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

Titles of honour are like the impressions on coin; — which add no value to gold and silver, but only render brass current.

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

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.

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.

How frequently is the honesty and integrity of a man disposed of by a smile or shrug! How many good and generous actions have been sunk into oblivion by a distrustful look, or stamped With the imputation of proceeding from bad motives, by a mysterious and seasonable whisper!

Death opens the gate of fame, and shuts the gate of envy after it; it unlooses the chain of the captive, and puts the bondsman's task into another man's hand.