Nothing is so tiresome to one's self, as well as so odious to others, as disguise and affectation.

Chess is so interesting in itself, as not to need the view of gain to induce engaging in it; and thence it is never played for money

Serving God is doing good to man, but praying is thought an easier service and therefore more generally chosen.

Those who sacrifice essential liberty for temporary safety are not deserving of either liberty or safety.

I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever, not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults I hear charged upon others, and upon proper occasions speak all the good I know of everybody.

When a religion is good, I conceive it will support itself; and when it does not support itself, and God does not take care to support it so that its professors are obliged to call for help of the civil power, 'tis a sign, I apprehend, of its being a bad one.

In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.