What we employ in charitable uses during our lives is given away from ourselves; what we bequeath at our death is given from others only, as our nearest relations.

A good man not only forbears those gratifications which are forbidden by reason and religion, but even restrains himself in unforbidden instances.

Few consider how much we are indebted to government, because few can represent how wretched mankind would be without it.

Affliction is a school of virtue; it corrects levity, and interrupts the confidence of sinning.

It is impossible to have a lively hope in another life, and yet be deeply immersed in the enjoyments of this.

The priesthood hath in all nations, and all religions, been held highly venerable.

Nothing can be reckoned good or bad to us in this life, any further than it indisposes us for the enjoyment of another.