It is not the business of virtue to extirpate the affections of the mind, but to regulate them.

It is impossible for authors to discover beauties in one another's works; they have eyes only for spots and blemishes.

A man's first care should be to avoid the reproaches of his own heart; his next, to escape the censures of the world: if the last interferes with the former, it ought to be entirely neglected; but otherwise there cannot be a greater satisfaction to an honest mind, than to see those approbations which it gives itself seconded by the applauses of the public.

Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses and disappointments; but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures.

Temperance gives nature her full play, and enables her to exert herself in all her force and vigor.

It is certain that there is no other passion which does produce such contrary effects in so great a degree. But this may be said for love, that if you strike it out of the soul, life would be insipid, and our being but half animated.

Encourage innocent amusement.