It cannot be too often repeated, that truth scorns the assistance of miracle.

The doctrine of eternal punishment is in perfect harmony with the savagery of the men who made the orthodox creeds. It is in harmony with torture, with flaying alive, and with burnings.

Colleges are places where pebbles are polished and diamonds are dimmed.

Commerce is the great civilizer. We exchange ideas when we exchange fabrics.

It is an old habit with theologians to beat the living with the bones of the dead.

There is no evidence that God ever interfered in the affairs of man. The hand of earth is stretched uselessly towards heaven. From the clouds there comes no help.

Of course, ministers look upon theaters as rival attractions, and most of their hatred is born of business views. They think people ought to be driven to church by having all other places closed. In my judgment the theater has done good, while the church has done harm. The drama never has insisted upon burning anybody. Persecution is not born of the stage.