It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. William Pitt also felt the same way. Pitt, however, is less trusting of the good intention of government.
Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom.
Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined. Earlier, in 1775, he argued in favor of the right to kep and bear arms, citing the defence of the United States. Horrid mischief would ensue were the law abiding deprived the use of them.