It is easier to suppose that the universe has existed for all eternity than to conceive a being beyond its limits capable of creating it.

It were much better that a sentient being should never have existed, than that it should have existed only to endure unmitigated misery.

O wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn's being. Thou, from whose unseen presence the leaves dead Are driven, like ghosts from an enchanter fleeing.

War is the statesman's game, the priest's delight, the lawyer's jest, the hired assassin's trade.

If he is infinitely good, what reason should we have to fear him? If he is infinitely wise, what doubts should we have concerning our future? If he knows all, why warn him of our needs and fatigue him with our prayers? If he is everywhere, why erect temples to him? If he is just, why fear that he will punish the creatures that he has filled with weaknesses?

Ah! what a divine religion might be found out if charity were really made the principle of it instead of faith.

It is easier to suppose that the universe has existed for all eternity than to conceive a being beyond its limits capable of creating it.