I cannot stand forward, and give praise or blame to any thing which relates to human actions, and human concerns, on a simple view of the subject as it stands stripped of every relation, in all the nakedness and solitude of metaphysical abstraction. Circumstances (which with some gentlemen pass for nothing) give in reality to every political principle its distinguishing colour, and discriminating effect. The circumstances are what render every civil and political scheme beneficial or noxious to mankind.

The great must submit to the dominion of prudence and of virtue, or none will long submit to the dominion of the great.

Never, no never, did Nature say one thing, and wisdom another.

I do ride contend against the advantages of distrust. In the world we live in, it is but too necessary. Some of old called it the very sinews of discretion.

If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free; if our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed.

Flattery is no more than what raises in a man's mind an idea of a preference which he has not.

Evil prevails when good men fail to act.