The first time I read an excellent book, it is to me just as if I had gained a new friend. When I read a book over I have perused before, it resembles the meeting with an old one.

If we look round the world, there seem to be not above six distinct varieties in the human species, each of which is strongly marked, and speaks the kind seldom to have mixed with any other. But there is nothing in the shape, nothing in the faculties, that shows their coming from different originals; and the varieties of climate, of nourishment, and custom, are sufficient to produce every change.

Politics resemble religion; attempting to divest either of ceremony is the most certain mode of bringing either into contempt.

The heart of every man lies open to the shafts of correction if the archer can take proper aim.

We sometimes had those little rubs which Providence sends to enhance the value of its favors.

So the loud torrent, and the whirlwind's roar, But bind him to his native mountains more.

Silence is become his mother tongue.