For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth to know the worst and provide for it.
I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is the Christian religion.
This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.
We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power… the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.
Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.