The poorest man amongst us, the beggar at our door, is governed--not by the uncertain, passionate, arbitrary will of an individual--not by the selfish insolence of an aristocratic faction--not by the madness of democratic violence--but by the fixed, impartial, deliberate voice of law, enacted by the general suffrage of a free people.

Is your property injured?
Law, indeed, does not give you property; but it ascertains it.

Property is acquired by industry and probity; by the exercise of talents and ingenuity; and the possession of it is secured by the laws of the community.

Against whom think you is it secured?
It is secured against thieves and robbers; against idle and profligate men, who, however low your condition may be, would be glad to deprive you of the little you possess.

It is secured, not only against such disturbers of the public peace, but against the oppression of the noble, the rapacity of the powerful, and the avarice of the rich.