The only impregnable citadel of virtue is religion; for there is no bulwark of mere morality, which some temptation may not overtop or undermine, and destroy.

Lachrymal counsellors, with one foot in the cave of despair, and the other invading the peace of their friends, are the paralyzers of action, the pests of society, and the subtlest homicides in the world; they poison with a tear; and convey a dagger to the heart while they press you to their bosoms.

That grief is the most durable which flows inward, and buries its streams with its fountain, in the depths of the heart.

The best manner of avenging ourselves is by not resembling him who has injured us.

Bright was the summer of 1296. The war which had desolated Scotland was then at an end.

When the cup of any sensual pleasure is drained to the bottom, there is always poison in the dregs.

It has been wisely said, "that well may thy guardian angel suffer thee to lose thy locks, when thou darest wilfully to lay thy head in the lap of temptation!" Was it not easier for the hero of Judaea to avoid the touch of the fair Philistine, than to elude her power when held in her arms?