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

Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.

We should choose our books as we would our companions, for their sterling and intrinsic merit.

Books, like friends, should be few and well chosen. Like friends, too, we should return to them again and again for, like true friends, they will never fail us - never cease to instruct - never cloy.

It was observed of Elizabeth that she was weak herself, but chose wise counsellors; to which it was replied, that to choose wise counsellors was, in a prince, the highest wisdom.

There is a holy love and a holy rage, and our best virtues never glow so brightly as when our passions are excited in the cause. Sloth, if it has prevented many crimes, has also smothered many virtues; and the best of us are better when roused.

Custom looks to things that are past, and fashion to things that are present, but both of them are somewhat purblind as to things that are to come.