The world is ashamed of being virtuous.

I wish either my father or my mother, or indeed both of them, as they were in duty both equally bound to it, had minded what they were about when they begot me.

For I begin with writing the first sentence, — and trusting to Almighty God for the second.

Sciences may be learned by rote, but wisdom not.

We often think ourselves inconsistent creatures, when we are the furthest from it, and all the variety of shapes and contradictory appearances we put on, are in truth but so many different attempts to gratify the same governing appetite.

When the affections so kindly break loose, Joy, is another name for Religion.

In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.