Whoever would be wise should read the Proverbs; whoever would be holy should read the Psalms.

There is hardly that person to be found who is not more concerned for the reputation of wit and sense, than honesty and virtue.

There are so few who can grow old with a good grace.

Though very troublesome to others, anger is most so to him that has it.

I love to consider an Infidel, whether distinguished by the title of deist, atheist, or free-thinker, by three different lights, in his solitude, his afflictions, and his last moments.... [In these situations such people show themselves] in solitude, incapable or rapture or elevation, ... in distress, [with] a halter or a pistol the only refuge [they] can fly to, ... [and liable to conversion] at the approach of death.

It is a very melancholy reflection that men are usually so weak that it is absolutely necessary for them to know sorrow and pain to be in their right senses.

It has been a sort of maxim, that the greatest art is to conceal art; but I know not how, among some people we meet with, their greatest cunning is to appear cunning.