There are truths which some men despise because they have not examined, and which they will not examine because they despise. There is one signal instance on record where this kind of prejudice was overcome by a miracle; but the age of miracles is past, while that of prejudice remains.

Error, when she retraces her steps, has farther to go before she can arrive at truth than ignorance.

Secrecy is the soul of all great designs. Perhaps more has been effected by concealing our own intentions than by discovering those of our enemy.

Living authors, therefore, are usually, bad companions. If they have not gained character, they seek to do so by methods often ridiculous, always disgusting; and if they have established a character, they are silent for fear of losing by their tongue what they have acquired by their pen--for many authors converse much more foolishly than Goldsmith, who have never written half so well.

Wealth after all is a relative thing since he that has little and wants less is richer than he that has much and wants more.

Insults are engendered from vulgar minds, like toadstools from a dunghill.

Pedantry prides herself on being wrong by rules; while common sense is contented to be right without them.