One must be stark mad, to believe that mankind can subsist without magistrates.

The furnace of affliction refines us from earthly drossiness, and softens us for the impression of God's own stamp.

Philosophy can be compared to some powders that are so corrosive that, after they have eaten away the infected flesh of a wound, they then devour the living flesh, rot the bones, and penetrate to the very marrow. Philosophy at first refutes errors. But if it is not stopped at this point, it goes on to attack truths. And when it is left on its own, it goes so far that it no longer knows where it is and can find no stopping place.

It is only common prejudice that induces us to believe that atheism is a fearful state.

In matters of religion, it is very easy to deceive a man and very hard to undeceive him.

Consider, I pray, whether you are not renouncing all shame and sincerity to advance such principles. Because a comet appears in a group of stars which the ancients thought fit to call the Virgin, therefore, shall our women be barren, or have frequent miscarriages, or die old maids. I know of nothing which hangs so ill together! To offer such things in seriousness, shows the greatest contempt of mankind, and the most scandalous lying impunity.

The antiquity and general acceptance of an opinion is not assurance of its truth.