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Memoir of the Life of Richard H. Lee, and His Correspondence with the Most Distinguished Men in America and Europe

Book by Richard Henry Lee · 5 quotes · Liberty, Government, People

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Memoir of the Life of Richard H. Lee, and His Correspondence with the Most Distinguished Men in America and Europe Quotes

“To say that a bad government must be established for fear of anarchy is really saying that we should kill ourselves for fear of dying.”

“The first maxim of a man who loves liberty, should be never to grant to rulers an atom of power that is not most clearly and indispensably necessary for the safety and well being of society.”

“So far as this has gone, I am satisfied to see a spirit prevailing that promises to send the system out free from those vexations and abuses that might be warranted by the terms of the Constitution. It must never be forgotten, however, that the liberties of the people are not so safe under the gracious manner of government, as by the limitation of power.”

“Christianity, by introducing into Europe the truest principles of humanity, universal benevolence, and brotherly love, had happily abolished civil slavery. Let us who profess the same religion practice its precepts... by agreeing to this duty.”