That which we acquire with the most difficulty we retain the longest; as those who have earned a fortune are usually more careful of it than those who have inherited one.

Revenge is fever in our own blood, to be cured only by letting the blood of another; but the remedy too often produces a relapse, which is remorse--a malady far more dreadful than the first disease, because it is incurable.

The three great apostles of practical atheism, that make converts without persecuting, and retain them without preaching, are wealth, health and power.

That author, however, who has thought more than he has read, read more than he has written, and written more than he has published, if he does not command success, has at least deserved it.

No propagation or multiplication is more rapid that that of evil, unless it be checked; no growth more certain.

The brightest thunder-bolt is elicited from the darkest storm.

For one man who sincerely pities our misfortunes, there are a thousand who sincerely hate our success.