I am exceedingly distressed at the proceedings of the Convention-being ... almost sure, they will ... lay the foundation of a Civil War.

- Elbridge Gerry

A standing army is like a standing member. It's an excellent assurance of domestic tranquility, but a dangerous temptation to foreign adventure.

- Elbridge Gerry

The evils we experience flow from the excess of democracy. The people do not want virtue, but are the dupes of pretended patriots.

- Elbridge Gerry

Self defense is a primary law of nature, which no subsequent law of society can abolish; the immediate gift of the Creator, obliges everyone to resis…

- Elbridge Gerry

And for our unparalleled ingratitude to that Adorable Being Who has seated us in a land irradiated by the cheering beams of the Gospel of Jesus Chris…

- Elbridge Gerry

No religious doctrine shall be established by law.

- Elbridge Gerry

...should We consent to an order of Cincinnati consisting of all the Officers of the Army & Citizens of Consiquence in the united States; how easy th…

- Elbridge Gerry

What, sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty ... Whenever governments mean to invad…

- Elbridge Gerry