Let us assume that entertainment is the sole end of reading; even so I think you would hold that no mental employment is so broadening to the sympathies or so enlightening to the understanding. Other pursuits belong not to all times, all ages, all conditions; but this gives stimulus to our youth and diversion to our old age; this adds a charm to success, and offers a haven of consolation to failure. Through the night-watches, on all our journeyings, and in our hours of ease, it is our unfailing companion.

So near is falsehood to truth that a wise man would do well not to trust himself on the narrow edge.

The hope of impunity is the greatest inducement to do wrong.

Strict law is often great injustice.

The life of the dead consists in the recollection cherished of them by the living.

In all great arts, as in trees, it is the height that charms us; we care nothing for the roots or trunks, yet it could not be without the aid of these.

Religion is the pious worship of God.