I do verily believe that a single, consolidated government would become the most corrupt government on the earth.

On every unauthoritative exercise of power by the legislature must the people rise in rebellion or their silence be construed into a surrender of that power to them? If so, how many rebellions should we have had already?

I am opposed to any form of tyranny over the mind of man.

Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far. The Europeans value themselves on having subdued the horse to the uses of man; but I doubt whether we have not lost more than we have gained, by the use of this animal.

I consider ethics, as well as religion, as supplements to law in the government of man.

The greatest good we can do our country is to heal its party divisions and make them one people.

...is the spirit of the people an infallible, a permanent reliance? ...the spirit of the times may alter, will alter. Our rulers will become corrupt, our people careless.