Pure truth, like pure gold, has been found unfit for circulation because men have discovered that it is far more convenient to adulterate the truth than to refine themselves.

A power above all human responsibility ought to be above all human attainment.

It is with nations as with individuals, those who know the least of others think the highest of themselves; for the whole family of pride and ignorance are incestuous, and mutually beget each other.

He that places himself neither higher nor lower than he ought to do exercises the truest humility.

It is more easy to forgive the weak who have injured us than the powerful whom we have injured.

He that has never known adversity is but half acquainted with others, or with himself.

Short as life is, some find it long enough to outlive their characters, their constitutions and their estates.