The most favourable laws can do very little towards the happiness of people when the disposition of the ruling power is adverse to them.

A good parson once said that where mystery begins religion ends. Cannot I say, as truly at least, of human laws, that where mystery begins justice ends?

Falsehood is a perennial spring.

The introduction of Christianity, which, under whatever form, always confers such inestimable benefits on mankind, soon made a sensible change in these rude and fierce manners.

Passion for fame: A passion which is the instinct of all great souls.

No government ought to exist for the purpose of checking the prosperity of its people or to allow such a principle in its policy.

The nature of things is, I admit, a sturdy adversary.