Benjamin Franklin: “Thus I consent, sir, to this constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that this is not the…”

But such, it seems, is the unhappiness of human nature, that our passions, when violent, often are too hard for the united force of reason, duty, and religion.

This is a measure that will be effectual; and will not only in time pay its expence, but make as great returns as any of our present colonies do; will give a strength and unity to our dominions in North America; and give us possession of…

The rest depends on a man's own industry and virtue.

Each union would separately be weaker than when joined by the whole, obliged to exert more force, be oppressed by the expence, and the enemy less deterred from attacking it.