A large portion of our citizens, who will not believe, even on the evidence of facts, that any public evils exist, or are impending. They deride the apprehensions of those who foresee, that licentiousness will prove, as it ever has… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
A government by the passions of the multitude, or, no less correctly, according to the vices, and ambitions of their leaders is a democracy. — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
I am commonly opposed to those who modestly assume the rank of champions of liberty, and make a very patriotic noise about the people.… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
The people as a body cannot deliberate. Nevertheless, they will feel an irresistible impulse to act, and their resolutions will be dictated to them… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
Liberty is not to be enjoyed, indeed it cannot exist, without the habits of just subordination; it consists, not so much in removing all… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
Our liberty depends on our education, our laws, and habits . . . it is founded on morals and religion, whose authority reigns in… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
Democracy, in its best state, is but the politics of Bedlam; while kept chained, its thoughts are frantic, but when it breaks loose, it… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
Why then, if these new books for children must be retained, as they will be, should not the Bible regain the place it once… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
No man can be a sound lawyer in this land who is not well read in the ethics of Moses and the virtues of… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
[Why] should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a school book? Its morals are pure, its examples captivating and noble.… — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
I have heard it remarked that men are not to be reasoned out of an opinion they have not reasoned themselves into. — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
I consider biennial elections as a security that the sober, second thought of the people shall be law. — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image
Time never fails to bring every exalted reputation to a strict scrutiny. — Fisher Ames Copy Share Image