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

The courage of a soldier is found to be the cheapest and most common quality of human nature.

The science of the laws is the slow growth of time and experience.

[The] operation of the wisest laws is imperfect and precarious. They seldom inspire virtue, they cannot always restrain vice.

Every man who rises above the common level has received two educations: the first from his teachers; the second, more personal and important, from himself.

But the works of man are impotent against the assaults of nature . . .

A state of skepticism and suspense may amuse a few inquisitive minds. But the practice of superstition is so congenial to the multitude that, if they are forcibly awakened, they still regret the loss of their pleasing vision.