We are right to take alarm at the first experiment upon our liberties.

In no instance have... the churches been guardians of the liberties of the people.

The personal right to acquire property, which is a natural right, gives to property, when acquired, a right to protection, as a social right

Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms

Every new & successful example therefore of a perfect separation between ecclesiastical and civil matters, is of importance. And I have no doubt that every new example, will succeed, as every past one has done, in shewing that religion & Govt. will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.

[Letter to Edward Livingston, 10 July 1822 - Writings 9:100--103]

It was by one Union that we achieved our independence and liberties, and by it alone can they be maintained.