Mutability of temper and inconsistency with ourselves is the greatest weakness of human nature.

This not in mortals to command success, but we'll do more, Sempronius, we'll deserve it.

I shall endeavour to enliven Morality with Wit, and to temper Wit with Morality, that my Readers may, if possible, both Ways findtheir Account in the Speculation of the Day.

Beauty commonly produces love, but cleanliness preserves it. Age itself is not unamiable while it is preserved clean and unsullied; like a piece of metal constantly kept smooth and bright, we look on it with more pleasure than on a new vessel cankered with rust.

Cleanliness may be defined to be the emblem of purity of mind.

Whilst I yet live, let me not live in vain.

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.