The House is composed of very good men, not shining, but honest and reasonably well-informed, and in time they will be found to improve, and not to be much inferior in eloquence, science, and dignity, to the British Commons. They are patriotic enough, and I believe there are more stupid (as well as more shining) people in the latter, in proportion.
Fisher AmesI consider biennial elections as a security that the sober, second thought of the people shall be law.
Fisher AmesThe gentleman puts me in mind of an old hen which persists in setting after her eggs are taken away.
Fisher AmesThe known propensity of a democracy is to licentiousness, which the ambitious call, and the ignorant believe to be, liberty.
Fisher AmesWhy then, if these books for children must be retained, as they will be, should not the bible regain the place it once held as a school book? Its morals are pure, its examples captivating and noble. The reverence for the sacred book, that is thus early impressed, lasts long; and, probably, if not impressed in infancy, never takes firm hold of the mind.
Fisher AmesIt was said by Fisher Ames that “falsehood proceeds from Maine to Georgia, while truth is pulling on his boots”.
Fisher AmesFisher Ames expressed the popular security more wisely, when he compared a monarchy and a republic, saying, "that a monarchy is a merchantman, which sails well, but will sometimes strike on a rock, and go to the bottom; whilst a republic is a raft, which would never sink, but then your feet are always in water."
Fisher Ames