But now persecution is good, because it exists; every law which originated in ignorance and malice, and gratifies the passions from whence it sprang, we call the wisdom of our ancestors: when such laws are repealed, they will be cruelty and madness; till they are repealed, they are policy and caution.


Peter Plymley's Letters (1808), Letter V.

Sydney Smith Quotes

But now persecution is good, because it exists; every law which originated in ignorance and malice, and gratifies the passions from whence it sprang, ...

But now persecution is good, because it exists; every law which originated in ignorance and malice, and gratifies the passions from whence it sprang, ...

But now persecution is good, because it exists; every law which originated in ignorance and malice, and gratifies the passions from whence it sprang, ...

But now persecution is good, because it exists; every law which originated in ignorance and malice, and gratifies the passions from whence it sprang, ...