The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries.[Letter objecting to the use of government land for churches, 1803]

There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.

Those who hold and those who are without property have ever formed distinct interests in society.

The nation which reposes on the pillow of political confidence, will sooner or later end its political existence in a deadly lethargy.