University of Virginia Library

Search this document 

1734. CONSTITUTIONS (American), Written.—

Though written constitutions may be violated in moments of passion or delusion,
yet they furnish a text to which those who are
watchful may again rally and recall the people.
They fix, too, for the people the principles of
their political creed.—
To Dr. Joseph Priestley. Washington ed. iv, 441. Ford ed., viii, 159.
(W. 1802)