If, then, there must be something eternal, let us see what sort of Being it must be. And to that it is very obvious to Reason, that it must necessarily be a cogitative Being. For it is as impossible to conceive that ever bare incogitative Matter should produce a thinking intelligent Being, as that nothing should of itself produce Matter.

Earthly minds, like mud walls, resist the strongest batteries; and though, perhaps, sometimes the force of a clear argument may make some impression, yet they nevertheless stand firm, keep out the enemy, truth, that would captivate or disturbe them.

The thoughts that come often unsought, and, as it were, drop into the mind, are commonly the most valuable of any we have.

Action is the great business of mankind, and the whole matter about which all laws are conversant.

Men in great fortunes are strangers to themselves, and while they are in the puzzle of business, they have no time to tend their health either of body or mind.

Government has no other end, but the preservation of property.

I have spent more than half a lifetime trying to express the tragic moment.