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

Courtship consists in a number of quiet attentions, not so pointed as to alarm, nor so vague as not to be understood.

One may as well be asleep as to read for anything but to improve his mind and morals, and regulate his conduct.

The best friends in the world may differ sometimes.

I often derive a peculiar satisfaction in conversing with the ancient and modern dead, — who yet live and speak excellently in their works. My neighbors think me often alone, — and yet at such times I am in company with more than five hundred mutes — each of whom, at my pleasure, communicates his ideas to me by dumb signs — quite as intelligently as any person living can do by uttering of words.

We are born to trouble; and we may depend upon it, whilst we live in this world, we shall have it, though with intermissions.

There is not a greater paradox in nature,--than that so good a religion [as Christianity] should be no better recommended by its professors.