He affirmed that he spoke as "the defender of the law and the constitution; that, as the affair was of the greatest consequence, and in its consequences might involve the fate of kingdoms, he had taken the strictest review of his arguments, he had examined and re-examined all his authorities; and that his searches had more and more convinced him that the British Parliament had no right to tax the Americans.

The Stamp Act was absolutely illegal, contrary to the fundamental laws of nature, contrary to the fundamental laws of this constitution--a constitution governed on the eternal and immutable laws of nature.

The doctrine which he was asserting was not new; it was as old as the constitution; it grew up with it; indeed, it was its support.

Taxation and representation are inseparably united.

God hath joined them; no British government can put them asunder.