Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient. The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.

Ice is an interesting subject for contemplation. They told me that they had some in the ice-houses at Fresh Pond five years old which was as good as ever. Why is it that a bucket of water soon becomes putrid, but frozen remains sweet forever? It is commonly said that this is the difference between the affections and the intellect.

The book has never been written which is to be accepted without any allowance.

I am accustomed to think very long of going anywhere,--am slow to move. I hope to hear a response of the oracle first.

A man's wealth is measured by what he doesn't need.

The world, which the Greeks called Beauty, has been made such by being gradually divested of every ornament which was not fitted to endure.

How can you expect the birds to sing when their groves are cut down?