Vice has more martyrs than virtue; and it often happens that men suffer more to be lost than to be saved.

It is not so difficult a task to plant new truths, as to root out old errors; for there is this paradox in men, they run after that which is new, but are prejudiced in favor of that which is old.

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

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away.

It is better to meet danger than to wait for it. He that is on a lee shore, and foresees a hurricane, stands out to sea and encounters a storm to avoid a shipwreck.

Success seems to be that which forms the distinction between confidence and conceit.

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.