Master Thoughts of Thomas Jefferson (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 Excerpt: ...when they have assumed to themselves powers which the people never put into their hands, then, indeed, their continuing in office becomes dangerous to the State.... From the Nature of things, every society must, at all times, possess within itself the sovereign powers of legislation. The feelings of human nature revolt against the supposition of a State so situated, as that it may not, in any emergency, provide against dangers which, perhaps, threaten immediate ruin.... While those bodies are in existence to whom the people have delegated the powers of legislation, they alone possess and may exercise, those powers. But when they are dissolved... the power reverts to the people, who may use it to unlimited extent, either assembling in person, sending deputies, or in any way they think proper. Can his Majesty thus put down all law under his feet? Can he erect a power superior to that which erected himself? He has done it indeed by force but let him remember that force cannot give right. Let those flatter who fear: it is not an American art. To give praise where it is not due might be well for the venal, but would ill beseem those who are asserting the rights of human nature. They know and will therefore, say, that Kings are the servants, not the proprietors of the People.... The great principles of right and wrong are JLegible to every reader; to pursue them, requires not the aid of many counsellors..The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest. Only aim to do your duty and mankind will give you credit where you fail. No longer persevere in sacrificing the rights of one part of the Empire to the inordinate desires of another; but deal out to all equal and impartial right. Let no act be passed by one legislature which may infringe on the rig...