The further we advance in knowledge, the more simplicity shall we discover in those primary rules that regulate all the apparently endless, complicated, and multiform operations of the Godhead.

Make no enemies; he is insignificant indeed that can do thee no harm.

True contentment depends not upon what we have; a tub was large enough for Diogenes, but a world was too little for Alexander.

A beautiful woman, if poor, should use double circumspection; for her beauty will tempt others, her poverty herself.

It has been said that men carry on a kind of coasting trade with religion. In the voyage of life, they profess to be in search of heaven, but take care not to venture so far in their approximations to it, as entirely to lose sight of the earth; and should their frail vessel be in danger of shipwreck, they will gladly throw their darling vices overboard, as other mariners their treasures, only to fish them up again when the storm is over.

Those who have resources within themselves, who can dare to live alone, want friends the least, but, at the same time, best know how to prize them the most. But no company is far preferable to bad, because we are more apt to catch the vices of others than their virtues, as disease is far more contagious than health.

Levity is often less foolish and gravity less wise than each of them appears.