By common consent, gray hairs are a crown of glory: the only object of respect that can never excite envy.

In 1688 England contracted to the Netherlands the highest debt that one nation can owe to another. Herself not knowing how to recover her liberties, they were restored by men of the United Provinces.

The exact measure of the progress of civilization is the degree in which the intelligence of the common mind has prevailed over wealth and brute force.

The public is wiser than the wisest critic.

Truth is not exciting enough to those who depend on the characters and lives of their neighbors for all their amusement; and if a story is told of more than common interest, ennui is sure to have its joy in adding embellishments. If hours did not hang heavy, what would become of scandal?

In nine times out of ten, the slanderous tongue belongs to a disappointed person.

Dishonesty is so grasping it would deceive God himself, were it possible.