The idea is quite unfounded that on entering into society we give up any natural rights.

I view great cities as pestilential to the morals, the health, and the liberties of man.

It is the old practice of despots to use a part of the people to keep the rest in order.

No race of kings has ever presented above one man of common sense in twenty generations.

Establish the eternal truth that acquiescence under insult is not the way to escape war.

We must meet our duty and convince the world that we are just friends and brave enemies.

That one hundred and fifty lawyers should do business together ought not to be expected.

Where thought is free in its range, we need never fear to hazard what is good in itself.

The only greater [evil] than separation... [is] living under a government of discretion.

Gaming corrupts our disposition and teaches us a habit of hostility against all mankind.

The sentiments of men are known not only by what they receive, but what they reject also.

While prudence will endeavor to avoid this issue of war, bravery will prepare to meet it.

Malice will always find bad motives for good actions. - Shall we therefore never do good?

Our rulers can have authority over such natural rights only as we have submitted to them.

I am never tempted to pray but when a warm feeling for my friends comes athwart my heart.

I would rather have newspapers without a government than a government without newspapers.

Were we directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread.

Religious leaders will always avail themselves of public ignorance for their own purpose.

There is preparing, I hope, under the auspices of heaven, a way for a total emancipation.

Earnestly recommended to all officers and soldiers, diligently to attend divine services.

We ought not to schismatize on either men or measures. Principles alone can justify that.

He who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it the second time.

Law is often the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the right of an individual.

The opinions and beliefs of men follow involuntarily the evidence proposed to their minds.

The evils of war are great in their endurance, and have a long reckoning for ages to come.

Men fight for freedom; then they begin to accumulate laws to take it away from themselves.

Do not be too severe upon the errors of the people, but reclaim them by enlightening them.

I pledge undying hostility to any government restrictions on the free minds of the people.

Who better to so softly bind the wound of one, than she who has suffered the wound herself.

Every gentleman plays billiards, but someone who plays billiards too well, is no gentleman.

Blest is that nation whose silent course of happiness furnishes nothing for history to say.

It is neither wealth nor splendor; but tranquility and occupation which give you happiness.

I sincerely believe... that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies.

Beer, if drank with moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit, and promotes health.

music, drawing, books, invention & exercise will be so many resources to you against ennui.

Nothing but free argument, raillery and even ridicule will preserve the purity of religion.

There is no King, who, with sufficient force, is not always ready to make himself absolute.

The constitution of the United States is the result of the collected wisdom of our country.

Trial by jury is part of the bright constellation which leads to peace, liberty and safety.

I know of no safe depository of the ultimate power of the society but the people themselves.

I prefer to be remembered for what I have done for others, not what others have done for me.

A government held together by the bands of reason only, requires much compromise of opinion.

No person shall be capable of being a delegate for more than three years in any term of six.

Let common sense and common honesty have fair play, and they will soon set things to rights.

Creeds have been the bane of the Christian church ... made of Christendom a slaughter-house.

I do not pretend that language is science. It isan instrument for the attainment of science.

All men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these people are to be free.

The chief purpose of government is to protect life. Abandon that and you have abandoned all.

If ever there was a holy war, it was that which saved our liberties and gave us independence.

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