It is impossible to combat enthusiasm with reason; for though it makes a show of resistance, it soon eludes the pressure, refers you to distinctions not to be understood, and feelings which it cannot explain. A man who would endeavor to fix an enthusiast by argument might as well attempt to spread quicksilver with his finger.

There is nothing so absurd or ridiculous that has not at some time been said by some philosopher.

With disadvantages enough to bring him to humility, a Scotsman is one of the proudest things alive.

One man is born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and the other with a wooden ladle.

Fear guides more to their duty than gratitude; for one man who is virtuous from the love of virtue, from the obligation he thinks he lies under to the Giver of all, there are ten thousand who are good only from their apprehension of punishment.

When a person has no need to borrow they find multitudes willing to lend.

Both wit and understanding are trifles without integrity.