Upon the whole, necessity is something, that exists in the mind, not in objects; nor is it possible for us ever to form the most distant idea of it, consider'd as a quality in bodies. Either we have no idea of necessity, or necessity is nothing but that determination of thought to pass from cause to effects and effects to causes, according to their experienc'd union.

The sceptics assert, though absurdly, that the origin of all religious worship was derived from the utility of inanimate objects,as the sun and moon, to the support and well-being of mankind.

The greatest crimes have been found, in many instances, to be compatible with a superstitious piety and devotion; hence it is justly regarded as unsafe to draw any inference in favor of a man's morals, from the fervor or strictness of his religious exercises, even though he himself believe them sincere.

The heights of popularity and patriotism are still the beaten road to power and tyranny.

The rules of morality are not the conclusion of our reason.

Morals and criticism are not so properly objects of the understanding as of taste and sentiment.

If ... the past may be no Rule for the future, all Experience becomes useless and can give rise to no Inferences or Conclusions.