Ignorance is a blank sheet, on which we may write; but error is a scribbled one, on which we must first erase.

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

Injuries accompanied with insults are never forgiven: all men, on these occasions, are good haters, and lay out their revenge at compound interest.

Whenever we find ourselves more inclined to persecute than to persuade, we may then be certain that our zeal has more of pride in it than of charity.

In order to try whether a vessel be leaky, we first prove it with water before we trust it with wine.

Envy ought to have no place allowed it in the hearts of people; for the goods of this present world are so vile and low that they are beneath it; and those of the future world are so vast and exalted that they are above it.

Genius in one grand particular is like life. We know nothing of either but by their effects.