It taught men to be wise and good and for their own benefit to follow the example and instruction of the best and wisest men.

"At that time, when everything was plunged in darkness, preaching alone was of course sufficient.

The novelty of Truth endowed her with special strength, but now we need much more powerful methods.

It is now necessary that man, governed by his senses, should find in virtue a charm palpable to those senses.

It is impossible to eradicate the passions; but we must strive to direct them to a noble aim, and it is therefore necessary that everyone should be able to satisfy his passions within the limits of virtue.