Friendships, in general, are suddenly contracted; and therefore it is no wonder they are easily dissolved.

I would fain ask one of these bigotted Infidels, supposing all the great Points of Atheism... were laid together and formed into a kind of Creed, according to the Opinions of the most celebrated Atheists; I say, supposing such a Creed as this were formed, and imposed upon any one People in the World, whether it would not require an infinitely greater Measure of Faith, than any Set of Articles which they so violently oppose.

I would have every zealous man examine his heart thoroughly, and I believe he will often find that what be calls a zeal for his religion is either pride, interest, or ill-repute.

If gratitude, when exerted towards another, naturally produces a very pleasing sensation in the mind of a grateful man, it exalts the soul into rapture when it is employed on this great object of gratitude to the beneficent Being who has given us everything we already possess, and from whom we expect everything we yet hope for.

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

The lives of great men cannot be writ with any tolerable degree of elegance or exactness within a short time after their decease.

Music is the only sensual gratification which mankind may indulge in to excess without injury to their moral or religious feelings.