We should have a glorious conflagration, if all who cannot put fire into their works would only consent to put their works into the fire.

Religion, like its votaries, while it exists on earth, must have a body as well as a soul. A religion purely spiritual might suit a being as pure, but men are compound animals; and the body too often lords it over the mind.

He that studies books alone, will know how things ought to be; and he that studies men, will know how things are.

Total freedom from error is what none of us will allow to our neighbors; however we may be inclined to flirt a little with such spotless perfection ourselves.

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

The seeds of repentance are sown in youth by pleasure, but the harvest is reaped in age by pain.

To dare to live alone is the rarest courage; since there are many who had rather meet their bitterest enemy in the field, than their own hearts in their closet.