It is the only one of them all which can hope for immortality; but if it be connected with their ephemeral authority, it shares their fortunes, and may fall with those transient passions which supported them for a day.

The alliance which religion contracts with political powers must needs be onerous to itself; since it does not require their assistance to live, and by giving them its assistance to live, and by giving them its assistance it may be exposed to decay.
The danger which I have just pointed out always exists, but it is not always equally visible.

In some ages governments seem to be imperishable; in others, the existence of society appears to be more precarious than the life of man.

Some constitutions plunge the citizens into a lethargic somnolence, and others rouse them to feverish excitement.

When governments appear to be so strong, and laws so stable, men do not perceive the dangers which may accrue from a union of Church and State.