There are some weaknesses that are peculiar and distinctive to generous characters, as freckles are to a fair skin.

What we call conscience in many instances, is only a wholesome fear of the law.

Living with a saint is more grueling than being one.

Most books fail, not so much from a want of ability in their authors, as from an absence in their productions of a thorough development of their ability.

A good thought is indeed a great boon, for which God is to be first thanked; next he who is the first to utter it, and then, in a lesser, but still in a considerable degree, the friend who is the first to quote it to us. Whoever adopts and circulates a just thought, participates in the merit that originated it.

Contentment is not happiness. An oyster may be contented. Happiness is compounded of richer elements.

It is the passion that is in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness; it is the affection in a kiss that sanctifies it.