The laws of conscience, which we pretend to be derived from nature, proceed from custom.

An ancient father says that a dog we know is better company than a man whose language we do not understand.

’Tis faith alone that vividly and certainly comprehends the deep mysteries of our religion.

I seek in the reading of books, only to please myself, by an honest diversion.

He that I am reading seems always to have the most force.

Every abridgement of a good book is a stupid abridgement.

The conduct of our lives is the true mirror of our doctrine.

The births of all things are weak and tender, and therefore we should have our eyes intent on beginnings.

How often, being moved under a false cause, if the person offending makes a good defense and presents us with a just excuse, are we angry against truth and innocence itself?

Men ... are not agreed about any one thing, not even that heaven is over our heads.