Edmund Burke: “Among precautions against ambition, it may not be amiss to take one precaution against our own.”

Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.

They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.

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

Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.