My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.

Universal empire is the prerogative of a writer. His concerns are with all mankind, and though he cannot command their obedience,he can assign them their duty. The Republic of Letters is more ancient than monarchy, and of far higher character in the world than the vassal court of Britain.

...for though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire.

Is it not a species of blasphemy to call the New Testament revealed religion, when we see in it such contradictions and absurdities.

...It would be more consistent that we call [the Bible] the work of a demon than the word of God. It is a history of wickedness that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind.

The first was a government of priestcraft, the second of conquerors, and the third of reason.

But in addition to all the moral evidence against the Bible, I will, in the progress of this work, produce such other evidence as even a priest cannot deny; and show, from that evidence, that the Bible is not entitled to credit, as being the word of God.