The voice of reason is more to be regarded than the bent of any present inclination; since inclination will at length come over to reason, though we can never force reason to comply with inclination.

It is folly for an eminent man to think of escaping censure, and a weakness to be affected with it. All the illustrious persons of antiquity, and indeed of every age in the world, have passed through this fiery persecution.

A good disposition is more valuable than gold, for the latter is the gift of fortune, but the former is the dower of nature.

Religion prescribes to every miserable man the means of bettering his condition; nay, it shows him that the bearing of his afflictions as he ought to do, will naturally end in the removal of them.

Allegories, when well chosen, are like so many tracks of light in a discourse, that make everything about them clear and beautiful.

With regard to donations always expect the most from prudent people, who keep their own accounts.

The schoolboy counts the time till the return of the holidays; the minor longs to be of age; the lover is impatient till he is married.