"He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me."

"I own I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive."

"I am not for transferring all the powers of the States to the General Government, and all those of that government to the Executive branch."

"Error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it."

"Our country is too large to have all its affairs directed by a single government."