Constitutions are not designed for metaphysical or logical subtleties, for niceties of expression, for critical propriety, for elaborate shades of meaning, or for the exercise of philosophical acuteness or judicial research. They are instruments of a practical nature, founded on… — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
“One of the surest means of preserving peace is always to be prepared for war.” — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
It was under a solemn consciousness of the dangers from ecclesiastical ambition, the bigotry of spiritual pride, and the intolerance of sects... that is… — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
This provision (the 4th Amendment) speaks for itself. Its plain object is to secure the perfect enjoyment of that great right of the common… — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
At the time of the adoption of the constitution, and of the amendment to it, now under consideration [i.e., the First Amendment], the general,… — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
Every successive generation becomes a living memorial of our public schools, and a living example of their excellence. — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
No man can well doubt the propriety of placing a president of the United States under the most solemn obligations to preserve, protect, and… — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
Be brief, be pointed, let your matter standLucid in order, solid and at hand;Spend not your words on trifles but condense;Strike with the mass… — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
The real object of the First Amendment was not to countenance, much less advance Mohammedanism, or Judaism or infidelity, by prostrating Christianity; but ...… — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
There is not a truth to be gathered from history more certain, or more momentous, than this: that civil liberty cannot long be separated… — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
It should therefore be difficult in a republic to declare war; but not to make peace. — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
The state governments have a full superintendence and control over the immense mass of local interests of their respective states, which connect themselves with… — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
[I]t is impossible for those, who believe in the truth of Christianity, as a divine revelation, to doubt, that it is the especial duty… — Joseph Story Copy Share Image
![“At the time of the adoption of the constitution, and of the amendment to it, now under consideration [i.e., the First Amendment], the general, if not the universal sentiment in America was, that Christianity ought to receive encouragement from the state, so far as was not incompatible with the…” quote by Joseph Story](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ef2/joseph-story-11919_adoption_at-the-time-of-the-adoption-of-the-const_282131.jpg)
![“[I]t is impossible for those, who believe in the truth of Christianity, as a divine revelation, to doubt, that it is the especial duty of government to foster, and encourage it among all the citizens and subjects. This is a point wholly distinct from that of the right of private judgment in…” quote by Joseph Story](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c4/joseph-story-11919_believe_i-t-is-impossible-for-those-who-believe_635340.jpg)