Wisdom degenerates in governments as governments increase in age.

Nothing but heaven is impregnable to vice.

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.

He who takes nature for his guide, is not easily beaten out of his argument

Small islands, not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.

We still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry and grasping at the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised to furnish new pretenses for revenue and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without a tribute.

How strangely is antiquity treated! To answer some purposes it is spoken of as the times of darkness and ignorance, and to answer others, it is put for the light of the world.