My observation is that whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty... it is worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein.

I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approbation of my country.

I am persuaded, you will permit me to observe, that the path of true piety is so plain as to require but little political direction.

Friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.

Lenience will operate with greater force, in some instances than rigor. It is therefore my first wish to have all of my conduct distinguished by it.

Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.

The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.

A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends.

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.

Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of god.