A reader seldom peruses a book with pleasure until he knows whether the writer of it be a black man or a fair man, of a mild or choleric disposition, married or a bachelor.

There is not a more pleasing exercise of the mind than gratitude. It is accompanied with such an inward satisfaction that the duty is sufficiently rewarded by the performance

Mysterious love, uncertain treasure, hast thou more of pain or pleasure! Endless torments dwell about thee: Yet who would live, and live without thee!

The utmost we can hope for in this world is contentment; if we aim at anything higher, we shall meet with nothing but grief and disappointment. A man should direct all his studies and endeavors at making himself easy now and happy hereafter.

If we hope for what we are not likely to possess, we act and think in vain, and make life a greater dream and shadow than it really is.

A man must be both stupid and uncharitable who believes there is no virtue or truth but on his own side.

Every man in the time of courtship and in the first entrance of marriage, puts on a behavior like my correspondent's holiday suit.