43 quotes
The freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.
Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
The freedom of the press is one of the greatest bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.
There is a Passion natural to the Mind of man, especially a free Man, which renders him impatient of Restraint.
Happiness and Prosperity are now within our Reach; but to attain and preserve them must depend upon our own Wisdom and Virtue.
Does any man suppose that one general national government can exist in so extensive a country as this?
Addresses to the Virginia Ratifying Convention (1788)
I begin to grow heartily tired of the etiquette and nonsense so fashionable in this city.
That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot by any compact deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
The augmentation of slaves weakens the states; and such a trade is diabolical in itself, and disgraceful to mankind.
Addresses to the Virginia Ratifying Convention (1788)
That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
Under the present government, all ranks of people are subject to militia duty.
Addresses to the Virginia Ratifying Convention (1788)
Why should we not provide against the danger of having our militia, our real and natural strength, destroyed?
Addresses to the Virginia Ratifying Convention (1788)
I ask who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people, except a few public officers. But I cannot say who will be the militia of the future day.
Addresses to the Virginia Ratifying Convention (1788)
The same causes will generally produce the same effects; and it requires no great degree of penetration to foretell that what has happened may happen again.
All power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people; [...] magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amenable to them.
Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
I determined to spend the Remainder of my Days in privacy and Retirement with my Children, from whose Society alone I could expect Comfort.
All men are by nature born equally free and independent.
Remarks on Annual Elections (1775)
That all power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, by any authority, without consent of the representatives of the people, is injurious to their rights, and ought not to be exercised.
Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
I thank God, I have been able, by adopting Principles of strict Economy and Frugality, to keep my principal, I mean my Country-Estate, unimpaired.
Those in controversies respecting property, and in suits between man and man, the ancient trial by jury is preferable to any other, and ought to be held sacred.
Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
Every society, all government, and every kind of civil compact therefore, is or ought to be, calculated for the general good and safety of the community.
Remarks on Annual Elections (1775)