Every obstruction of the course of justice,--is a door opened to betray society, and bereave us of those blessings which it has inview.... It is a strange way of doing honour to God, to screen actions which are a disgrace to humanity.

To write a book is for all the world like humming a song.

There is such a torture, happily unknown to ancient tyranny, as talking a man to death. Marcus Aurelius advises to assent readily to great talkers--in hopes, I suppose, to put an end to the argument.

Always carry it in thy mind, and act upon it, as a sure maxim: "That women are timid:" And 'tis well they are--else there would beno dealing with them.

I take a simple view of life. It is keep your eyes open and get on with it.

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.

An atheist is more reclaimable than a papist, as ignorance is sooner cured than superstition.