“A patriot without religion in my estimation is as great a paradox, as an honest Man without the fear of God.  Is it possible that he whom no moral obligations bind, can have any real Good Will towards Man, can he be a patriot who by an openly vicious conduct is undermining the very bonds of Society, corrupting the Morals of Youth, and by his bad example injuring that very Country he professes to patrionize more than he can possibly compensate by his intrepidity, Generosity and honour?”  To Mercy Warren,  Braintree, 11-5-1775.

“Justice, humanity, and benevolence are the duties you owe to society in general.  To your country the same duties are incumbent upon you, with the additional obligation of sacrificing ease, pleasure, wealth, and life itself for its defense and security.  To John Quincy Adams, 3-20-1780

“I feel a pleasure in being able to sacrifice my selfish passions to the general good, and in imitating the example which has taught me to consider myself and family, but as the small dust of the balance when compared with the great community.” To John Adams, 12-23-1782