The mind is ever ingenious in making its own distress.

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.

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

The work of eradicating crimes is not by making punishment familiar, but formidable.

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

A man he was to all the country dear, And passing rich with forty pounds a year.

If you don't ask me questions, I can't give you an untrue answer.