Such a variety of circumstances would not, almost miraculously, have combined to liberate and make us a nation, for transient and unimportant purposes.

I therefore believe we are yet to become a great and respectable people--but when or how, only the spirit of prophecy can discern.
"There doubtless is much reason to think and to say that we are wofully, and, in many instances, wickedly misled.

Private rage for property suppresses public considerations, and personal rather than national interests have become the great objects of attention.
Representative bodies will ever be faithful copies of their originals, and generally exhibit a chequered assemblage of virtue and vice, of abilities and weakness.

The mass of men are neither wise nor good, and the virtue, like the other resources of a country, can only be drawn to a point by strong circumstances, ably managed, or strong governments, ably administered.

New governments have not the aid of habit and hereditary respect, and being generally the result of preceding tumult and confusion, do not immediately acquire stability or strength.