James Wilson, (1742-1798) Member of Continental Congress, signed Declaration of Independence; U.S. Supreme Court Justice and delegate from Pennsylvania Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page [1-5] of 5 James Wilson quotesJames Wilson QuotesJames Wilson Government, in my humble opinion, should be formed to secure and to enlarge the exercise of the natural rights of its members; and every government, which has not this in view, as its principal object, is not a government of the legitimate kind.~ James Wilson Slavery, or an absolute and unlimited power in the master over the life and fortune of the slave, is unauthorized by the common law. Indeed, it is repugnant to the principles of natural law, that such a state should subsist in any social system. The reasons which we sometimes see assigned for the origin and the continuance of slavery appear, when examined to the bottom, to be built upon a false foundation. In the enjoyment of their persons and of their property, the common law protects all.~ James Wilson The thirteen States are thirteen Sovereignties.~ James Wilson Liberty and happiness have a powerful enemy on each hand; on the one hand tyranny, on the other licentiousness [anarchy]. To guard against the latter, it is necessary to give the proper powers to government; and to guard against the former, it is necessary that those powers should be properly distributed.~ James Wilson Every prudent and cautious judge ... will remember, that his duty and his business is, not to make the law, but to interpret and apply it.~ James Wilson Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print