Despots govern by terror. They know that he who fears God fears nothing else; and therefore they eradicate from the mind, through their Voltaire, their Helvetius, and the rest of that infamous gang, that only sort of fear which generates true courage.

You had that action and counteraction which, in the natural and in the political world, from the reciprocal struggle of discordant powers draws out the harmony of the universe.

Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.

Government is a contrivance of human wisdom to provide for human wants.

Good company, lively conversation, and the endearments of friendship fill the mind with great pleasure.

In a democracy, the majority of the citizens is capable of exercising the most cruel oppressions upon the minority.

No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.