Quotes about Power

taxes are not raised to carry on wars, but that wars are raised to carry on taxes

To bring the matter to one point, Is the power who is jealous of our prosperity, a proper power to govern us? Whoever says, No, to this question, is an independent, for independency means no more than this, whether we shall make our own law, or, whether the king, the greatest enemy which this continent hath, or can have, shall tell us there shall be no laws but such as I like.

It is the pride of kings that throws man kind into confusion.

If those to whom power is delegated do well, they will be respected: if not, they will be despised; and with regard to those to whom no power is delegated, but who assume it, the rational world can know nothing of them.

That which is now called natural philosophy, embracing the whole circle of science, of which astronomy occupies the chief place, is the study of the works of God, and of the power and wisdom of God in his works, and is the true theology.

And I put it as a question to those, who make a study of mankind, whether REPRESENTATION AND ELECTION is not too great a power for one and the same body of men to possess? When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember, that virtue is not hereditary.

In England a king hath little more to do than to make war and give away places; which in plain terms, is to impoverish the nation and set it together by the ears. A pretty business indeed for a man to be allowed eight hundred thousand sterling a year for, and worshipped into the bargain! Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.

The House of Commons did not originate as a matter of right in the people to delegate or elect, but as a grant or boon.

The government of a free country, properly speaking, is not in the persons, but in the laws.

Monarchy and succession have laid (not this or that kingdom only) but the world in blood and ashes.

Though we have been wise enough to shut and lock the door against an absolute monarchy, we at the same time have been foolish enough to put the crown in possession of the key.

It is not in the power of Britain or of Europe to conquer America, if she do not conquer herself by DELAY and TIMIDITY.