Nothing is so fatal to religion as indifference.

All those instances to be found in history, whether real or fabulous, of a doubtful public spirit, at which morality is perplexed, reason is staggered, and from which affrighted Nature recoils, are their chosen and almost sole examples for the instruction of their youth.

We must soften into a credulity below the milkiness of infancy to think all men virtuous. We must be tainted with a malignity truly diabolical, to believe all the world to be equally wicked and corrupt.

There are some men formed with feelings so blunt that they can hardly be said to be awake during the whole course of their lives.

Mere parsimony is not economy. Expense, and great expense, may be an essential part in true economy.

Falsehood and delusion are allowed in no case whatever; but, as in the exercise of all the virtues, there is an economy of truth. It is a sort of temperance, by which a man speaks truth with measure, that he may speak it the longer.

When you fear something, learn as much about it as you can. Knowledge conquers fear.