We ought not to be over-anxious to encourage innovation in cases of doubtful improvement, for an old system must ever have two advantages over a new one; it is established, and it is understood.

Kings and their subjects, masters and slaves, find a common level in two places - at the foot of the cross, and in the grave.

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.

Mystery magnifies danger, as a fog the sun, the hand that warned Belshazzar derived its horrifying effect from the want of a body.

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

To despise our own species is the price we must often pay for knowledge of it.

He that knows himself, knows others; and he that is ignorant of himself, could not write a very profound lecture on other men's heads.