As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles.
You have only one way to convince others, listen to them.
Freemasonry is an institution founded on eternal reason and truth; whose deep basis is the civilization of mankind, and whose everlasting glory it is to have the immovable support of those two mighty pillars, science and morality.
I was no party man myself, and the first wish of my heart was, if parties did exist, to reconcile them.
Speak not injurious words, neither in jest nor earnest. Scoff at none though they give occasion.
It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God.
I cannot conceive a rank more honorable, than that which flows from the uncorrupted choice of a brave and free people, the purest source and original fountain of all power.
Even respectable characters speak of a monarchical form of government without horror.
A half-starved limping government, always moving upon crutches and tottering at every step...
The Army, as usual, are without pay; and a great part of the soldiery without shirts; and though the patience of them is equally threadbare, the States seem perfectly indifferent to their cries.
An aching head and trembling limbs, which are the inevitable effects of drinking, disincline the hands from work.
Let me ask you, sir, when is the time for brave men to exert themselves in the cause of liberty and their country, if this is not?
Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those present.
Be not glad at the misfortune of another, though he may be your enemy.
I dare say the men would fight very well if properly officered, although they are an exceedingly dirty and nasty people.
The Stamp Act imposed on the colonies by the Parliament of Great Britain is an ill-judged measure. Parliament has no right to put its hands into our pockets without our consent.
The consideration that human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected will always continue to prompt me to promote the former by inculcating the practice of the latter.
I have always given it as my decided opinion that no nation had a right to intermeddle in the internal concerns of another; that every one had a right to form and adopt whatever government they liked best to live under themselves;.
I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.
Reason, too late perhaps, may convince you of the folly of misspending time.