Refined policy ever has been the parent of confusion, and ever will be so as long as the world endures. Plain good intention, which is as easily discovered at the first view as fraud is surely detected at last, is of no mean force in the government of mankind.

Laws are commanded to hold their tongues among arms; and tribunals fall to the ground with the peace they are no longer able to uphold.

Futurity is the great concern of mankind.

Beauty in distress is much the most affecting beauty.

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

I consider how little man is, yet, in his own mind, how great. He is lord and master of all things, yet scarce can command anything.

As mankind becomes more enlightened to know their real interests, they will esteem the value of agriculture; they will find it in their natural--their destined occupation.