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

It may be observed of good writing, as of good blood, that it is much easier to say what it is composed of than to compose it.

We strive as hard to hide our hearts from ourselves as from others, and always with more success; for in deciding upon our own case we are both judge, jury, and executioner, and where sophistry cannot overcome the first, or flattery the second, self-love is always ready to defeat the sentence by bribing the third.

Public charities and benevolent associations for the gratuitous relief of every species of distress, are peculiar to Christianity; no other system of civil or religious policy has originated them; they form its highest praise and characteristic feature.

In all countries where nature does the most, man does the least.

A lady of fashion will sooner excuse a freedom flowing from admiration than a slight resulting from indifference.

There are some who affect a want of affectation, and flatter themselves that they are above flattery; they are proud of being thought extremely humble, and would go round the world to punish those who thought them capable of revenge; they are so satisfied of the suavity of their own temper that they would quarrel with their dearest benefactor only for doubting it.