Many speak the truth when they say that they despise riches, but they mean the riches possessed by others.

If all seconds were as averse to duels as their principals, very little blood would be shed in that way.

God is on the side of virtue; for whoever dreads punishment suffers it, and whoever deserves it, dreads it .

Villainy that is vigilant will be an overmatch for virtue, if she slumber at her post.

The art of declamation has been sinking in value from the moment that speakers were foolish enough to publish, and hearers wise enough to read.

Villains are usually the worst casuists, and rush into crimes to avoid less. Henry VIII. committed murder to avoid the imputation of adultery; and in our times, those who commit the latter crime attempt to wash off the stain of seducing the wife by signifying their readiness to shoot the husband.

Doubt is the vestibule through which all must pass before they can enter into the temple of wisdom.