parents are too apt to mistake inclination for genius.

I used to wonder why people should be so fond of the company of their physician, till I recollected that he is the only person with whom one dares to talk continually of oneself, without interruption, contradiction or censure; I suppose that delightful immunity doubles their fees.

All desire the gifts of God, but they do not desire God.

Forgiveness saves the expense of anger.

the uncandid censurer always picks out the worst man of a class, and then confidently produces him as being a fair specimen of it.

I am persuaded that there is no affection of the human heart more exquisitely pure, than that which is felt by a grateful son towards a mother.

oblivion has been noticed as the offspring of silence.