“A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends.”

There is nothing which can better deserve our patronage than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those be well-tried before you give them your confidence.

Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections.

Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest.

Individuals entering into society, must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest.

My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth,

It is better to be alone than in bad company.

A bad war is fought with a good mind.

To persevere in one’s duty, and be silent is the best answer to calumny.

Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession.

Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion

Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles.

Heard the bullets whistle, and, believe me, there is something charming in the sound.

Every man thinks God is on his side.

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.

It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government.