Great abilities, when employed as God directs, do but make the owners of them greater and more painful servants to their neighbors.

Pride, ill nature, and want of sense, are the three great sources of ill manners.

It is as hard to satirize well a man of distinguished vices, as to praise well a man of distinguished virtues.

Men always grow vicious before they become unbelievers.

When I am reading a book, whether wise or silly, it seems to me to be alive and talking to me.

This made me reflect, how vain an attempt it is for a man to endeavor to do himself honor among those who are out of all degree of equality or comparison with him.

An idle reason lessens the weight of the good ones you gave before.