Page 147 - Beers With Our Founding Fathers

A Patriot’s view of the history and direction of our Country

 “It is important ... that the habits of thinking in a free

Country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its
administration, to confine themselves within their respective

Constitutional Spheres; avoiding in the exercise of the
Powers of one department to encroach upon another. The

spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all
the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the

form of government, a real despotism.”
 “Not only do I pray for it, on the score of human dignity, but I

can clearly forsee that nothing but the rooting out of slavery
can perpetuate the existence of our union, by consolidating

it in a common bond of principle.”

 “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political
prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable
supports.”

 “To place any dependence upon militia is assuredly resting

upon a broken staff. Men just dragged from the tender
scenes of domestic life, unaccustomed to the din of arms,

totally unacquainted with every kind of military skill ...
makes them timid and ready to fly from their own shadows.”

 “Nothing short of independence, it appears to me, can
possibly do. A peace on other terms would, if I may be

allowed the expression, be a peace of war. The injuries we
have received from the British nation were so unprovoked,

and have been so great and so many, that they can never be
forgotten. Besides the feuds, the jealousies, the animosities,

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