Reason and Ignorance, the opposites of each other, influence the great bulk of mankind. If either of these can be rendered sufficiently extensive in a country, the machinery of Government goes easily on. Reason obeys itself; and Ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.

The whole religious complexion of the modern world is due to the absence from Jerusalem of a lunatic asylum.

Commerce diminishes the spirit, both of patriotism and military defence.

It is unpleasant to see character throw itself away.

Christianity is the strangest religion ever set up, for it committed a murder upon Jesus in order to redeem mankind from the sin of eating an apple.

Oppression is often the consequence, but seldom or never the means of riches.

There are matters in the Bible, said to be done by the express commandment of God, that are shocking to humanity and to every idea we have of moral justice.