Every great writer is a writer of history, let him treat on almost what subject he may.

Tyrants never perish from tyranny, but always from folly,-when their fantasies have built up a palace for which the earth has no foundation.

I would recommend a free commerce both of matter and mind. I would let men enter their own churches with the same freedom as their own houses; and I would do it without a homily or graciousness or favor, for tyranny itself is to me a word less odious than toleration.

Old trees in their living state are the only things that money cannot command.

Heat and animosity, contest and conflict, may sharpen the wits, although they rarely do; they never strengthen the understanding, clear the perspicacity, guide the judgment, or improve the heart.

Consult duty not events.

Music is God's gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven.