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.

To what fortuitous occurrence do we not owe every pleasure and convenience of our lives.

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

Tenderness is a virtue.

There is yet a silent agony in which the mind appears to disdain all external help, and broods over its distresses with gloomy reserve. This is the most dangerous state of mind; accidents or friendships may lessen the louder kinds of grief, but all remedies for this must be had from within, and there despair too often finds the most deadly enemy.

Crime generally punishes itself.

The bounds of a man's knowledge are easily concealed, if he has but prudence.