James Monroe Quotes

The right of self-defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals.

Of the liberty of conscience in matters of religious faith, of speech and of the press; of the trial by jury of the vicinage in civil and criminal cases; of the benefit of the writ of habeas corpus; of the right to keep and bear arms…. If these rights are well defined, and secured against encroachment, it is impossible that government should ever degenerate into tyranny.

The emigrants although of different parties and different religious sects all flew from persecution in pursuit of liberty.

The American continents, by the free and independent condition by which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.

The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly in favor of liberty and happiness…beyond the Atlantic. In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy to do so. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries.

The movements of a great nation are connected in all their parts. If errors have been committed they ought to be corrected; if the policy is sound it ought to be supported.

The mention of Greece fills the mind with the most exalted sentiments and arouses in our bosoms the best feelings of which our nature is capable.

The civil war which has so long prevailed between Spain and the Provinces in South America still continues, without any prospect of its speedy termination.

During the darkest days of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress and George Washington – I call him the first George W. – (laughter and applause) – urged citizens to pray and to give thanks and to ask for God’s protection.

The public lands are a public stock, which ought to be disposed of to the best advantage for the nation.

Before any man can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe. And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.

I have great satisfaction in stating that our relations with France, Russia, and other powers continue on the most friendly basis.