Truth, like gold, is not less so for being newly brought out of the mine.

It is one thing to persuade, another to command; one thing to press with arguments, another with penalties.

The greatest part of mankind ... are given up to labor, and enslaved to the necessity of their mean condition; whose lives are worn out only in the provisions for living.

Reason is natural revelation, whereby the eternal father of light, and fountain of all knowledge, communicates to mankind that portion of truth which he has laid within the reach of their natural faculties: revelation is natural reason enlarged by a new set of discoveries communicated by God. . . .

It is therefore worthwhile, to search out the bounds between opinion and knowledge; and examine by what measures, in things, whereof we have no certain knowledge, we ought to regulate our assent, and moderate our persuasions.

The difference, so observable in men's understandings and parts, does not arise so much from their natural faculties, as acquired habits.

There cannot any one moral rule be proposed whereof a man may not justly demand a reason.