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.

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.

And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

The equal rights of man and the happiness of every individual are now acknowledged to be the only legitimate objects of government.

Travelling. ... when men of sober age travel, they gather knowlege which they may apply usefully for their country

I have learned to be less confident in the conclusions of human reason, and give more credit to the honesty of contrary opinions.

Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. The real extent of this state of misinformation is known only to those who are in situations to confront facts within their knowledge with the lies of the day.