The loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or imagined, from abroad.

No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country.

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.

To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea.

What prudent merchant will hazard his fortunes in any new branch of commerce when he knows not that his plans may be rendered unlawful before they can be executed?

America was indebted to immigration for her settlement and prosperity. That part of America which had encouraged them most had advanced most rapidly in population, agriculture and the arts.