A corrupt practice may be abolished, but a soiled imagination is not easily cleansed.

The constant habit of perusing devout books is so indispensable, that it has been termed the oil of the lamp of prayer. Too much reading, however, and too little meditation, may produce the effect of a lamp inverted; which is extinguished by the very excess of that ailment, whose property is to feed it.

If we commit any crime, or do any good here, it must be in thought; for our words are few and our deeds none at all.

Wisdom views with an indifferent eye all finite joys, all blessings born to die.

the modes of speech are scarcely more variable than the modes of silence.

Anger is a violent act, envy a constant habit - no one can be always angry, but he may be always envious.

Imagination frames events unknown, In wild, fantastic shapes of hideous ruin, And what it fears creates.