The most exquisite words and finest strokes of an author are those which very often appear the most doubtful and exceptionable to a man who wants a relish for polite learning; and they are those which a sour undistinguishing critic generally attacks with the greatest violence.

It is wonderful to see persons of sense passing away a dozen hours together in shuffling and dividing a pack of cards.

I think a Person who is thus terrified with the Imagination of Ghosts and Spectres much more reasonable, than one who contrary to the Reports of all Historians sacred and profane, ancient and modern, and to the Traditions of all Nations, thinks the Appearance of Spirits fabulous and groundless.

Heaven is not to be looked upon only as the reward, but the natural effect, of a religious life.

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

As Vivacity is the Gift of Women, Gravity is that of Men.

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.