He that struggles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.

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

It is undoubtedly true, though it may seem paradoxical,--but, in general, those who are habitually employed in finding and displaying faults are unqualified for the work of reformation.

Religion is the basis of civil society, and the source of all good and of all comfort.

Superstition is the religion of feeble minds.

Among precautions against ambition, it may not be amiss to take precautions against our own. I must fairly say, I dread our own power and our own ambition: I dread our being too much dreaded.

Surely the church is a place where one day's truce ought to be allowed to the dissensions and animosities of mankind.