Profound meditation in solitude and silence frequently exalts the mind above its natural tone, fires the imagination, produces the most refined and sublime conceptions. The soul then tastes the purest and most refined delight, and almost loses the idea of existence in the intellectual pleasure it receives. The mind on every motion darts through space into eternity; and raised, in its free enjoyment of its powers by its own enthusiasm, strengthens itself in the habitude of contemplating the noblest subjects, and of adopting the most heroic pursuits.

Economy is an excellent lure to betray people into expense.

Contempt is frequently regulated by fashion.

Liberal of cruelty are those who pamper with promises; promisers destroy while they deceive, and the hope they raise is dearly purchased by the dependence that is sequent to disappointment.

In the sallies of badinage a polite fool shines; but in gravity he is as awkward as an elephant disporting.

Take care to be an economist in prosperity. There is no fear of your being one in adversity.

Nobility should be elective, not hereditary.