Music, to create harmony, must investigate discord.

To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.

God alone is entirely exempt from all want of human virtues, that which needs least is the most absolute and divine.

It is not the most distinguished achievements that men's virtues or vices may be best discovered; but very often an action of small note. An casual remark or joke shall distinguish a person's real character more than the greatest sieges, or the most important battles.

It is indeed a desirable thing to be well-descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors.

If Nature be not improved by instruction, it is blind; if instruction be not assisted by Nature, it is maimed; and if exercise fail of the assistance of both, it is imperfect.

So very difficult a matter is it to trace and find out the truth of anything by history.