I beg you be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution.
If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
There is no practice more dangerous than that of borrowing money.
Example, whether it be good or bad, has a powerful influence.
Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that of providing for the common defense will merit particular regard. To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.
Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.
Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.
The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.
Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
The executive branch of this government never has, nor will suffer, while I preside, any improper conduct of its officers to escape with impunity.
It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe without the agency of a Supreme Being.
Paper money has had the effect in your state that it will ever have, to ruin commerce, oppress the honest, and open the door to every species of fraud and injustice.
Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.
Let no one go hungry away. If any of the kind of people should be in want of corn, supply their necessities, provided it does not encourage them in idleness.
When firearms go, all goes – we need them every hour.
Truth will ultimately prevail where there are pains to bring it to light.
The last official act of any government is to loot the treasury.
Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it?
Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself.
Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession.