What praise is implied in the simple epithet useful! What reproach in the contrary.

Heroism, or military glory, is much admired by the generality of mankind. They consider it as the most sublime kind of merit. Menof cool reflection are not so sanguine in their praises of it.

To be a philosophical sceptic is, in a man of letters, the first and most essential to being a sound, believing Christian.

These arguments on each side (and many more might be produced) are so plausible, that I am apt to suspect, they may, the one as well as the other, be solid and satisfactory, and that reason and sentiment concur in almost all moral determinations and conclusions.

In a vain man, the smallest spark may kindle into the greatest flame, because the materials are always prepared for it.

Morals and criticism are not so properly objects of the understanding as of taste and sentiment.

Nothing is more favorable to the rise of politeness and learning, than a number of neighboring and independent states, connected together by commerce and policy.