Knowledge is an excellent drug; but no drug has virtue enough to preserve itself from corruption and decay, if the vessel be tainted and impure wherein it is put to keep.

It is very easy to accuse a government of imperfection, for all mortal things are full of it.

The same reason that makes us chide and brawl and fall out with any of our neighbors, causeth a war to follow between Princes.

Vice leaves repentance in the soul, like an ulcer in the flesh, which is always scratching and lacerating itself; for reason effaces all other griefs and sorrows, but it begets that of repentance.

Example is a bright looking-glass, universal and for all shapes to look into.

We cannot be held to what is beyond our strength and means; for at times the accomplishment and execution may not be in our power, and indeed there is nothing really in our own power except the will: on this are necessarily based and founded all the principles that regulate the duty of man.

Lawyers and physicians are an ill provision for any country.