Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.

Every religion is good that teaches man to be good; and I know of none that instructs him to be bad.

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

A constitution, therefore, is to a government what the laws made afterwards by that government are to a court of judicature. The court of judicature does not make the laws, neither can it alter them; it only acts in conformity to the laws made: and the government is in like manner governed by the constitution.

Change of ministers amounts to nothing. One goes out, another comes in, and still the same measures, vices, and extravagances are pursued. It signifies not who is minister. The defect lies in the system. The foundation and superstructure of the government is bad. Prop it as you please, it continually sinks and ever will.

A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.

When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.