How different is the ready hand, tearful eye, and soothing voice, from the ostentatious appearance which is called pity.

Self-love leads men of narrow minds to measure all mankind by their own capacity.

But the most annoying of all public reformers is the personal satirist. Though he may be considered by some few as a useful member of society, yet he is only ranked with the hangman, whom we tolerate because he executes the judgment we abhor to do ourselves, and avoid with a natural detestation of his office. The pen of the one and the cord of the other are inseparable in our minds.

There is nothing so clear-sighted and sensible as a noble mind in a low estate.

The pure in heart are slow to credit calumnies, because they hardly comprehend what motives can be inducements to the alleged crimes.

none are fit judges of greatness but those who are capable of it.

Goodness is equally hateful to the wicked, as vice is to the virtuous.