In business be as able as you can, but do not be cunning; cunning is the dark sanctuary of incapacity.

Merit and knowledge will not gain hearts, though they will secure them when gained.

No woman ever yet either reasoned or acted long together consequentially; but some little thing, some love, some resentment, somepresent momentary interest, some supposed slight, or some humour, always breaks in upon, and oversets their most prudent resolutions and schemes.

Conscious virtue is the only solid foundation of all happiness; for riches, power, rank, or whatever, in the common acceptation ofthe word, is supposed to constitute happiness, will never quiet, much less cure, the inward pangs of guilt.

There is hardly anybody good for everything, and there is scarcely anybody who is absolutely good for nothing.

Religion is by no means a proper subject of conversation in mixed company; it should only be treated among a very few people of learning, for mutual instruction. It is too awful and respectable a subject to become a familiar one.

Ridicule is the best test of truth.