It was certainly not by design that the particles fell into order, they did not work out what they were going to do, but because many of them by many chances struck one another in the course of infinite time and encountered every possible form and movement, that they found at last the disposition they have, and that is how the universe was created.

Human life lay foul before men's eyes, crushed to the dust beneath religion's weight.

Tis pleasant to stand on shore and watch others labouring in a stormy sea.

Some species increase, others diminish, and in a short space the generations of living creatures are changed and, like runners, pass on the torch of life.

Sweet it is, when on the high seas the winds are lashing the waters, to gaze from the land on another's struggles.

Long time men lay oppress'd with slavish fear Religion's tyranny did domineer ... At length a mighty one of Greece began To assert the natural liberty of man, By senseless terrors and vain fancies let To slavery. Straight the conquered phantoms fled.

So potent was religion in persuading to evil deeds.