What the wise do in the beginning, fools do in the end.

I have always believed in evolving a consensus before taking any major decision.

Every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied, that, if any circumstances have given peculiar value to my services, they were temporary, I have the consolation to believe, that, while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it.

In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars.

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.