Lessons of wisdom have the most power over us when they capture the heart through the groundwork of a story, which engages the passions.

Time wastes too fast : every letter I trace tells me with what rapidity Life follows my pen ; the days and hours of it, more precious, my dear Jenny! than the rubies about thy neck, are flying over our heads like light clouds of a windy day, never to return more -- every thing presses on -- whilst thou are twisting that lock, -- see! it grows grey ; and every time I kiss thy hand to bid adieu, and every absence which follows it, are preludes to that eternal separation which we are shortly to make!

First, whenever a man talks loudly against religion, always suspect that it is not his reason, but his passions, which have got the better of his creed. A bad life and a good belief are disagreeable and troublesome neighbors, and where they separate, depend upon it, 'Tis for no other cause but quietness sake.

...beauty, like truth, never is so glorious as when it goes the plainest.

Keyholes are the occasions of more sin and wickedness, than all other holes in this world put together.

The best hearts are ever the bravest.

Vanity bids all her sons be brave, and all her daughters chaste and courteous.