Probably Providence has implanted peevishness and ill-temper in sick and old persons, in compassion to the friends or relations who are to survive; as it must naturally lessen the concern they might otherwise feel for their loss.

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

Before an affliction is digested, consolation ever comes too soon; and after it is digested, it comes too late.

There have been no sects in the Christian world, however absurd, which have not endeavoured to support their opinions by arguments drawn from Scripture.

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

Keep away from the fire!

Every thing in this world, said my father, is big with jest,--and has wit in it, and instruction too,--if we can but find it out.