The example of changing a constitution by assembling the wise men of the state, instead of assembling armies, will be worth as much to the world as the former examples we had give them. The constitution, too, which was the result of our deliberation, is unquestionably the wisest ever yet presented to men.

I hold the precepts of Jesus as delivered by Himself, to be the most pure, benevolent and sublime which have ever been preached to man.

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.

The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.

Bodily decay is gloomy in prospect, but of all human contemplations the most abhorrent is body without mind.

There is not a sprig of grass that shoots uninteresting to me.

It is (our) duty . . . to pay especial attention to the principles of government which shall be inculcated therein (at the University), and to provide that none shall be inculcated which are incompatible with those on which the Constitutions of this State, and of the United States were genuinely based, in the common opinion; and for this purpose it may be necessary to point out specially where these principles are to be found legitimately developed.