Among the many evils which prevail under the sun, the abuse of words is not the least considerable. By the influence of time, and the perversion of fashion, the plainest and most unequivocal may be so altered, as to have a meaning assigned them almost diametrically opposite to their original signification.

Expectation ... quickens desire, while possession deadens it.

Names govern the world.

he who finds he has wasted a shilling may by diligence hope to fetch it up again; but no repentance or industry can ever bring back one wasted hour.

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

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

Prayer is not eloquence but earnestness.