Our delight in any particular study, art, or science rises and improves in proportion to the application which we bestow upon it. Thus, what was at first an exercise becomes at length an entertainment.

There is no passion that is not finely expressed in those parts of the inspired writings which are proper for divine songs and anthems.

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

Vanity is the natural weakness of an ambitious man, which exposes him to the secret scorn and derision of those he converses with, and ruins the character he is so industrious to advance by it.

An opera may be allowed to be extravagantly lavish in its decorations, as its only design is to gratify the senses and keep up an indolent attention in the audience.

What can that man fear who takes care to please a Being that is able to crush all his adversaries?

Nothing lies on our hands with such uneasiness as time. Wretched and thoughtless creatures! In the only place where covetousness were a virtue we turn prodigals.