There is a natural firmness in some minds, which cannot be unlocked by trifles, but which, when unlocked, discovers a cabinet of fortitude.

Men should not petition for rights, but take them

It is, I believe, impossible to find in any story upon record so many and such glaring absurdities, contradictions, and falsehoods, as are in the books [The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John]. They are more numerous and striking than I had any expectation of finding, when I began this examination.

It is not the nature of avarice to be satisfied with anything but money. Every passion that acts upon mankind has a peculiar mode of operation. Many of them are temporary and fluctuating; they admit of cessation and variety. But avarice is a fixed, uniform passion.

Government without a constitution, is a power without a right.

Lay then the axe to the root, and teach governments humanity. It is their sanguinary punishments which corrupt mankind.

What is called a republic, is not any particular form of government ... it is naturally opposed to the word monarchy, which means arbitrary power.