Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?... If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands?
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!
No government can flourish unless it be founded on the affection of the people.
Revolutions like this have happened in almost every country in Europe...instances of the people losing their liberty by their own carelessness and the ambition of a few.
Show me that age and country where the rights and liberties of the people were placed on the sole chance of their rulers being good men, without a consequent loss of liberty?
Suspicion is a virtue as long as its object is the public good, and as long as it stays within proper bounds.... Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.
United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.