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.

But in all despotic governments, though a particular prince may favour arts and letter, there is a natural degeneracy of mankind.

Temperance gives nature her full play, and enables her to exert herself in all her force and vigor.

We see no where the pernicious effects of luxury on a republic more than in that of the ancient Romans, who immediately found itself poor as soon as this vice got footing among them, though they were possessed of all the riches in the world.

Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

Eternity! thou pleasing, dreadful thought.

A man with great talents, but void of discretion, is like Polyphemus in the fable, strong and blind, endued with an irresistible force, which for want of sight is of no use to him.