So much of the presidency is a matter of standing in the path of a Newsham Engine for Quenching Fires, opening one’s mouth, and attempting to get a drink.
I thank heaven that the 4th. of July is over. It is always a day of great fatigue to me, and of some embarrassments from improper intrusions and some from unintended exclusions.
But is an enemy so execrable that tho in captivity his wishes and comforts are to be disregarded and even crossed? I think not. It is for the benefit of mankind to mitigate the horrors of war as much as possible.
I believe from what I have lately seen that we should be substantially safe were our Citizens Armed, but we have not as many Arms as we have Enemies in the State.
I have now the gloomy prospect of retiring from office loaded with serious debts, which will materially affect the tranquility of my retirement.
The clergy believe that any power confided in me will be exerted in opposition to their schemes, and they believe rightly.
This is perhaps the most important statement on religion ever made. It clarified the intent of the founders of the constitution irrespective of the attempts of modern day religious revisionists...
How did Jefferson feel about the people of his day who were the equivalent of our modern day penecostals? You know, those revelation reveling tongue speaking idiots...
Men possessing minds of the first order and who have had opportunities of being known and of acquiring the general confidence do not abound in any country beyond the wants of the country.
Men of high learning and abilities are few in every country; and by taking in those who are not so, the able part of the body have their hands tied by the unable.
I rejoice when I hear of young men of virtue and talents, worthy to receive and likely to preserve the splendid inheritance of self- government, which we have acquired and shaped for them.
I leave the world and its affairs to the young and energetic, and resign myself to their care, of whom I have endeavored to take care when young.
They are exactly the persons who are to succeed to the government of our country and to rule its future enmities, its friendships and fortunes.
In a virtuous government, and more especially in times like these, public offices are what they should be – burdens to those appointed to them which it would be wrong to decline, though foreseen to bring them intense labor and great private loss.
To take a single step beyond the boundaries specially drawn around the powers of Congress is to take possession of a boundless field of power, no longer susceptible to definition.
No person shall be capable of being a delegate for more than three years in any term of six.
The Governor would serve a five-year term and be ineligible for reelection.
The patient, treated on the fashionable theory, sometimes gets well in spite of the medicine.
The more a subject is understood, the more briefly it may be explained.
Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science by rendering them my supreme delight.