The science of constructing a commonwealth, or renovating it, or reforming it, is, like every other experimental science, not to be taught a priori. Nor is it a short experience that can instruct us in that practical science, because the real effects of moral causes are not always immediate.

By this unprincipled facility of changing the state as often, and as much, and in as many ways as there are floating fancies or fashions, the whole chain and continuity of the commonwealth would be broken. No one generation could link with the other. Men would become little better than the flies of a summer.

It is hard to say whether doctors of law or divinity have made the greater advances in the lucrative business of mystery.

Early and provident fear is the mother of safety.

Flattery is no more than what raises in a man's mind an idea of a preference which he has not.

We must not always judge of the generality of the opinion by the noise of the acclamation.

Education is a nation's cheapest defence