The three great apostles of practical atheism, that make converts without persecuting, and retain them without preaching, are wealth, health and power.

The inheritance of a distinguished and noble name is a proud inheritance to him who lives worthily of it.

Literature has her quacks no less than medicine, and they are divided into two classes; those who have erudition without genius, and those who have volubility without depth; we shall get second-hand sense from the one, and original nonsense from the other.

Time ... advances like the slowest tide, but retreats like the swiftest torrent.

They that are loudest in their threats are the weakest in the execution of them. It is probable that he who is killed by lightning hears no noise; but the thunder-clap which follows, and which most alarms the ignorant, is the surest proof of their safety.

If the prodigal quits life in debt to others, the miser quits it still deeper in debt to himself.

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