It has been said in praise of some men, that they could take whole hours together upon anything; but it must be owned to the honor of the other sex that there are many among them who can talk whole hours together upon nothing. I have known a woman branch out into a long extempore dissertation on the edging of a petticoat, and chide her servant for breaking a china cup, in all the figures of rhetoric.

Dependence is a perpetual call upon humanity, and a greater incitement to tenderness and pity than any other motive whatever.

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

When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations.

A true critic ought to dwell rather upon excellencies than imperfections

Is there not some chosen curse, some hidden thunder in the stores of heaven, red with uncommon wrath, to blast the man who owes his greatness to his country's ruin!

Charity is the perfection and ornament of religion.