Liberty…is the great parent of science and of virtue; and…a nation will be great in both always in proportion as it is free. No provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority. It is to secure our rights that we resort to government at all. No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free no one ever will. My only fear is that I may live too long. This would be a subject of dread to me. Most virtues when carried beyond certain bonds degenerate into vices. Honesty, disinterestedness and good nature are indispensable to procure the esteem and confidence of those with whom we live, and on whose esteem our happiness depends. Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. I consider ethics, as well as religion, as supplements to law in the government of man. Leave no authority existing not responsible to the people. | 
