But it is a miracle that a dead man should come to life; because that has never been observed in any age or country.

I know with certainty, that [an honest man] is not to put his hand into the fire, and hold it there, till it be consumed: And thisevent, I think I can foretell with the same assurance, as that, if he throw himself out at the window, and meet with no obstruction, he will not remain a moment suspended in the air.

Habit may lead us to belief and expectation but not to the knowledge, and still less to the understanding, of lawful relations.

But it is a miracle that a dead man should come to life; because that has never been observed in any age or country.

In a vain man, the smallest spark may kindle into the greatest flame, because the materials are always prepared for it.

Custom, then, is the great guide of human life. It is that principle alone, which renders our experience useful to us, and makes us expect, for the future, a similar train of events with those which have appeared in the past.

[Rousseau] has not had the precaution to throw any veil over his sentiments; and as he scorns to dissemble his contempt of established opinions, he could not wonder that all the zealots were in arms against him.