Edmund Burke: “If early steps are not taken in some way or other to prevent the spreading of this influence, I scarcely think any of…”

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.

But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.

I think our happy situation owing to our Constitution,--but owing to the whole of it, and not to any part singly,--owing in a great measure to what we have left standing in our several reviews and reformations, as well as to what we have…