According to the faith and mercy of his Christian enemies, [Chosroes] sunk without hope into a still deeper abyss [Hell]; and it will not be denied, that tyrants of every age and sect are the best entitled to such infernal abodes.

Pleasure and guilt are synonymous terms in the language of the monks, and they discovered, by experience, that rigid fasts, and abstemious diet, are the most effectual preservatives against the impure desires of the flesh.

The mathematics are distinguished by a particular privilege, that is, in the course of ages, they may always advance and can never recede.

[The] liberty of divorce does not contribute to happiness and virtue. The facility of separation would destroy all mutual confidence, and inflame every trifling dispute . . .

But the power of instruction is seldom of much efficacy, except in those happy dispositions where it is almost superfluous.

Every person has two educations, one which he receives from others, and one, more important, which he gives to himself.

To a lover of books the shops and sales in London present irresistible temptations.