The word heretic ought to be a term of honour.

If when I am libelled I take no notice, the world believes the libel. If I sue, I have to pay about one hundred pounds' costs for the privilege, and gain the smallest coin the country knows for recompense.

I know not what you mean by God; the word God is to me a sound conveying no clear or distinct affirmation.

A mere society form of Atheism.

I cannot follow you Christians; for you try to crawl through your life upon your knees, while I stride through mine on my feet.

The House, being strong, should be generous ... but the constituents have a right to more than generosity.... The law gives me my seat. In the name of the law I ask for it. I regret that my personality overshadows the principles involved in this great struggle; but I would ask those who have touched my life, not knowing it, who have found for me vices which I do not remember in the memory of my life, I would ask them whether all can afford to cast the first stone ... then that, as best judges, they will vacate their own seats, having deprived my constituents of their right here to mine.

Without free speech no search for Truth is possible; without free speech no discovery of Truth is useful.