The law of nature instructs most animals to cherish and educate their infant progeny. The law of reason inculcates to the human species the returns of filial piety.

The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is nominated by the executive.

The frequent repetition of miracles serves to provoke, where it does not subdue, the reason of mankind.

The books of jurisprudence were interesting to few, and entertaining to none: their value was connected with present use, and they sunk forever as soon as that use was superseded by the innovations of fashion, superior merit, or public authority.

Where the subject lies so far beyond our reach, the difference between the highest and the lowest of human understandings may indeed be calculated as infinitely small; yet the degree of weakness may perhaps be measured by the degree of obstinacy and dogmatic confidence.

The voice of history is often little more than the organ of hatred or flattery.

I am indeed rich, since my income is superior to my expenses, and my expense is equal to my wishes.