It is a very dangerous doctrine to consider the Supreme Court judges as the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions. It is one which would place us under the despotism of an oligarchy.

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.

The habit of intemperance by men in office has occasioned more injury to the public, and more trouble to me, than all other causes; and, were I to commence my administration again, the first question I would ask respecting a candidate for office, would be, Does he use ardent spirits?

War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.

A superintending power to maintain the Universe in its course and order.

To preserve their independence, we must not let our leaders load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude.

I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others.

The art of life is the art of avoiding pain.

Equal rights for all, special privileges for none.

Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of person under protection of habeas corpus; and trial by juries impartially selected, these principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us, and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation.