A man may write himself out of reputation when nobody else can do it.

When my country, into which I had just set my foot, was set on fire about my ears, it was time to stir. It was time for every man to stir.

As to religion, I hold it to be the indispensable duty of all government to protect all conscientious professors thereof, and I know of no other business which government hath to do therewith.

Where there are no distinctions there can be no superiority; perfect equality affords no temptation.

EVERY national church or religion has established itself by pretending some special mission from God, communicated to certain individuals. The Jews have their Moses; the Christians their Jesus Christ, their apostles and saints; and the Turks their Mahomet; as if the way to God was not open to every man alike.

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

Arms, like laws, discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe and preserve order.