There is this of good in real evils; they deliver us, while they last, from the petty despotism of all that were imaginary.

That an author's work is the mirror of his mind is a position that has led to very false conclusions. If Satan himself were to write a book it would be in praise of virtue, because the good would purchase it for use, and the bad for ostentation.

There are many that despise half the world; but if there be any that despise the whole of it, it is because the other half despises them.

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

When the air balloon was first discovered, some one flippantly asked Dr. Franklin what was the use of it. The doctor answered this question by asking another: "What is the use of a new-born infant? It may become a man."

Memory is the friend of wit, but the treacherous ally of invention; there are many books that owe their success to two things; good memory of those who write them, and the bad memory of those who read them

Those graces which from their presumed facility encourage all to attempt an imitation of them, are usually the most inimitable.