There is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue and talents.

Do not be too severe upon the errors of the people, but reclaim them by enlightening them.

Compulsion in religion is distinguished peculiarly from compulsion in every other thing. ...I cannot be saved by a worship I disbelieve and abhor.

Our ancient laws expressly declare that those who are but delegates themselves shall not delegate to others powers which require judgment and integrity in their exercise.

The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases.

The best commentary on the principles of government which has ever been written.

Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.