipate these clouds of darkness, the general mind must be strengthened by education.

No man has a natural right to commit aggression on the equal rights of another; and this is all from which the laws ought to restrain him.

It is reasonable that everyone who asks justice should do justice

Religion, morality, and knowledge are necessary for good government... Therefore schools and the means of educating the people should always be encouraged.

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

May it be to the world... to assume the blessings and security of self-government.