"The only way whereby any one divests himself of his natural liberty, and puts on the bonds of civil society, is by agreeing with other men to join and unite into a community."

"The great and chief end, therefore, of men's uniting into commonwealths, and putting themselves under government, is the preservation of their property."

"The right of judging, that is, of determining all matters of controversy between subjects, whether they concern the interpretation of laws, or the examination of facts, belongs to the magistrate."

"I think it is a great mistake for any one to take his children to task for every little trivial fault."

"The private judgment of every particular person concerning the truth or falsehood of any doctrine, or the sincerity of any worship, cannot be over-ruled by the public authority of the commonwealth."