The great object of the institution of civil government is the improvement of those who are parties to the social compact.

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.

Yesterday the greatest question was decided which was ever debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, nor will be, decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, that those United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.

. . . The manners of women are the surest criterion by which to determine whether a republican government is practicable in a nation or not.

The declaration that our People are hostile to a government made by themselves, for themselves, and conducted by themselves, is an insult.

Not stones, nor wood, nor the art of artisans make a state; but where men are who know how to take care of themselves, these are cities and walls.