The subject, however various and important, has already been so frequently, so ably, and so successfully discussed, that it is now grown familiar to the reader, and difficult to the writer.

But a wild democracy . . . too often disdains the essential principles of justice.

The Gauls derided the hairy and gigantic savages of the North; their rustic manners, dissonant joy, voracious appetite, and their horrid appearance, equally disgusting to the sight and to the smell.

I darted a contemptuous look at the stately models of superstition.

In the field of controversy I always pity the moderate party, who stand on the open middle ground exposed to the fire of both sides.

Ignorant of the arts of luxury, the primitive Romans had improved the science of government and war.

[The] liberty of divorce does not contribute to happiness and virtue. The facility of separation would destroy all mutual confidence, and inflame every trifling dispute . . .