Any one may do a casual act of good-nature; but a continuation of them shows it a part of the temperament.

I have so great a contempt and detestation for meanness, that I could sooner make a friend of one who had committed murder, than of a person who could be capable, in any instance, of the former vice. Under meanness, I comprehend dishonesty; under dishonesty, ingratitude; under ingratitude, irreligion; and under this latter, every species of vice and immorality in human nature.

Digressions incontestably are the sunshine; they are the life, the soul of reading.

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

A dwarf who brings a standard along with him to measure his own size, take my word, is a dwarf in more articles than one.

Some people pass through life soberly and religiously enough, without knowing way, or reasoning about it, but, from force of habit merely, go to heaven like fools.

But this is neither here nor there why do I mention it? Ask my pen, it governs me, I govern not it.