Before an affliction is digested, consolation ever comes too soon; and after it is digested, it comes too late.
Laurence SterneAn inward sincerity will of course influence the outward deportment; but where the one is wanting, there is great reason to suspect the absence of the other.
Laurence SterneProbably 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.
Laurence SterneTitles of honour are like the impressions on coin; — which add no value to gold and silver, but only render brass current.
Laurence SterneAn atheist is more reclaimable than a papist, as ignorance is sooner cured than superstition.
Laurence SterneThere is a plain distinction to be made betwixt pleasure and happiness. For tho' there can be no happiness without pleasure--yet the converse of the proposition will not hold true.--We are so made, that from the common gratifications of our appetites, and the impressions of a thousand objects, we snatch the one, like a transient gleam, without being suffered to taste the other.
Laurence Sterne