The principal office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.

In seasons of tumult and discord bad men have most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.

Following Emporer Nero's command, "Let the Christians be exterminated!:" . . . they [the Christians] were made the subjects of sport; they were covered with the hides of wild beasts and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses or set fire to, and when the day waned, burned to serve for the evening lights.

It is a part of the nature of man to resist compulsion.

Formerly we suffered from crimes; now we suffer from laws.

The most detestable race of enemies are flatterers.

It is of eloquence as of a flame; it requires matter to feed it, and motion to excite it; and it brightens as it burns.