The various modes of worship, which prevailed in the Roman world, were all considered by the people, as equally true; by the philosopher, as equally … - Edward Gibbon

The various modes of worship which prevailed in the Roman world were all considered by the people as equally true; by the philosopher as equally false; and by the magistrate as equally useful.

The various modes of worship, which prevailed in the Roman world, were all considered by the people, as equally true; by the philosopher, as equally false; and by the magistrate, as equally useful.

HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL
OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

I sighed as a lover, I obeyed as a son.

Active valour may often be the present of nature; but such patient diligence can be the fruit only of habit and discipline.

A reformer should be exempt from the suspicion of interest, and he must possess the confidence and esteem of those whom he proposes to reclaim.