..when, in my philosophical disquisitions, I deny a providence and a future state, I undermine not the foundations of society, but advance principles, which they themselves, upon their own topics, if they argue consistently, must allow to be solid and satisfactory.

A purpose, an intention, a design, strikes everywhere even the careless, the most stupid thinker.

What praise is implied in the simple epithet useful! What reproach in the contrary.

All morality depends upon our sentiments; and when any action or quality of the mind pleases us after a certain manner we say it is virtuous; and when the neglect or nonperformance of it displeases us after a like manner, we say that we lie under an obligation to perform it.

Custom is the great guide to human life.

Examine the religious principles which have, in fact, prevailed in the world. You will scarcely be persuaded that they are other than sick men's dreams.

No human testimony can have such force as to prove a miracle, and make it a just foundation for any such system of religion