The knowledge that is suited to our situation and powers, the whole compass of moral, natural, and mathematical science, was neglected by the new Platonists; whilst they exhausted their strength in the verbal disputes of metaphysics, attempted to explore the secrets of the invisible world, and studied to reconcile Aristotle with Plato, on subjects of which both these philosophers were as ignorant as the rest of mankind.

But the wisdom and authority of the legislator are seldom victorious in a contest with the vigilant dexterity of private interest.

Hope, the best comfort of our imperfect condition.

The terror of the Roman arms added weight and dignity to the moderation of the emperors. They preserved the peace by a constant preparation for war.

History, which undertakes to record the transactions of the past, for the instruction of future ages, would ill deserve that honourable office if she condescended to plead the cause of tyrants, or to justify the maxims of persecution.

[It] is the interest as well as duty of a sovereign to maintain the authority of the laws.

Yet the civilians have always respected the natural right of a citizen to dispose of his life . . .