Does there exist a single instance of a saint asserting that he himself possessed the gift of miracles?
Edward GibbonThe pains and pleasures of the body, howsoever important to ourselves, are an indelicate subject of conversation
Edward GibbonMy English text is chaste, and all licentious passages are left in the decent obscurity of a learned language.
Edward GibbonHope, the best comfort of our imperfect condition, was not denied to the Roman slave; and if he had any opportunity of rendering himself either useful or agreeable, he might very naturally expect that the diligence and fidelity of a few years would be rewarded with the inestimable gift of freedom.
Edward Gibbon