Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.

Of all the systems of religion that ever were invented, there is no more derogatory to the Almighty, more unedifying to man, more repugnant to reason, and more contradictory to itself than this thing called Christianity. Too absurd for belief, too impossible to convince, and too inconsistent for practice, it renders the heart torpid or produces only atheists or fanatics. As an engine of power, it serves the purpose of despotism, and as a means of wealth, the avarice of priests, but so far as respects the good of man in general it leads to nothing here or hereafter.

Beware the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry.

It has been the political career of this man to begin with hypocrisy, proceed with arrogance, and finish with contempt

Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man.

I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace.

War involves in its progress such a train of unforeseen circumstances that no human wisdom can calculate the end; it has but one thing certain, and that is to increase taxes.