All religions are pieced together out of elements which seem so at odds with reason that any intelligence laughs at them.

Mutability is the badge of infirmity. It is seldom that a man continues to wish and design the same thing two days alike. Now he is for marrying; and now a mistress is preferred to a wife. Now he is ambitious and aspiring; presently the meanest servant is not more humble than he. This hour he squanders his money away; the next he turns miser. Sometimes he is frugal and serious; at other times profuse, airy, and gay.

Great towns are but a large sort of prison to the soul; like cages to birds, or pounds to beasts.

He who receives a benefit should never forget it; he who bestows should never remember it.

To owe an obligation to a worthy friend is a happiness, and can be no disparagement.

Riches should be admitted into our houses, but not into our hearts; we may take them into our possession, but not into our affections.

Gratitude is a virtue disposing the mind to an inward sense and an outward acknowledgment of a benefit received, together with a readiness to return the same, or the like, as occasions of the doer of it shall require, and the abilities of the receiver extend to. He who receives a good turn, should never forget it: he who does one, should never remember it.