To hear some men talk of the government, you would suppose that Congress was the law of gravitation, and kept the planets in their places.

Our agitation, you know, helps keep yours alive in the rank and file.

Agitation prevents rebellion, keeps the peace, and secures progress. Every step she gains is gained forever. Muskets are the weapons of animals. Agitation is the atmosphere of the brains.

Every step of progress the world has made has been from scaffold to scaffold, and from stake to stake.

Do not take the yardstick of your ignorance to measure what the ancients knew, and call everything which you do not know lies. Do not call things untrue because they are marvelous, but give them a fair consideration.

The community which does not protect its humblest and most hated member in the free utterance of his opinions, no matter how false or hateful, is only a gang of slaves. If there is anything in the universe that can't stand discussion, let it crack.

The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance.