It may be observed of good writing, as of good blood, that it is much easier to say what it is composed of than to compose it.

It is seldom that statesmen have the option of choosing between a good and an evil.

If often happens too, both in courts and in cabinets, that there are two things going on together,--a main plot and an under-plot; and he that understands only one of them will, in all probability, be the dupe of both. A mistress may rule a monarch, but some obscure favorite may rule the mistress.

In answering an opponent, arrange your ideas, but not your words.

He that abuses his own profession will not patiently bear with any one else who does so. And this is one of our most subtle operations of self-love. For when we abuse our own profession, we tacitly except ourselves; but when another abuses it, we are far from being certain that this is the case.

It is always safe to learn, even from our enemies; seldom safe to venture to instruct, even our friends.

So blinded are we by our passions, that we suffer more to be damned than to be saved.